diff --git a/LCS/PyCommon/CMakeLists.txt b/LCS/PyCommon/CMakeLists.txt
index 044b7da9bfbaaeb4b0364febcb55f347e08e386a..f5040f3b74119e61788d2cf3793230496216397b 100644
--- a/LCS/PyCommon/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/LCS/PyCommon/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ set(_py_files
   json_utils.py
   locking.py
   test_utils.py
+  typing.py
   ring_coordinates.py)
 
 python_install(${_py_files} DESTINATION lofar/common)
diff --git a/LCS/PyCommon/test/CMakeLists.txt b/LCS/PyCommon/test/CMakeLists.txt
index bf1bfce981f17ca4553ce3fba4329c4d350298d9..624f130d2336df98ce720564ea572792c39bc894 100644
--- a/LCS/PyCommon/test/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/LCS/PyCommon/test/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ IF(BUILD_TESTING)
     lofar_add_test(t_util)
     lofar_add_test(t_test_utils)
     lofar_add_test(t_cep4_utils)
+    lofar_add_test(t_typing)
 
     IF(PYTHON_JSONSCHEMA)
         lofar_add_test(t_json_utils)
@@ -37,4 +38,4 @@ IF(BUILD_TESTING)
         lofar_add_test(t_postgres)
     ENDIF()
 
-ENDIF()
\ No newline at end of file
+ENDIF()
diff --git a/LCS/PyCommon/test/t_typing.py b/LCS/PyCommon/test/t_typing.py
new file mode 100755
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..55eb4fc32e433106d39371da9ce59ade2b227060
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LCS/PyCommon/test/t_typing.py
@@ -0,0 +1,178 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+
+# Copyright (C) 2012-2015  ASTRON (Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy)
+# P.O. Box 2, 7990 AA Dwingeloo, The Netherlands
+#
+# This file is part of the LOFAR software suite.
+# The LOFAR software suite is free software: you can redistribute it and/or
+# modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published
+# by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+# (at your option) any later version.
+#
+# The LOFAR software suite is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+# but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+# MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+# GNU General Public License for more details.
+#
+# You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along
+# with the LOFAR software suite. If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+
+import logging
+logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+logging.basicConfig(format='%(asctime)s %(process)s %(threadName)s %(levelname)s %(message)s', level=logging.DEBUG)
+
+from lofar.common.typing import check_type_hints
+
+import typing
+import unittest
+
+class TestCheckTypeHints(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_no_argument(self):
+        """ Elementary test for the type hint of the return type. """
+
+        @check_type_hints
+        def myfunc() -> str:
+            return "ok"
+
+        self.assertEqual("ok", myfunc())
+
+    def test_one_argument(self):
+        """ Elementary test for one argument with a type hint. """
+
+        @check_type_hints
+        def myfunc(i: int) -> str:
+            return str(i)
+
+        self.assertEqual("1", myfunc(1))
+
+        with self.assertRaises(TypeError):
+            myfunc("1")
+
+        with self.assertRaises(TypeError):
+            myfunc(i="1")
+
+    def test_argument_default(self):
+        """ Check whether argument defaults still function correctly. """
+
+        @check_type_hints
+        def myfunc(i: int = 1) -> str:
+            return str(i)
+
+        self.assertEqual("1", myfunc())
+
+    def test_multiple_arguments(self):
+        """ Check whether multiple arguments are handled correctly with various calling conventions. """
+
+        @check_type_hints
+        def myfunc(i: int, j:int) -> str:
+            return "%d %d" % (i,j)
+
+        self.assertEqual("1 2", myfunc(1,2))
+        self.assertEqual("1 2", myfunc(1,j=2))
+        self.assertEqual("1 2", myfunc(i=1,j=2))
+
+        with self.assertRaises(TypeError):
+            myfunc("1",2)
+
+        with self.assertRaises(TypeError):
+            myfunc(1,"2")
+
+        with self.assertRaises(TypeError):
+            myfunc(1, j="2")
+
+        with self.assertRaises(TypeError):
+            myfunc(i="1", j=2)
+
+    def test_wrong_return_value(self):
+        """ Check whether return values are validated. """
+
+        @check_type_hints
+        def myfunc(i: int) -> str:
+            return i
+
+        with self.assertRaises(TypeError):
+            myfunc(1)
+
+    def test_inheritance(self):
+        """ Provided values can also be subclasses of the types provided in the hints. """
+
+        @check_type_hints
+        def myfunc(i: int) -> int:
+            return i
+
+        class DerivedInt(int):
+            pass
+
+        myfunc(DerivedInt(1))
+
+    def test_no_hints(self):
+        """ Functions without any hints should always work. """
+
+        @check_type_hints
+        def myfunc(i):
+            return str(i)
+
+        self.assertEqual("1", myfunc(1))
+        self.assertEqual("1", myfunc("1"))
+
+    def test_some_hints(self):
+        """ Not all parameters are necessarily annotated. """
+
+        @check_type_hints
+        def myfunc(i, j: int):
+            return str(i)
+
+        self.assertEqual("1", myfunc(1, 2))
+        self.assertEqual("1", myfunc("1", 2))
+
+        with self.assertRaises(TypeError):
+            self.assertEqual("1", myfunc("1", "2"))
+
+    def test_union_hint(self):
+        """ Python allows supplying multiple types as a list, any of which is valid. """
+
+        @check_type_hints
+        def myfunc(i: [int, str]):
+            return str(i)
+
+        self.assertEqual("1", myfunc(1))
+        self.assertEqual("1", myfunc("1"))
+
+        with self.assertRaises(TypeError):
+            self.assertEqual("1", myfunc(1.0))
+
+    def test_args_kwargs(self):
+        """ Check whether args & kwargs don't break. """
+
+        @check_type_hints
+        def myfunc(*args, **kwargs):
+            return str(kwargs["i"])
+
+        self.assertEqual("1", myfunc(i=1))
+        self.assertEqual("1", myfunc(i="1"))
+
+
+    def test_asterics(self):
+        """ Check whether forced named arguments don't break. """
+
+        @check_type_hints
+        def myfunc(*, i: int):
+            return str(i)
+
+        self.assertEqual("1", myfunc(i=1))
+
+        with self.assertRaises(TypeError):
+            self.assertEqual("1", myfunc(i="1"))
+
+    def test_none(self):
+        """ Check whether None as an argument functions correctly. """
+
+        @check_type_hints
+        def myfunc(i: int) -> str:
+            return str(i)
+
+        with self.assertRaises(TypeError):
+            myfunc(None)
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()
diff --git a/LCS/PyCommon/test/t_typing.run b/LCS/PyCommon/test/t_typing.run
new file mode 100755
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..6bc23fadc736235c1143d3317d88307ffeac0f67
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LCS/PyCommon/test/t_typing.run
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+
+source python-coverage.sh
+python_coverage_test "*json_utils*" t_typing.py
+
diff --git a/LCS/PyCommon/test/t_typing.sh b/LCS/PyCommon/test/t_typing.sh
new file mode 100755
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..d788f5a03bee1f34f0c524afadfee796de8e081a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LCS/PyCommon/test/t_typing.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+#!/bin/sh
+./runctest.sh t_typing
diff --git a/LCS/PyCommon/typing.py b/LCS/PyCommon/typing.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..cd154ec09a2352afe744e5605a460a989b6413bc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LCS/PyCommon/typing.py
@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2012-2015  ASTRON (Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy)
+# P.O. Box 2, 7990 AA Dwingeloo, The Netherlands
+#
+# This file is part of the LOFAR software suite.
+# The LOFAR software suite is free software: you can redistribute it and/or
+# modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published
+# by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+# (at your option) any later version.
+#
+# The LOFAR software suite is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+# but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+# MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+# GNU General Public License for more details.
+#
+# You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along
+# with the LOFAR software suite. If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+
+from functools import wraps
+import inspect
+
+def check_type_hints(func):
+    """ Decorator that verifies the type hints of the decorated function.
+
+        Raises a TypeError if the type is not met, that is, the parameters and/or return value
+        that have a type hint are not given values that are of that type, or a subclass.
+
+        Example usage:
+
+        @check_type_hints
+        def myfunc(i: int, j) -> str:
+          return "%d %s" % (i,j)
+
+        myfunc(1, 2)    # ok, type of i matches type hint
+        myfunc(1, "2")  # ok, type of j is not checked, as it has no type hint
+        myfunc("1", 2)  # throws TypeError, type i does not match type hint
+    """
+
+    def check_type(obj, cls):
+      if isinstance(cls, list):
+        return any((isinstance(obj, c) for c in cls))
+
+      return isinstance(obj, cls)
+
+    @wraps(func)
+    def decorator(*args, **kwargs):
+        argspec = inspect.getfullargspec(func)
+        hints = argspec.annotations
+
+        for i, (arg, argname) in enumerate(zip(args, argspec.args)):
+            if argname in hints:
+                argtype = hints[argname]
+                if not check_type(arg, argtype):
+                    raise TypeError("Positional parameter %d (named %s) must have type %s (has type %s)" % (i, argname, argtype, type(arg)))
+
+        for argname, argtype in hints.items():
+            if argname in kwargs:
+                if not check_type(kwargs[argname], argtype):
+                    raise TypeError("Parameter %s must have type %s (has type %s)" % (argname, argtype, type(kwargs[argname])))
+
+        return_value = func(*args, **kwargs)
+        if 'return' in hints:
+            if not check_type(return_value, hints['return']):
+                raise TypeError("Return value must have type %s (has type %s)" % (hints['return'], type(return_value)))
+
+        return return_value
+
+    return decorator
diff --git a/SAS/ResourceAssignment/TaskPrescheduler/lib/cobaltblocksize.py b/SAS/ResourceAssignment/TaskPrescheduler/lib/cobaltblocksize.py
index daa5266fc31381ea20a84d6200d696383b0608e9..ac14727d9a2c2645de608bf7454bd9bf60e30175 100644
--- a/SAS/ResourceAssignment/TaskPrescheduler/lib/cobaltblocksize.py
+++ b/SAS/ResourceAssignment/TaskPrescheduler/lib/cobaltblocksize.py
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ class BlockConstraints(object):
     """ Provide the constraints for the block size, as derived
         from the correlator and beamformer settings. """
 
