Ancillary routines run on a schedule between the gathering\rally routines.


When a main routine ends and an Ancillary routine has passed its scheduled time, the Ancillary routine is run.  


Some routines such as Bubble Check are considered "Important" routines and so other routines can be auto-cancelled to allow them to run on time. The log will tell you if the next Ancillary routine can cancel the currently running Main routine.


Each routine has its own schedule that is either fixed for x amount of time or for a time based on values detected within the game.


When switched on, ancillary routines are scheduled to be run at the next available opportunity.  This can be used to force a routine to run right away by switching it off and then on again.