# Delay

The Delay piece in ZBrain Flow allows you to introduce timed pauses in your workflow execution. This essential component helps control the timing and pacing of your automation processes, whether you need to wait for a specific duration or until a particular date and time. By strategically incorporating delays, you can schedule actions, prevent API rate limiting, allow time for external processes to complete, or ensure your workflow executes at the optimal moment.

### **How to Use Delay Piece in ZBrain Flow?** <a href="#how-to-use-delay-piece-in-zbrain-flow" id="how-to-use-delay-piece-in-zbrain-flow"></a>

**Step 1: Select Delay as Your Connection**

* Click on the '+' button in the Flow and search for Delay.
* Select Delay.
* Decide on the action you need. ZBrain Flow provides two options:
  * **Delay For** – Delays the execution of the next action for a specified duration.
  * **Delay Until** – Pauses your workflow until a specific date and time.

### **How to Create a Fixed Duration Delay?** <a href="#how-to-create-a-fixed-duration-delay" id="how-to-create-a-fixed-duration-delay"></a>

**Step 1: Add Delay For Action**

* Choose the ‘Delay For’ action from the available options within ‘Delay’ piece.

**Step 2: Select Time Unit**

* From the ‘Unit’ dropdown, choose the appropriate time unit (e.g., Seconds, Minutes, Hours, Days)

**Step 3: Specify Amount**

* Enter the ‘Amount’ of time to delay in the selected unit.

**Important Note: The maximum delay duration per step is 30 days.**

### **How to Schedule a Timed Delay?** <a href="#how-to-schedule-a-timed-delay" id="how-to-schedule-a-timed-delay"></a>

**Step 1: Add Delay Until Action**

* Select the ‘Delay Until’ action from the 'Delay' piece.

**Step 2: Set Target Date and Time**

* In the ‘Date and Time’ field, enter the specific moment when you want your flow to resume. This supports multiple formats, including ISO format (e.g., "2025-04-01T14:30:00Z").

**Important Note: The maximum delay duration per step is 30 days from the current time.**


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