-    def __init__(self, correlatorSettings=None, coherentStokesSettings=None, incoherentStokesSettings=None, clockMHz=200):
+    def __init__(self, correlatorSettings=None, coherentStokesSettings=[], incoherentStokesSettings=[], clockMHz=200):
         self.correlator       = correlatorSettings
         self.coherentStokes   = coherentStokesSettings
         self.incoherentStokes = incoherentStokesSettings
@@ -107,28 +107,28 @@ class BlockConstraints(object):
             # Correlator.cu (minimum of 16 samples per channel)
             factor = lcm(factor, CORRELATOR_BLOCKSIZE * self.correlator.nrChannelsPerSubband * self.nrSubblocks())
 
-        if self.coherentStokes:
+        for coherentStokes in self.coherentStokes:
             # DelayAndBandPass.cu
             factor = lcm(factor, BEAMFORMER_DELAYCOMPENSATION_BLOCKSIZE * BEAMFORMER_NR_DELAYCOMPENSATION_CHANNELS)
 
             # FIR_Filter.cu
-            factor = lcm(factor, NR_PPF_TAPS * self.coherentStokes.nrChannelsPerSubband)
+            factor = lcm(factor, NR_PPF_TAPS * coherentStokes.nrChannelsPerSubband)
 
             # CoherentStokesKernel.cc
-            factor = lcm(factor, MAX_THREADS_PER_BLOCK * self.coherentStokes.timeIntegrationFactor)
+            factor = lcm(factor, MAX_THREADS_PER_BLOCK * coherentStokes.timeIntegrationFactor)
 
             #CoherentStokes.cu (integration should fit)
-            factor = lcm(factor, 1024 * self.coherentStokes.timeIntegrationFactor * self.coherentStokes.nrChannelsPerSubband)
+            factor = lcm(factor, 1024 * coherentStokes.timeIntegrationFactor * coherentStokes.nrChannelsPerSubband)
 
-        if self.incoherentStokes:
+        for incoherentStokes in self.incoherentStokes:
             # DelayAndBandPass.cu
             factor = lcm(factor, BEAMFORMER_DELAYCOMPENSATION_BLOCKSIZE * BEAMFORMER_NR_DELAYCOMPENSATION_CHANNELS)
 
             # FIR_Filter.cu
-            factor = lcm(factor, NR_PPF_TAPS * self.incoherentStokes.nrChannelsPerSubband)
+            factor = lcm(factor, NR_PPF_TAPS * incoherentStokes.nrChannelsPerSubband)
 
             # IncoherentStokes.cu (integration should fit)
-            factor = lcm(factor, 1024 * self.incoherentStokes.timeIntegrationFactor * self.incoherentStokes.nrChannelsPerSubband)
+            factor = lcm(factor, 1024 * incoherentStokes.timeIntegrationFactor * incoherentStokes.nrChannelsPerSubband)
 
         return factor
 
diff --git a/SAS/ResourceAssignment/TaskPrescheduler/taskprescheduler.py b/SAS/ResourceAssignment/TaskPrescheduler/taskprescheduler.py
index e3cf4e6ccc1730279de43c26cb2617b56709e09a..5cf07d6b85ab9866355c1a352df47d1a3697e1ab 100644
--- a/SAS/ResourceAssignment/TaskPrescheduler/taskprescheduler.py
+++ b/SAS/ResourceAssignment/TaskPrescheduler/taskprescheduler.py
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ def calculateCobaltSettings(spec):
         incoherent = None
 
     clock = parset["Observation.sampleClock"]
-    constraints = BlockConstraints(corr, coherent, incoherent, clock)
+    constraints = BlockConstraints(corr, [coherent], [incoherent], clock)
     calculator = BlockSize(constraints)
 
     return {'nrSubblocks': calculator.nrSubblocks, 'blockSize': calculator.blockSize,
diff --git a/SAS/ResourceAssignment/TaskPrescheduler/test/t_cobaltblocksize.py b/SAS/ResourceAssignment/TaskPrescheduler/test/t_cobaltblocksize.py
index fe7acef4cf0ab8d1c2fb3baa6938b2eeacfa7e1b..8eaec011e3fd642723377b9ace171db8a687dfd1 100644
--- a/SAS/ResourceAssignment/TaskPrescheduler/test/t_cobaltblocksize.py
+++ b/SAS/ResourceAssignment/TaskPrescheduler/test/t_cobaltblocksize.py
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ class TestBlockConstraints(unittest.TestCase):
         coh.nrChannelsPerSubband = 16
         coh.timeIntegrationFactor = 4
 
-        c = BlockConstraints(coherentStokesSettings=coh)
+        c = BlockConstraints(coherentStokesSettings=[coh])
 
         self.assertEqual(c.nrSubblocks(), 1)
         self.assertGreaterEqual(c.factor(), 1)
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ class TestBlockConstraints(unittest.TestCase):
         incoh.nrChannelsPerSubband = 16
         incoh.timeIntegrationFactor = 4
 
-        c = BlockConstraints(incoherentStokesSettings=incoh)
+        c = BlockConstraints(incoherentStokesSettings=[incoh])
 
         self.assertEqual(c.nrSubblocks(), 1)
         self.assertGreaterEqual(c.factor(), 1)
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ class TestBlockSize(unittest.TestCase):
             correlator.nrChannelsPerSubband = 64
             correlator.integrationTime = integrationTime
 
-            c = BlockConstraints( correlator, None, None )
+            c = BlockConstraints(correlator)
             bs = BlockSize(c)
 
             self.assertAlmostEquals(c._samples2time(bs.integrationSamples), integrationTime, delta = integrationTime * 0.05)
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/adapters/parset.py b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/adapters/parset.py
index a4fd63788ffff44af3696a8b2c3e4be9999e4d49..00ed6e2a27944488a317e540fa46c972b8b0f13e 100644
--- a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/adapters/parset.py
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/adapters/parset.py
@@ -107,15 +107,20 @@ def _convert_correlator_settings_to_parset_dict(subtask: models.Subtask, spec: d
                     parset[beam_prefix+"Correlator.angle2"] = phase_center['pointing']['angle2']
 
 
-        # TODO: do not use SubtaskOutput.objects.filter but make subtask.subtask_outputs work
-        subtask_outputs = list(models.SubtaskOutput.objects.filter(subtask_id=subtask.id))
-        subtask_output_ids = [o.id for o in subtask_outputs]
+        dataproducts = list(subtask.output_dataproducts.filter(dataformat__value=Dataformat.Choices.MEASUREMENTSET.value).filter(datatype__value=Datatype.Choices.VISIBILITIES.value).order_by('filename'))
 
-        # TODO: don't assume ordering by filename is sufficient: we need to inspect the dataproduct properties to make sure saps and subbands are in the correct order
-        dataproducts = list(models.Dataproduct.objects.filter(producer_id__in=subtask_output_ids).filter(dataformat=Dataformat.Choices.MEASUREMENTSET.value).filter(datatype=Datatype.Choices.VISIBILITIES).order_by('filename'))
+        # marshall dataproducts, but only if they're supplied. in some use cases, we want a parset before the subtask is scheduled.
+        correlator_dataproducts = []
+        for digi_beam in digi_beams:
+            for subband in digi_beam["subbands"]:
+                dataproduct = [dp for dp in dataproducts
+                               if  dp.specifications_doc.get("sap") == digi_beam['name']
+                               and dp.specifications_doc.get("subband") == subband]
 
