How does the Purge process work?
The STAC Purge Job automatically removes eligible files and images from cases marked with an event. It ensures compliance with record-retention requirements while maintaining safe configuration controls.
Processing Summary
Item | Description |
Job Schedule | Runs nightly |
Processing Basis | Image/file level (not case level) |
File Selection | Oldest → newest, by dt_Created (not “Image Date”) |
Daily Limit | Up to 20,000 files per run (maximum threshold — the job processes all qualifying files, up to that limit) |
Action | Permanently deletes qualifying files |
Continuation | Remaining eligible files are automatically deleted in subsequent nightly runs |
Counting Logic
- Each image, document, or standalone file counts as one purge action.
- Linked folders are counted as one file, regardless of how many documents or subfiles they contain.
- Because of this, the total number of “records marked for purge” (e.g., 2,400 files) may not match the actual number of files processed.
- The 20,000 per run figure represents a hard-coded maximum not a guaranteed count per cycle.
- If fewer than 20,000 files meet purge criteria, the system will delete only that smaller number.
- If more than 20,000 qualify, the remaining files will be processed automatically in the next nightly run.
- The purge process continues until all eligible files are deleted.
Configuration Safeguards
To prevent misconfiguration, the purge job validates parameters before execution.
If any setting violates minimum requirements, the system halts the purge and notifies the administrator.
Validation | Threshold | Notification Message |
Minimum File Age | Must be ≥ 350 days | “The current setting is configured to purge images created less than 350 days. Please update this setting in the Image Option setting. Purge will not run until this is corrected.” |
Minimum Disposition Age | Must be ≥ 350 days | “The current setting is configured to purge images on cases disposed less than 350 days. Please update this setting in the Image Option setting. Purge will not run until this is corrected.” |
No Image Types Configured | N/A | “There are no Image Type records configured to be automatically purged by the system.” |
Invalid Case Type Settings | Below Image Option threshold | “There are case types configured with the minimum age of disposition below the limit set in the Image Option.” |
Processing Logic
- Identify Eligible Cases
- Finds cases containing your designated purge event (e.g., “Approved to Destroy”).
- Validate Configuration
- Confirms that Image Options and Case Type rules meet required thresholds.
- Select Files
- Sorts by dt_Created, from oldest to newest.
- Purge
- Deletes up to 20,000 qualifying files per run.
- If fewer than 20,000 qualify, only that number is deleted.
- If more than 20,000 qualify, the rest are handled in the next nightly cycle.
- Repeat Automatically
- Remaining eligible files are automatically picked up and processed on subsequent runs.
Best Practices
- Verify Image Options and Case Type thresholds are ≥ 350 days.
- Ensure appropriate Image Types are configured for purge.
- Monitor Admin Notifications for configuration warnings.
- If other jobs (custom or local scripts) manage purge behavior, confirm they don’t conflict with the native STAC purge job.
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