Enable or disable variable ingestion
Learn how to configure Camunda Optimize to control variable ingestion and enhance performance.
Overview
By default, Camunda Optimize imports process variables to provide deep insights into both process performance and business context. However, in high-throughput environments or data-sensitive scenarios, importing variables may impact system performance and resource usage.
Variable ingestion affects several areas of Optimize’s operation:
- Import performance: Importing large or numerous variables can slow down data ingestion.
- Memory usage: Variable data increases memory consumption during processing.
- Storage requirements: Imported variables contribute to overall storage demands.
- Indexing duration: Additional variable data extends indexing time.
If your organization primarily focuses on process performance metrics rather than detailed business context, disabling variable ingestion can help improve scalability and responsiveness.
Optimize configuration
Variable ingestion is controlled using the CAMUNDA_OPTIMIZE_ZEEBE_VARIABLE_IMPORT_ENABLED=true|false environment variable.
Configuration options
| Value | Behavior | Recommended use case |
|---|---|---|
true | Variables are imported and indexed (default) | Standard deployments requiring complete business context |
false | Variable import is disabled | High-throughput or performance-optimized environments |
Disabling variable ingestion means variable-based reports and filters will no longer be available in the Optimize interface. Ensure this setting aligns with your reporting and monitoring needs before applying the configuration.
When re-enabled, partial or full variable ingestion may happen depending on your cluster retention configuration.