-        parset["Observation.DataProducts.Output_Correlated.filenames"] = [dp.filename for dp in dataproducts]
-        parset["Observation.DataProducts.Output_Correlated.locations"] = ["%s:%s" % (subtask.cluster.name, dp.directory) for dp in dataproducts]
+                correlator_dataproducts.append(dataproduct[0] if dataproduct else null_dataproduct)
+
+        parset["Observation.DataProducts.Output_Correlated.filenames"] = [dp.filename for dp in correlator_dataproducts]
+        parset["Observation.DataProducts.Output_Correlated.locations"] = ["%s:%s" % (subtask.cluster.name, dp.directory) for dp in correlator_dataproducts]
         # mimic MoM placeholder thingy (the resource estimator parses this)
         parset["Observation.DataProducts.Output_Correlated.identifications"] = ["TMSS_subtask_%s.SAP%03d" % (subtask.id, sap_nr) for sap_nr in range(len(digi_beams))]
 
@@ -129,12 +134,8 @@ def _convert_beamformer_settings_to_parset_dict(subtask: models.Subtask, spec: d
 
     parset = {}
 
-    # TODO: do not use SubtaskOutput.objects.filter but make subtask.subtask_outputs work
-    subtask_outputs = list(models.SubtaskOutput.objects.filter(subtask_id=subtask.id))
-    subtask_output_ids = [o.id for o in subtask_outputs]
-
     # TODO: don't assume ordering by filename is sufficient: we need to inspect the dataproduct properties to make sure saps and subbands are in the correct order
-    dataproducts = list(models.Dataproduct.objects.filter(producer_id__in=subtask_output_ids).filter(dataformat=Dataformat.Choices.MEASUREMENTSET.value).filter(datatype=Datatype.Choices.TIME_SERIES.value).order_by('filename'))
+    dataproducts = list(subtask.output_dataproducts.filter(dataformat__value=Dataformat.Choices.BEAMFORMED.value).filter(datatype__value=Datatype.Choices.TIME_SERIES.value).order_by('filename'))
 
     # Lists of coherent and incoherent dataproducts that will be produced, in the order COBALT wants them
     coherent_dataproducts = []
@@ -144,7 +145,7 @@ def _convert_beamformer_settings_to_parset_dict(subtask: models.Subtask, spec: d
     beamformer_pipeline_parsets = []
 
     # Process beamformer pipelines
-    for pipeline in spec['COBALT']['beamformer']['tab_pipelines']:
+    for pipeline_idx, pipeline in enumerate(spec['COBALT']['beamformer']['tab_pipelines']):
         pipeline_parset = {}
         pipeline_parset.update(_add_prefix(_stokes_settings_parset_subkeys(pipeline['coherent']), "CoherentStokes."))
         pipeline_parset.update(_add_prefix(_stokes_settings_parset_subkeys(pipeline['incoherent']), "IncoherentStokes."))
@@ -174,11 +175,18 @@ def _convert_beamformer_settings_to_parset_dict(subtask: models.Subtask, spec: d
                 # marshall dataproducts, but only if they're supplied. in some use cases, we want a parset before the subtask is scheduled.
                 for s in range(nr_stokes):
                     for p in range(nr_parts):
-                        # TODO: don't assume ordering by filename is sufficient: we need to inspect the dataproduct properties to make sure saps and subbands are in the correct order
+                        dataproduct = [dp for dp in dataproducts
+                                       if  dp.specifications_doc.get("sap") == sap['name']
+                                       and "identifiers" in dp.specifications_doc
+                                       and dp.specifications_doc["identifiers"]["pipeline_index"] == pipeline_idx
+                                       and dp.specifications_doc["identifiers"]["tab_index"] == tab_idx
+                                       and dp.specifications_doc["identifiers"]["stokes_index"] == s
+                                       and dp.specifications_doc["identifiers"]["part_index"] == p
+                                       and dp.specifications_doc.get("coherent") == tab['coherent']]
                         if tab['coherent']:
-                            coherent_dataproducts.append(dataproducts.pop(0) if dataproducts else null_dataproduct)
+                            coherent_dataproducts.append(dataproduct[0] if dataproduct else null_dataproduct)
                         else:
-                            incoherent_dataproducts.append(dataproducts.pop(0) if dataproducts else null_dataproduct)
+                            incoherent_dataproducts.append(dataproduct[0] if dataproduct else null_dataproduct)
 
             if cobalt_version >= 2:
                 pipeline_parset['Beam[%s].subbandList' % sap_idx] = sap['subbands']
@@ -192,7 +200,8 @@ def _convert_beamformer_settings_to_parset_dict(subtask: models.Subtask, spec: d
         beamformer_pipeline_parsets.append(pipeline_parset)
 
     # Process fly's eye pipelines
-    for pipeline in spec['COBALT']['beamformer']['flyseye_pipelines']:
+    pipeline_idx_offset = len(beamformer_pipeline_parsets)
+    for pipeline_idx, pipeline in enumerate(spec['COBALT']['beamformer']['flyseye_pipelines'], start=pipeline_idx_offset):
         pipeline_parset = {}
         pipeline_parset.update(_add_prefix(_stokes_settings_parset_subkeys(pipeline['coherent']), "CoherentStokes."))
         pipeline_parset['flysEye'] = True
@@ -206,7 +215,7 @@ def _convert_beamformer_settings_to_parset_dict(subtask: models.Subtask, spec: d
             antennaset = spec['stations']['antenna_set']
             fields = sum([list(antenna_fields(station, antennaset)) for station in stations], [])
 
-            for field in fields:
+            for field_idx, field in enumerate(fields):
                 stokes_settings = pipeline['coherent']
 
                 nr_subbands = len(sap['subbands'])
@@ -216,8 +225,14 @@ def _convert_beamformer_settings_to_parset_dict(subtask: models.Subtask, spec: d
                 # marshall dataproducts, but only if they're supplied. in some use cases, we want a parset before the subtask is scheduled.
                 for s in range(nr_stokes):
                     for p in range(nr_parts):
-                        # TODO: don't assume ordering by filename is sufficient: we need to inspect the dataproduct properties to make sure saps and subbands are in the correct order
-                        coherent_dataproducts.append(dataproducts.pop(0) if dataproducts else null_dataproduct)
+                        dataproduct = [dp for dp in dataproducts
+                                       if  dp.specifications_doc["sap"] == sap["name"]
+                                       and dp.specifications_doc["identifiers"]["pipeline_index"] == pipeline_idx
+                                       and dp.specifications_doc["identifiers"]["tab_index"] == field_idx
+                                       and dp.specifications_doc["identifiers"]["stokes_index"] == s
+                                       and dp.specifications_doc["identifiers"]["part_index"] == p
+                                       and dp.specifications_doc["coherent"] == True]
+                        coherent_dataproducts.append(dataproduct[0] if dataproduct else null_dataproduct)
 
             if cobalt_version >= 2:
                 pipeline_parset['Beam[%s].stationList' % sap_idx] = pipeline['stations']
@@ -519,9 +534,15 @@ def _convert_to_parset_dict_for_pipelinecontrol_schema(subtask: models.Subtask)
 
     # TODO: do not use SubtaskOutput.objects.filter but make subtask.subtask_outputs work
     subtask_outputs = list(models.SubtaskOutput.objects.filter(subtask_id=subtask.id))
-    out_dataproducts = []
-    for subtask_output in subtask_outputs:
-        out_dataproducts = list(models.Dataproduct.objects.filter(producer_id=subtask_output.id))
+    unsorted_out_dataproducts = sum([list(models.Dataproduct.objects.filter(producer_id=subtask_output.id)) for subtask_output in subtask_outputs],[])
+
+    def find_dataproduct(dataproducts: list, specification_doc: dict):
+        hits = [dp for dp in dataproducts if dp.specifications_doc['sap'] == specification_doc['sap']
+                                         and dp.specifications_doc['subband'] == specification_doc['subband']]
+        return hits[0] if hits else null_dataproduct
+
+    # list output dataproducts in the same order as input dataproducts, matched by the identifiers
+    out_dataproducts = [find_dataproduct(unsorted_out_dataproducts, in_dp.specifications_doc) for in_dp in in_dataproducts]
 
