Automate Azure Cluster Start & Stop to Save Costs

Running Azure Kubernetes clusters 24/7 can be costly — especially when they’re idle outside working hours. Automating cluster start and stop helps optimize resource usage and significantly reduce cloud costs without manual intervention.

⚙️ How Parallel Path Helps

Parallel Path in Gripo allows you to perform multiple tasks simultaneously — for example, starting and stopping clusters in separate paths or running multiple actions at once.
In this scenario, we’ll use Parallel Path to create two independent branches:
one for starting the cluster at 9 AM, and another for stopping it at 5 PM.

📅 Scenario: Start at 9 AM and Stop at 5 PM Automatically

Let’s imagine a company that only uses its Azure cluster during office hours — from 9 AM to 5 PM.
We’ll create a Gripo workflow that automatically starts the cluster each morning and stops it in the evening using a Cron schedule.

🧭 Steps to Create the Workflow

1. Navigate to the Workflow Page

• From the main menu, go to the Workflow tab.

  

• Click Create Workflow to begin.

  

2. Fill Out Workflow Details

• Name: Azure Cluster Auto Start-Stop

• Description: Automatically start and stop Azure clusters to save cost.

• Type: Choose On Schedule.

• Retry: Set retries (e.g., 3) for reliability.

• Tags: Add tags like Azure, Automation, Cost Saving.

  

Click Next → define optional variables if needed → then Save and Continue.

🔀 Add a Parallel Path

• After creating the workflow, click the “+” button to add a new activity.

• Go to Core → select Parallel Path.

  

Parallel Path lets you divide your workflow into multiple branches.
We’ll create one branch for Parallel Path1 and another for Parallel Path2.

🕘 Branch 1: Start Azure Cluster at 9 AM

• Click on Add Branch button .

• Add a branch name, e.g., Parallel Path1.
• Enable Cron Schedule and set it to trigger at 9 AM every weekday.

⏱️ About Cron Schedule

A Cron schedule is a time-based job trigger.
It allows your workflow to run automatically at a specific time or interval

• In this branch, click “+” and select Azure Managed Kubernetes → Start Cluster.
• Fill in:
  • Branch Name

• Enable Cron Schedule and set it to trigger at 9 AM every weekday.

Understanding the Cron Schedule Configuration

Cron Schedule Breakdown

The workflow uses the standard 5-field cron syntax 0 9 * * * to manage automated execution times.

🎯 Final Execution Rule

Result: This Cron configuration ensures that the workflow automatically executes every day at 9:00 AM without manual intervention.

• Click Add to add the action.

  

🕔 Branch 2: Stop Azure Cluster at 5 PM

• Add another branch named Parallel path 2 by clicking on Add Branch button .

  

• Provide the Branch name.

  

• Enable Cron Schedule again and set it to trigger at 5 PM every weekday.

Understanding the Stop Cluster Cron Schedule

Cron Schedule Breakdown

The workflow uses the standard 5-field cron syntax 0 17 * * 1-5 to manage automated execution times.

🎯 Final Execution Rule

Result: This Cron configuration ensures that the workflow automatically executes every weekday (Monday to Friday) at 5:00 PM, allowing resources to safely shut down before the weekend to optimize cost efficiency.

• Click Add.

🔔 Add Notifications (Optional)

You can add a Slack or Email notification after each action to confirm the status.
This keeps your team updated automatically when clusters start or stop.

✅ Save & Verify

Once both branches are configured:

• Click Save Workflow.

• The workflow will now automatically start the cluster at 9 AM and stop it at 5 PM daily.

• You can monitor execution results from the workflow dashboard.

  

🎯 Outcome

With this workflow:

• Azure clusters start automatically during business hours and shut down after to save money.
• Parallel Path ensures both start and stop operations are independently scheduled.
• Cron jobs remove manual effort, ensuring cost optimization with full control.

Result:

A smart, automated Azure cluster management system that saves time, cuts costs, and runs exactly when you need it — powered by Gripo’s visual workflows.

For a complete visual walkthrough of this workflow, you can watch the video tutorial below to see each step in action.
Watch the full demo video here 👇