A timeout can ensure an end of the complex activity - even if the necessary inbound data is not received.
Two time period options are available for setting a timeout: absolute or relative. Use Absolute to specify a specific time of day at which the timeout will occur. Use Relative to specify the duration of time relative to when the flow enters the complex activity.
To set a timeout:
Select the complex activity so the properties on the activity are visible.
Expand the Timeout property to display its settings.
Select the Absolute or Relative time period from the drop-down list.
Set the timer properties:
For a Relative Timer:
Select the Delay Units (Months, Days, Hours, Minutes, Seconds) for the basic unit of time before the timeout occurs.
Set the Duration by specifying a literal value or selecting a context property. This identifies the amount of processing time given to the complex activity before triggering the timeout.
For an Absolute Timer:
Set the Duration of the timer by specifying a literal value or selecting a context property.
Create a timeout handler to respond to the processing that is to occur if a timeout occurs. See Building Handlers.