     parset["Observation.DataProducts.Output_Correlated.enabled"] = "true"
     parset["Observation.DataProducts.Output_Correlated.filenames"] = "[%s]" % ",".join([dp.filename for dp in out_dataproducts])
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/migrations/0001_initial.py b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/migrations/0001_initial.py
index 4cd83ee35572215fef142067c73ec351eeda7ff2..d4095c88c950c3c628f52c4a477d6389e9dd2699 100644
--- a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/migrations/0001_initial.py
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/migrations/0001_initial.py
@@ -460,6 +460,22 @@ class Migration(migrations.Migration):
                 'abstract': False,
             },
         ),
+        migrations.CreateModel(
+            name='ReservationStrategyTemplate',
+            fields=[
+                ('id', models.AutoField(auto_created=True, primary_key=True, serialize=False, verbose_name='ID')),
+                ('tags',django.contrib.postgres.fields.ArrayField(base_field=models.CharField(max_length=128), blank=True, default=list, help_text='User-defined search keywords for object.', size=8)),
+                ('created_at', models.DateTimeField(auto_now_add=True, help_text='Moment of object creation.')),
+                ('updated_at', models.DateTimeField(auto_now=True, help_text='Moment of last object update.')),
+                ('name', models.CharField(help_text='Human-readable name of this object.', max_length=128)),
+                ('description', models.CharField(blank=True, default='', help_text='A longer description of this object.', max_length=255)),
+                ('version', models.CharField(help_text='Version of this template (with respect to other templates of the same name).', max_length=128)),
+                ('template', django.contrib.postgres.fields.jsonb.JSONField(help_text='JSON-data compliant with the JSON-schema in the scheduling_unit_template. This observation strategy template like a predefined recipe with all the correct settings, and defines which parameters the user can alter.')),
+            ],
+            options={
+                'abstract': False,
+            },
+        ),
         migrations.CreateModel(
             name='ReservationTemplate',
             fields=[
@@ -1200,6 +1216,11 @@ class Migration(migrations.Migration):
             model_name='reservationtemplate',
             constraint=models.UniqueConstraint(fields=('name', 'version'), name='reservationtemplate_unique_name_version'),
         ),
+        migrations.AddField(
+            model_name='reservationstrategytemplate',
+            name='reservation_template',
+            field=models.ForeignKey(on_delete=django.db.models.deletion.PROTECT, to='tmssapp.ReservationTemplate'),
+        ),
         migrations.AddField(
             model_name='reservation',
             name='project',
@@ -1218,12 +1239,12 @@ class Migration(migrations.Migration):
         migrations.AddField(
             model_name='projectquotaarchivelocation',
             name='project_quota',
-            field=models.ForeignKey(help_text='Project to wich this quota belongs.', on_delete=django.db.models.deletion.PROTECT, related_name='project_quota', to='tmssapp.ProjectQuota'),
+            field=models.ForeignKey(help_text='Project to which this quota belongs.', on_delete=django.db.models.deletion.PROTECT, related_name='project_quota', to='tmssapp.ProjectQuota'),
         ),
         migrations.AddField(
             model_name='projectquota',
             name='project',
-            field=models.ForeignKey(help_text='Project to wich this quota belongs.', on_delete=django.db.models.deletion.PROTECT, related_name='quota', to='tmssapp.Project'),
+            field=models.ForeignKey(help_text='Project to which this quota belongs.', on_delete=django.db.models.deletion.PROTECT, related_name='quota', to='tmssapp.Project'),
         ),
         migrations.AddField(
             model_name='projectquota',
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/models/specification.py b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/models/specification.py
index fb718240483556c8434c82a962dfcadf269fa6c6..9645087251cecf7f2b6c5eddd11779ee123f5f37 100644
--- a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/models/specification.py
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/models/specification.py
@@ -235,6 +235,26 @@ class DefaultTaskRelationSelectionTemplate(BasicCommon):
     template = ForeignKey("TaskRelationSelectionTemplate", on_delete=PROTECT)
 
 
+class ReservationStrategyTemplate(NamedCommon):
+    '''
+    A ReservationStrategyTemplate is a template in the sense that it serves as a template to fill in json data objects
+    conform its referred reservation_template.
+    It is however not derived from the (abstract) Template super-class, because the Template super class is for
+    JSON schemas, not JSON data objects.
+    '''
+    version = CharField(max_length=128, help_text='Version of this template (with respect to other templates of the same name).')
+    template = JSONField(null=False, help_text='JSON-data compliant with the JSON-schema in the reservation_template. '
+                                               'This reservation strategy template like a predefined recipe with all '
+                                               'the correct settings, and defines which parameters the user can alter.')
+    reservation_template = ForeignKey("ReservationTemplate", on_delete=PROTECT, null=False, help_text="")
+
+    def save(self, force_insert=False, force_update=False, using=None, update_fields=None):
+        if self.template and self.reservation_template_id and self.reservation_template.schema:
+            validate_json_against_schema(self.template, self.reservation_template.schema)
+
+        super().save(force_insert, force_update, using, update_fields)
+
+
 class ReservationTemplate(Template):
     pass
 
@@ -1056,3 +1076,4 @@ class Reservation(NamedCommon):
     def save(self, force_insert=False, force_update=False, using=None, update_fields=None):
         annotate_validate_add_defaults_to_doc_using_template(self, 'specifications_doc', 'specifications_template')
         super().save(force_insert, force_update, using, update_fields)
+
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/populate.py b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/populate.py
index 7d875948fa4ec0ae81dfbd3c7c1e975d4a9a7b64..72c334977eb4d4369ab8f78e35d31ae46341aa1a 100644
--- a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/populate.py
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/populate.py
@@ -79,15 +79,18 @@ def populate_test_data():
                 if 'Commissioning' not in tmss_project.tags:
                     continue
 
-                # for test purposes also add a reservation object
-                reservation_template = models.ReservationTemplate.objects.get(name="resource reservation")
-                reservation_template_spec = get_default_json_object_for_schema(reservation_template.schema)
-                Reservation.objects.create(name="DummyReservation",
-                                           description="Just A non-scheduled reservation as example",
-                                           project=tmss_project,
-                                           specifications_template=reservation_template,
-                                           specifications_doc=reservation_template_spec,
-                                           start_time=datetime.now())
+                # for test purposes also create reservation objects from all reservation strategies
+                for strategy_template in ReservationStrategyTemplate.objects.all():
+                    reservation_spec = add_defaults_to_json_object_for_schema(strategy_template.template,
+                                                                              strategy_template.reservation_template.schema)
+                    reservation = Reservation.objects.create(name=strategy_template.name,
+                                                             description=" %s created from reservation strategy" % strategy_template.description,
+                                                             project=None,
+                                                             specifications_template=strategy_template.reservation_template,
+                                                             specifications_doc=reservation_spec,
+                                                             start_time=datetime.now()+timedelta(days=1),
+                                                             stop_time=None)
+                    logger.info('created test reservation: %s', reservation.name)
 
                 for scheduling_set in tmss_project.scheduling_sets.all():
                     for unit_nr in range(2):
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/dataproduct_specifications_template-timeseries-1.json b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/dataproduct_specifications_template-timeseries-1.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..d11ec11cc085263e455984410ad0f4e3dcc8e5ca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/dataproduct_specifications_template-timeseries-1.json
@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+{
+  "$id":"http://tmss.lofar.org/api/schemas/dataproductspecificationtemplate/timeseries/1#",
+  "$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-06/schema#",
+  "title": "timeseries",
+  "type": "object",
+  "default": {},
+  "properties": {
+    "sap": {
+      "type": "string",
+      "title": "SAP",
+      "default": ""
+    },
+    "identifiers": {
+      "title": "Identifiers",
+      "description": "Identification of this dataproduct within the producing subtask.",
+      "type": "object",
+      "default": {},
+      "properties": {
+        "sap_index": {
+          "title": "SAP index",
+          "type": "integer",
+          "default": 0,
+          "minimum": 0
+        },
+        "pipeline_index": {
+          "title": "TAB index",
+          "description": "Index of beamformer pipeline within COBALT",
+          "type": "integer",
+          "default": 0,
+          "minimum": 0
+        },
+        "tab_index": {
+          "title": "TAB index",
+          "description": "TAB index within the SAP",
+          "type": "integer",
+          "default": 0,
+          "minimum": 0
+        },
+        "part_index": {
+          "title": "Part index",
+          "description": "Part index within the TAB",
+          "type": "integer",
+          "default": 0,
+          "minimum": 0
+        },
+        "stokes_index": {
+          "title": "Stokes index",
+          "description": "Stokes index within the TAB",
+          "type": "integer",
+          "default": 0,
+          "minimum": 0,
+          "maximum": 3
+        },
+        "coherent": {
+          "title": "Coherent",
+          "description": "TAB is a coherent addition",
+          "type": "boolean",
+          "default": true
+        }
+      },
+      "required": [
+        "sap_index",
+        "tab_index",
+        "part_index",
+        "stokes_index",
+        "coherent"
+      ]
+    }
+  },
+  "required": [ "identifiers" ]
+}
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/dataproduct_specifications_template-visibilities-1.json b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/dataproduct_specifications_template-visibilities-1.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..161f96803940afef59c4ceaf35787ad6012f5e66
--- /dev/null
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/dataproduct_specifications_template-visibilities-1.json
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+{
+  "$id":"http://tmss.lofar.org/api/schemas/dataproductspecificationstemplate/visibilities/1#",
+  "$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-06/schema#",
+  "title": "visibilities",
+  "type": "object",
+  "default": {},
+  "properties": {
+    "sap": {
+      "type": "string",
+      "title": "SAP",
+      "default": ""
+    },
+    "subband": {
+      "type": "integer",
+      "title": "subband number",
+      "default": 0,
+      "minimum": 0,
+      "maximum": 511
+    }
+  },
+  "required": [ "sap", "subband" ]
+}
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/reservation-strategy-ILTswitch.json b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/reservation-strategy-ILTswitch.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..73e493db102862eafe7a179489f7bac0631f605f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/reservation-strategy-ILTswitch.json
@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+{
+  "activity": {
+    "type": "stand-alone mode",
+    "name": "ILT stations in local mode",
+    "description": "Planned switch of international stations for local use by station owners",
+    "contact": "Operator",
+    "subject": "system",
+    "planned": true
+  },
+  "resources": {
+    "stations": [
+       "DE601",
+       "DE602",
+       "DE603",
+       "DE604",
+       "DE605",
+       "DE609",
+       "FR606",
+       "SE607",
+       "UK608",
+       "PL610",
+       "PL611",
+       "PL612",
+       "IE613",
+       "LV614"
+    ]
+  },
+  "effects": {
+    "lba_rfi": false,
+    "hba_rfi": false,
+    "expert": false
+  },
+  "schedulability": {
+    "manual": false,
+    "dynamic": false,
+    "project_exclusive": false
+  }
+}
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/reservation-strategy-VLBIsession.json b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/reservation-strategy-VLBIsession.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..7c25f0f83ed1efb86bedcbf5803e0dd7b56eb59b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/reservation-strategy-VLBIsession.json
@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+{
+  "activity": {
+    "type": "stand-alone mode",
+    "name": "VLBI session",
+    "description": "VLBI session ongoing. International station network not available.",
+    "contact": "Operator",
+    "subject": "network",
+    "planned": true
+  },
+  "resources": {
+    "stations": [
+       "DE601",
+       "DE602",
+       "DE603",
+       "DE604",
+       "DE605",
+       "DE609",
+       "FR606",
+       "SE607",
+       "UK608",
+       "PL610",
+       "PL611",
+       "PL612",
+       "IE613",
+       "LV614"
+    ]
+  },
+  "effects": {
+    "lba_rfi": false,
+    "hba_rfi": false,
+    "expert": false
+  },
+  "schedulability": {
+    "manual": false,
+    "dynamic": false,
+    "project_exclusive": false
+  }
+}
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/reservation-strategy-core-stations.json b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/reservation-strategy-core-stations.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..334ab09f6fdf28f42793add9565d0d38c2010fb7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/reservation-strategy-core-stations.json
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+{
+  "activity": {
+    "type": "maintenance",
+    "description": "Maintenance of all core stations",
+    "contact": "Operator",
+    "subject": "system",
+    "planned": true
+  },
+  "resources": {
+    "stations": [
+      "CS001",
+      "CS002",
+      "CS003",
+      "CS004",
+      "CS005",
+      "CS006",
+      "CS007",
+      "CS011",
+      "CS013",
+      "CS017",
+      "CS021",
+      "CS024",
+      "CS026",
+      "CS028",
+      "CS030",
+      "CS031",
+      "CS032",
+      "CS101",
+      "CS103",
+      "CS201",
+      "CS301",
+      "CS302",
+      "CS401",
+      "CS501"
+    ]
+  },
+  "effects": {
+    "lba_rfi": false,
+    "hba_rfi": false,
+    "expert": false
+  },
+  "schedulability": {
+    "manual": false,
+    "dynamic": false,
+    "project_exclusive": false
+  }
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/reservation-strategy-maintenance.json b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/reservation-strategy-maintenance.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..cd938b2737ac725fc13c1d7db31f8e2aca1fd26c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/reservation-strategy-maintenance.json
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+{
+  "activity": {
+    "type": "maintenance",
+    "name": "Regular station maintenance",
+    "description": "Planned station maintenance",
+    "contact": "Operator",
+    "subject": "system",
+    "planned": true
+  },
+  "resources": {
+    "stations": [
+    ]
+  },
+  "effects": {
+    "lba_rfi": false,
+    "hba_rfi": false,
+    "expert": false
+  },
+  "schedulability": {
+    "manual": false,
+    "dynamic": false,
+    "project_exclusive": false
+  }
+}
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/reservation-strategy-overheating.json b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/reservation-strategy-overheating.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..c559225a8e5df256191f080bd8c7f3de3455c11c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/reservation-strategy-overheating.json
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+{
+  "activity": {
+    "type": "outage",
+    "name": "Station cool down",
+    "description": "Stations unavailable because of too high temperature",
+    "contact": "Operator",
+    "subject": "system",
+    "planned": true
+  },
+  "resources": {
+    "stations": [
+      "CS001",
+      "CS002",
+      "CS003",
+      "CS004",
+      "CS005",
+      "CS006",
+      "CS007",
+      "CS011",
+      "CS013",
+      "CS017",
+      "CS021",
+      "CS024",
+      "CS026",
+      "CS030",
+      "CS032",
+      "CS301",
+      "CS302",
+      "CS401",
+      "CS501",
+      "RS106",
+      "RS205",
+      "RS208",
+      "RS210",
+      "RS305",
+      "RS306",
+      "RS307",
+      "RS310",
+      "RS406",
+      "RS407",
+      "RS409",
+      "RS503",
+      "RS508",
+      "RS509"
+    ]
+  },
+  "effects": {
+    "lba_rfi": false,
+    "hba_rfi": false,
+    "expert": false
+  },
+  "schedulability": {
+    "manual": false,
+    "dynamic": false,
+    "project_exclusive": false
+  }
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/subtask_template-observation-1.json b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/subtask_template-observation-1.json
index 985274ec00ccab31533717ae489dee21ad4a6b14..3555487e83beaf29a2c66bab6f7327c4cf6cee99 100644
--- a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/subtask_template-observation-1.json
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/subtask_template-observation-1.json
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@
           "type":"integer",
           "title":"Specification version",
           "description":"Version of the COBALT specification to emit",
-          "default":2,
+          "default":1,
           "minimum":1,
           "maximum":2
         },
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/templates.json b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/templates.json
index 480d7a4abb715673befa1742ef8fedb6ac04a00f..33140a263020d32e0b1d705713bc7368d7844183 100644
--- a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/templates.json
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/schemas/templates.json
@@ -35,6 +35,14 @@
     "file_name": "dataproduct_specifications_template-empty-1.json",
     "template": "dataproduct_specifications_template"
   },
+  {
+    "file_name": "dataproduct_specifications_template-timeseries-1.json",
+    "template": "dataproduct_specifications_template"
+  },
+  {
+    "file_name": "dataproduct_specifications_template-visibilities-1.json",
+    "template": "dataproduct_specifications_template"
+  },
   {
     "file_name": "dataproduct_feedback_template-empty-1.json",
     "template": "dataproduct_feedback_template"
@@ -167,5 +175,51 @@
   {
     "file_name": "reservation_template-reservation-1.json",
     "template": "reservation_template"
+  },
+  {
+    "file_name": "reservation-strategy-core-stations.json",
+    "template": "reservation_strategy_template",
+    "reservation_template_name": "reservation",
+    "reservation_template_version": "1",
+    "name": "Simple Core Reservation",
+    "description": "This reservation strategy template defines a reservation of all core station for system maintenance.",
+    "version": 1
+  },
+  {
+    "file_name": "reservation-strategy-ILTswitch.json",
+    "template": "reservation_strategy_template",
+    "reservation_template_name": "reservation",
+    "reservation_template_version": "1",
+    "name": "ILT stations in local mode",
+    "description": "Planned switch of international stations for local use by station owners",
+    "version": 1
+  },
+  {
+    "file_name": "reservation-strategy-maintenance.json",
+    "template": "reservation_strategy_template",
+    "reservation_template_name": "reservation",
+    "reservation_template_version": "1",
+    "name": "Regular station maintenance",
+    "description": "Planned station maintenance",
+    "version": 1
+  },
+  {
+    "file_name": "reservation-strategy-overheating.json",
+    "template": "reservation_strategy_template",
+    "reservation_template_name": "reservation",
+    "reservation_template_version": "1",
+    "name": "Station cool down",
+    "description": "Stations unavailable because of too high temperature",
+    "version": 1
+  },
+    {
+    "file_name": "reservation-strategy-VLBIsession.json",
+    "template": "reservation_strategy_template",
+    "reservation_template_name": "reservation",
+    "reservation_template_version": "1",
+    "name": "VLBI session",
+    "description": "VLBI session ongoing. International station network not available.",
+    "version": 1
   }
+
 ]
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/serializers/specification.py b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/serializers/specification.py
index d5643db21650bee2126de69c15884f2b26f9521f..47086104958108a4cc364a1c07c84c200d909d64 100644
--- a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/serializers/specification.py
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/serializers/specification.py
@@ -364,6 +364,14 @@ class TaskTypeSerializer(DynamicRelationalHyperlinkedModelSerializer):
         fields = '__all__'
 
 
+class ReservationStrategyTemplateSerializer(DynamicRelationalHyperlinkedModelSerializer):
+    template = JSONEditorField(schema_source="reservation_template.schema")
+
+    class Meta:
+        model = models.ReservationStrategyTemplate
+        fields = '__all__'
+
+
 class ReservationTemplateSerializer(AbstractTemplateSerializer):
     class Meta:
         model = models.ReservationTemplate
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/subtasks.py b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/subtasks.py
index 60499017cdc4a4247f7716881ca2840f45ffb96a..856c523be56c5a471099ab484f6eb04412b678a8 100644
--- a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/subtasks.py
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/subtasks.py
@@ -4,12 +4,14 @@ logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 from copy import deepcopy
 from functools import cmp_to_key
 from collections.abc import Iterable
+from math import ceil
 from lofar.common.ring_coordinates import RingCoordinates
 
 from lofar.common.datetimeutils import formatDatetime, round_to_second_precision
 from lofar.common import isProductionEnvironment
 from lofar.common.json_utils import add_defaults_to_json_object_for_schema, get_default_json_object_for_schema
 from lofar.common.lcu_utils import get_current_stations
+from lofar.stationmodel.antennafields import antenna_fields
 
 from lofar.sas.tmss.tmss.exceptions import SubtaskCreationException, SubtaskSchedulingException, SubtaskException
 
@@ -20,7 +22,7 @@ from lofar.sas.tmss.tmss.tmssapp.models import *
 from lofar.sas.resourceassignment.resourceassigner.rarpc import RARPC
 from lofar.sas.resourceassignment.resourceassignmentservice.rpc import RADBRPC
 from lofar.sas.tmss.tmss.tmssapp.adapters.parset import convert_to_parset_dict
-from lofar.sas.resourceassignment.taskprescheduler.cobaltblocksize import CorrelatorSettings, BlockConstraints, BlockSize
+from lofar.sas.resourceassignment.taskprescheduler.cobaltblocksize import CorrelatorSettings, StokesSettings, BlockConstraints, BlockSize
 from lofar.sas.resourceassignment.resourceassigner.schedulers import ScheduleException
 
 from lofar.sas.tmss.tmss.tmssapp.conversions import antennafields_for_antennaset_and_station
@@ -73,8 +75,9 @@ def create_subtasks_from_task_blueprint(task_blueprint: TaskBlueprint) -> [Subta
                                 task_blueprint.id, task_blueprint.name, task_blueprint.specifications_template.type.value,
                                 task_blueprint.scheduling_unit_blueprint.id)
                     subtasks.append(subtask)
-            except SubtaskCreationException as e:
-                logger.error(e)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.exception(e)
+                raise SubtaskCreationException('Cannot create subtasks for task id=%s for its schema name=%s in generator %s' % (task_blueprint.pk, template_name, generator)) from e
         return subtasks
     else:
         logger.error('Cannot create subtasks for task id=%s because no generator exists for its schema name=%s' % (task_blueprint.pk, template_name))
@@ -152,6 +155,9 @@ def create_observation_subtask_specifications_from_observation_task_blueprint(ta
     # now go over the settings in the task_spec and 'copy'/'convert' them to the subtask_spec
     task_spec = task_blueprint.specifications_doc
 
+    # block size calculator will need to be fed all the relevant specs
+    cobalt_calculator_constraints = BlockConstraints(None, [], [])
+
     # The calibrator has a minimal calibration-specific specification subset.
     # The rest of it's specs are 'shared' with the target observation.
     # So... copy the calibrator specs first, then loop over the shared target/calibrator specs...
@@ -195,6 +201,17 @@ def create_observation_subtask_specifications_from_observation_task_blueprint(ta
         logger.info("Using station and correlator settings for calibrator observation task_blueprint id=%s from target observation task_blueprint id=%s",
                     task_blueprint.id, target_task_blueprint.id)
 
+    # correlator
+    subtask_spec["COBALT"]["correlator"] = { "enabled": False }
+
+    if "correlator" in task_spec:
+        subtask_spec["COBALT"]["correlator"]["enabled"] = True
+        subtask_spec["COBALT"]["correlator"]["channels_per_subband"]  = task_spec["correlator"]["channels_per_subband"]
+
+        corr = CorrelatorSettings()
+        corr.nrChannelsPerSubband = task_spec["correlator"]["channels_per_subband"]
+        corr.integrationTime      = task_spec["correlator"]["integration_time"]
+        cobalt_calculator_constraints.correlator = corr
 
     # At this moment of subtask creation we known which stations we *want* from the task_spec
     # But we do not know yet which stations are available at the moment of observing.
@@ -215,70 +232,89 @@ def create_observation_subtask_specifications_from_observation_task_blueprint(ta
     # The beamformer obs has a beamformer-specific specification block.
     # The rest of it's specs is the same as in a target observation.
     # So... copy the beamformer specs first, then loop over the shared specs...
-    if 'beamforming' in task_blueprint.specifications_template.name.lower():
+    if 'beamformers' in task_spec:
         subtask_spec['COBALT']['beamformer']['tab_pipelines'] = []
         subtask_spec['COBALT']['beamformer']['flyseye_pipelines'] = []
 
-        if 'beamformers' in task_spec:
-            for task_beamformer_spec in task_spec['beamformers']:
-                task_beamformer_spec = deepcopy(task_beamformer_spec)
-
-                # the wanted/specified beamformer station list is the intersecion of the observation station list with the requested beamformer stations.
-                # at the moment of scheduling this list is re-evaluated for available stations, and the max_nr_missing is evaluated as well.
-                # this intersection is not needed per se, because COBALT plays nicely and does similar filtering for stations that are actually available,
-                # but hey, if cobalt can play nice, then so can we! :)
-                # So, let's come up with the correct complete beamforming-stations-list, and ask cobalt to explicitely uses these.
-                beamformer_station_list = []
-                if "station_groups" in task_beamformer_spec:
-                    # combine all stations in the groups...
-                    for station_group in task_beamformer_spec["station_groups"]:
-                        beamformer_station_list.extend(station_group["stations"])
-
-                    # make intersection with observing-stations...
-                    beamformer_station_set = set(beamformer_station_list).intersection(set(subtask_spec['stations']['station_list']))
-
-                    # make it a nice readable sorted list.
-                    beamformer_station_list = sorted(list(beamformer_station_list))
-                    # use the beamformer_station_list below for the tab pipeline and/or flys eye
-
-                for stokes_type in ["coherent", "incoherent"]:
-                    if stokes_type in task_beamformer_spec:
-                        # SAPs
-                        saps = task_beamformer_spec[stokes_type]["SAPs"]
-                        for sap in saps:
-                            # determine absolute tab pointing for subtask by adding relative tab pointing from task to target sap pointing
-                            target_sap = _get_related_target_sap_by_name(task_blueprint, sap['name'])
-                            if "tabs" in sap:
-                                for tab in sap["tabs"]:
-                                    tab['coherent'] = (stokes_type == "coherent")
-                                    if "relative" in tab:
-                                        if tab.pop("relative"):
-                                            tab['pointing'] = _add_pointings(tab['pointing'], target_sap['digital_pointing'])
-                            elif stokes_type == 'incoherent':
-                                sap.setdefault('tabs', [])
-                                sap["tabs"] += [{'coherent': False}] # todo: according to confluence. Is that needed?
-                            if "tab_rings" in sap:
-                                ring_pointings = _generate_tab_ring_pointings(target_sap["digital_pointing"], sap.pop("tab_rings"))
-                                sap['tabs'] += [{'coherent': (stokes_type == "coherent"), 'pointing': pointing} for pointing in ring_pointings]
-                            if "subbands" in sap:
-                                sap['subbands'] = _filter_subbands(target_sap['subbands'], sap['subbands'])
-
-                        # create a pipeline item and add it to the list
-                        beamformer_pipeline = {stokes_type: task_beamformer_spec[stokes_type]["settings"],
-                                               "stations": beamformer_station_list,
-                                               "SAPs": saps}
-                        subtask_spec['COBALT']['beamformer']['tab_pipelines'].append(beamformer_pipeline)
-                if task_beamformer_spec['flys eye'].get("enabled", False):
-                    flyseye_pipeline = {"coherent": task_beamformer_spec["flys eye"]["settings"],
-                                        "stations": beamformer_station_list}
-                    subtask_spec['COBALT']['beamformer']['flyseye_pipelines'].append(flyseye_pipeline)
-                    # todo: Clarify if we can add a subbands_selection on the flys eye task spec, to filter down for sap['subbands']
-                    #  If I got that correctly, specifying subbands is not really supported later down the chain, so whatever we do here gets ignored anyway?
-                    # for sap in task_spec["SAPs"]:
-                        # target_sap = _get_related_target_sap_by_name(task_blueprint, sap['name'])
-                        # sap['subbands'] = filter_subbands(...)
-                        # if sap['subbands'] == target_sap['subbands']:  # todo: is this really required? pseudo-code in confluence suggests so, but what harm does the list do?
-                        #    sap['subbands'] = []
+        for task_beamformer_spec in task_spec['beamformers']:
+            # the wanted/specified beamformer station list is the intersecion of the observation station list with the requested beamformer stations.
+            # at the moment of scheduling this list is re-evaluated for available stations, and the max_nr_missing is evaluated as well.
+            # this intersection is not needed per se, because COBALT plays nicely and does similar filtering for stations that are actually available,
+            # but hey, if cobalt can play nice, then so can we! :)
+            # So, let's come up with the correct complete beamforming-stations-list, and ask cobalt to explicitely uses these.
+
+            # combine all stations in the groups...
+            beamformer_station_list = sum([station_group["stations"] for station_group in task_beamformer_spec["station_groups"]], [])
+
+            # make intersection with observing-stations...
+            beamformer_station_set = set(beamformer_station_list).intersection(set(subtask_spec['stations']['station_list']))
+
+            # make it a nice readable sorted list.
+            beamformer_station_list = sorted(list(beamformer_station_list))
+            # use the beamformer_station_list below for the tab pipeline and/or flys eye
+
+            for stokes_type in ["coherent", "incoherent"]:
+                if not task_beamformer_spec[stokes_type]["SAPs"]:
+                    # nothing specified for this stokes type
+                    continue
+
+                # SAPs
+                subtask_saps = []
+                for sap in task_beamformer_spec[stokes_type]["SAPs"]:
+                    subtask_sap = { "name": sap["name"], "tabs": [] }
+
+                    target_sap = _get_related_target_sap_by_name(task_blueprint, sap['name'])
+                    if stokes_type == "coherent":
+                        for tab in sap["tabs"]:
+                            subtask_sap["tabs"].append({
+                                "coherent": True,
+                                # determine absolute tab pointing for subtask by adding relative tab pointing from task to target sap pointing
+                                "pointing": tab["pointing"] if not tab.get("relative", False) else _add_pointings(tab['pointing'], target_sap['digital_pointing'])
+                            }) 
+
+                        if "tab_rings" in sap:
+                            ring_pointings = _generate_tab_ring_pointings(target_sap["digital_pointing"], sap.pop("tab_rings"))
+                            subtask_sap['tabs'] += [{'coherent': True, 'pointing': pointing} for pointing in ring_pointings]
+                    else:
+                        subtask_sap["tabs"] = [{"coherent": False}]
+
+                    if "subbands" in sap:
+                        sap['subbands'] = _filter_subbands(target_sap['subbands'], sap['subbands'])
+
+                    subtask_saps.append(subtask_sap)
+
+                # create a pipeline item and add it to the list
+                beamformer_pipeline = {stokes_type: task_beamformer_spec[stokes_type]["settings"],
+                                       "stations": beamformer_station_list,
+                                       "SAPs": subtask_saps}
+                subtask_spec['COBALT']['beamformer']['tab_pipelines'].append(beamformer_pipeline)
+
+                # add constraints for calculator
+                ss = StokesSettings()
+                ss.nrChannelsPerSubband = task_beamformer_spec[stokes_type]["settings"]["channels_per_subband"]
+                ss.timeIntegrationFactor = task_beamformer_spec[stokes_type]["settings"]["time_integration_factor"]
+                if stokes_type == "coherent":
+                    cobalt_calculator_constraints.coherentStokes.append(ss)
+                else:
+                    cobalt_calculator_constraints.incoherentStokes.append(ss)
+
+            if task_beamformer_spec['flys eye']['enabled']:
+                # add constraints for calculator
+                ss = StokesSettings()
+                ss.nrChannelsPerSubband = task_beamformer_spec["flys eye"]["settings"]["channels_per_subband"]
+                ss.timeIntegrationFactor = task_beamformer_spec["flys eye"]["settings"]["time_integration_factor"]
+                cobalt_calculator_constraints.coherentStokes.append(ss)
+
+                flyseye_pipeline = {"coherent": task_beamformer_spec["flys eye"]["settings"],
+                                    "stations": beamformer_station_list}
+                subtask_spec['COBALT']['beamformer']['flyseye_pipelines'].append(flyseye_pipeline)
+                # todo: Clarify if we can add a subbands_selection on the flys eye task spec, to filter down for sap['subbands']
+                #  If I got that correctly, specifying subbands is not really supported later down the chain, so whatever we do here gets ignored anyway?
+                # for sap in task_spec["SAPs"]:
+                    # target_sap = _get_related_target_sap_by_name(task_blueprint, sap['name'])
+                    # sap['subbands'] = filter_subbands(...)
+                    # if sap['subbands'] == target_sap['subbands']:  # todo: is this really required? pseudo-code in confluence suggests so, but what harm does the list do?
+                    #    sap['subbands'] = []
 
     subtask_spec['stations']["antenna_set"] = task_spec["antenna_set"]
     subtask_spec['stations']["filter"] = task_spec["filter"]
@@ -301,15 +337,15 @@ def create_observation_subtask_specifications_from_observation_task_blueprint(ta
                                                             "angle1": task_spec["tile_beam"]["angle1"],
                                                             "angle2": task_spec["tile_beam"]["angle2"] }
 
+
+
+    # Calculate block sizes and feed those to the spec
+    cobalt_calculator = BlockSize(constraints=cobalt_calculator_constraints)
+    subtask_spec["COBALT"]["blocksize"] = cobalt_calculator.blockSize
+
     if "correlator" in task_spec:
-        corr = CorrelatorSettings()
-        corr.nrChannelsPerSubband = task_spec["correlator"]["channels_per_subband"]
-        corr.integrationTime      = task_spec["correlator"]["integration_time"]
-        calculator = BlockSize(constraints=BlockConstraints(correlatorSettings=corr))
-        subtask_spec["COBALT"]["correlator"] = {}
-        subtask_spec["COBALT"]["correlator"]["enabled"] = True
-        subtask_spec["COBALT"]["correlator"]["blocks_per_integration"] = calculator.nrBlocks
-        subtask_spec["COBALT"]["correlator"]["integrations_per_block"] = calculator.nrSubblocks
+        subtask_spec["COBALT"]["correlator"]["blocks_per_integration"] = cobalt_calculator.nrBlocks
+        subtask_spec["COBALT"]["correlator"]["integrations_per_block"] = cobalt_calculator.nrSubblocks
 
     # make sure that the subtask_spec is valid conform the schema
     validate_json_against_schema(subtask_spec, subtask_template.schema)
@@ -472,6 +508,18 @@ def create_qafile_subtask_from_observation_subtask(observation_subtask: Subtask)
 
 
 def create_qaplots_subtask_from_task_blueprint(task_blueprint: TaskBlueprint) -> Subtask:
+    if 'calibrator' in task_blueprint.specifications_template.name.lower():
+        # Calibrator requires related Target Task Observation for some specifications
+        target_task_blueprint = get_related_target_observation_task_blueprint(task_blueprint)
+        if target_task_blueprint is None:
+            raise SubtaskCreationException("Cannot retrieve specifications for task id=%d because no related target observation is found " % task.pk)
+    else:
+        target_task_blueprint = task_blueprint
+
+    if not target_task_blueprint.specifications_doc.get("QA", {}).get("file_conversion", {}).get("enabled", False):
+        logger.debug("Skipping creation of qaplots_subtask because QA.file_conversion is not enabled")
+        return None
+
     qafile_subtasks = [st for st in task_blueprint.subtasks.all() if st.specifications_template.type.value == SubtaskType.Choices.QA_FILES.value]
     if qafile_subtasks:
         qafile_subtask = qafile_subtasks[0] # TODO: decide what to do when there are multiple qafile subtasks?
@@ -673,7 +721,7 @@ def schedule_subtask(subtask: Subtask) -> Subtask:
             logger.error(e2)
         finally:
             # ... and re-raise the original exception (wrapped)
-            raise SubtaskSchedulingException("Error while scheduling subtask id=%d: %s" % (subtask.pk, str(e)))
+            raise SubtaskSchedulingException("Error while scheduling subtask id=%d" % (subtask.pk,)) from e
 
 
 def unschedule_subtask(subtask: Subtask) -> Subtask:
@@ -1100,48 +1148,117 @@ def schedule_observation_subtask(observation_subtask: Subtask):
     # TODO: are there any observations that take input dataproducts?
 
     # step 3: create output dataproducts, and link these to the output
+    dataproducts = []
     specifications_doc = observation_subtask.specifications_doc
-    dataproduct_specifications_template = DataproductSpecificationsTemplate.objects.get(name="SAP")  # todo: should this be derived from the task relation specification template?
     dataproduct_feedback_template = DataproductFeedbackTemplate.objects.get(name="empty")
     subtask_output = observation_subtask.outputs.first() # TODO: make proper selection, not default first()
-    directory = "/data/%s/%s/L%s/uv" % ("projects" if isProductionEnvironment() else "test-projects",
-                                        observation_subtask.task_blueprint.scheduling_unit_blueprint.draft.scheduling_set.project.name,
-                                        observation_subtask.id)
-
-    for sap_nr, pointing in enumerate(specifications_doc['stations']['digital_pointings']):
-        antennaset = specifications_doc['stations']['antenna_set']
-        antennafields = []
-        for station in specifications_doc['stations']['station_list']:
-            fields = antennafields_for_antennaset_and_station(antennaset, station)
-            antennafields += [{"station": station, "field": field, "type": antennaset.split('_')[0]} for field in fields]
-
-        sap = SAP.objects.create(specifications_doc={ "name": "%s_%s" % (observation_subtask.id, pointing['name']),
-                                                      "pointing": pointing['pointing'],
-                                                      "time": {"start_time": observation_subtask.start_time.isoformat(),
-                                                               "duration": (observation_subtask.stop_time - observation_subtask.start_time).total_seconds()},
-                                                      "antennas": {
+
+    # create SAP objects, as observations create new beams
+    antennaset = specifications_doc['stations']['antenna_set']
+    antennafields = []
+    for station in specifications_doc['stations']['station_list']:
+        fields = antennafields_for_antennaset_and_station(antennaset, station)
+        antennafields += [{"station": station, "field": field, "type": antennaset.split('_')[0]} for field in fields]
+
+    saps = [SAP.objects.create(specifications_doc={ "name": "%s_%s" % (observation_subtask.id, pointing['name']),
+                                                    "pointing": pointing['pointing'],
+                                                    "time": {"start_time": observation_subtask.start_time.isoformat(),
+                                                             "duration": (observation_subtask.stop_time - observation_subtask.start_time).total_seconds()},
+                                                    "antennas": {
                                                       "antenna_set": antennaset,
                                                       "fields": antennafields
-                                                      }
-                                                    },
-                                 specifications_template=SAPTemplate.objects.get(name="SAP"))
-
-        # create dataproducts in bulk, and assign each dp its own unique global identifier
-        dp_global_identifiers = SIPidentifier.objects.bulk_create([SIPidentifier(source="TMSS") for _ in pointing['subbands']])
-        Dataproduct.objects.bulk_create([Dataproduct(filename="L%d_SAP%03d_SB%03d_uv.MS" % (observation_subtask.id, sap_nr, sb_nr),
-                                                     directory=directory,
-                                                     dataformat=Dataformat.objects.get(value="MeasurementSet"),
-                                                     datatype=Datatype.objects.get(value="visibilities"),
-                                                     producer=subtask_output,
-                                                     specifications_doc={"sap": [str(sap_nr)]},
-                                                     specifications_template=dataproduct_specifications_template,
-                                                     feedback_doc=get_default_json_object_for_schema(dataproduct_feedback_template.schema),
-                                                     feedback_template=dataproduct_feedback_template,
-                                                     size=0 if sb_nr%10==0 else 1024*1024*1024*sb_nr,
-                                                     expected_size=1024*1024*1024*sb_nr,
-                                                     sap=sap,
-                                                     global_identifier=dp_global_identifier)
-                                         for sb_nr, dp_global_identifier in zip(pointing['subbands'], dp_global_identifiers)])
+                                                    }
+                                                  },
+                               specifications_template=SAPTemplate.objects.get(name="SAP")) for sap_nr, pointing in enumerate(specifications_doc['stations']['digital_pointings'])]
+
+    # store everything below this directory
+    directory = "/data/%s/%s/L%s" % ("projects" if isProductionEnvironment() else "test-projects",
+                                     observation_subtask.task_blueprint.scheduling_unit_blueprint.draft.scheduling_set.project.name,
+                                     observation_subtask.id)
+
+    # create correlated dataproducts
+    if specifications_doc['COBALT']['correlator']['enabled']:
+        dataproduct_specifications_template_visibilities = DataproductSpecificationsTemplate.objects.get(name="visibilities")
+        sb_nr_offset = 0 # subband numbers run from 0 to (nr_subbands-1), increasing across SAPs
+
+        for sap_nr, pointing in enumerate(specifications_doc['stations']['digital_pointings']):
+            for sb_nr, subband in enumerate(pointing['subbands'], start=sb_nr_offset):
+                dataproducts.append(Dataproduct(filename="L%d_SAP%03d_SB%03d_uv.MS" % (observation_subtask.id, sap_nr, sb_nr),
+                                                         directory=directory+"/uv",
+                                                         dataformat=Dataformat.objects.get(value="MeasurementSet"),
+                                                         datatype=Datatype.objects.get(value="visibilities"),
+                                                         producer=subtask_output,
+                                                         specifications_doc={"sap": pointing["name"], "subband": subband},
+                                                         specifications_template=dataproduct_specifications_template_visibilities,
+                                                         feedback_doc=get_default_json_object_for_schema(dataproduct_feedback_template.schema),
+                                                         feedback_template=dataproduct_feedback_template,
+                                                         size=0,
+                                                         expected_size=1024*1024*1024*sb_nr,
+                                                         sap=saps[sap_nr],
+                                                         global_identifier=None))
+
+            sb_nr_offset += len(pointing['subbands'])
+
+
+    # create beamformer dataproducts
+    dataproduct_specifications_template_timeseries = DataproductSpecificationsTemplate.objects.get(name="timeseries")
+
+    def _sap_index(saps: dict, sap_name: str) -> int:
+        """ Return the SAP index in the observation given a certain SAP name. """
+
+        sap_indices = [idx for idx,sap in enumerate(saps) if sap['name'] == sap_name]
+
+        # needs to be exactly one hit
+        if len(sap_indices) != 1:
+            raise SubtaskSchedulingException("SAP name %s must appear exactly once in the specification. It appeared %d times. Available names: %s" % (sap_name, len(sap_indices), [sap['name'] for sap in saps]))
+
+        return sap_indices[0]
+
+    def tab_dataproducts(sap_nr, pipeline_nr, tab_nr, stokes_settings, coherent):
+        nr_subbands = len(sap['subbands']) or len(specifications_doc['stations']['digital_pointings'][sap_nr]['subbands'])
+        nr_stokes = len(stokes_settings['stokes'])
+        nr_parts = ceil(1.0 * nr_subbands / stokes_settings['subbands_per_file'])
+
+        return [Dataproduct(filename="L%d_SAP%03d_N%03d_B%03d_S%03d_P%03d_bf.h5" % (observation_subtask.id, sap_nr, pipeline_nr, tab_nr, stokes_nr, part_nr),
+                                         directory=directory+("/cs" if coherent else "/is"),
+                                         dataformat=Dataformat.objects.get(value="Beamformed"),
+                                         datatype=Datatype.objects.get(value="time series"),
+                                         producer=subtask_output,
+                                         specifications_doc={"sap": specifications_doc['stations']['digital_pointings'][sap_nr]["name"], "coherent": coherent, "identifiers": {"pipeline_index": pipeline_nr, "tab_index": tab_nr, "stokes_index": stokes_nr, "part_index": part_nr}},
+                                         specifications_template=dataproduct_specifications_template_timeseries,
+                                         feedback_doc=get_default_json_object_for_schema(dataproduct_feedback_template.schema),
+                                         feedback_template=dataproduct_feedback_template,
+                                         size=0,
+                                         expected_size=1024*1024*1024*tab_nr,
+                                         sap=saps[sap_nr],
+                                         global_identifier=None)
+                                     for part_nr in range(nr_parts) for stokes_nr in range(nr_stokes)]
+
+
+    # beamformer pipelines: one set of dataproducts per TAB.
+    pipeline_nr_offset = 0
+    for pipeline_nr, pipeline in enumerate(specifications_doc['COBALT']['beamformer']['tab_pipelines'], start=pipeline_nr_offset):
+        for sap in pipeline['SAPs']:
+            sap_idx = _sap_index(specifications_doc['stations']['digital_pointings'], sap['name'])
+
+            for tab_idx, tab in enumerate(sap['tabs']):
+                dataproducts += tab_dataproducts(sap_idx, pipeline_nr, tab_idx, pipeline['coherent'] if tab['coherent'] else pipeline['incoherent'], tab['coherent'])
+
+    # fly's eye pipelines: one set of dataproducts per antenna field.
+    pipeline_nr_offset += len(specifications_doc['COBALT']['beamformer']['tab_pipelines'])
+    for pipeline_nr, pipeline in enumerate(specifications_doc['COBALT']['beamformer']['flyseye_pipelines'], start=pipeline_nr_offset):
+        for sap_idx, sap in enumerate(specifications_doc['stations']['digital_pointings']):
+            stations = pipeline['stations'] or specifications_doc['stations']['station_list']
+            fields = sum([list(antenna_fields(station, antennaset)) for station in stations], [])
+            for tab_idx, tab in enumerate(fields):
+                dataproducts += tab_dataproducts(sap_idx, pipeline_nr, tab_idx, pipeline['coherent'], True)
+
+    # Bulk create identifiers, and then update the dataproducts with a link to the actual created objects.
+    # This is needed as bulk_create needs to have any relations resolved.
+    dp_global_identifiers = SIPidentifier.objects.bulk_create([SIPidentifier(source="TMSS") for _ in dataproducts])
+    for dp, global_identifier in zip(dataproducts, dp_global_identifiers):
+        dp.global_identifier = global_identifier
+    Dataproduct.objects.bulk_create(dataproducts)
 
     # step 4: resource assigner (if possible)
     assign_or_unassign_resources(observation_subtask)
@@ -1194,7 +1311,7 @@ def schedule_pipeline_subtask(pipeline_subtask: Subtask):
                                                                                                                             pipeline_subtask.specifications_template.type))
 
     # TODO: use existing and reasonable selection and specification templates for output when we have those, for now, use "empty"
-    dataproduct_specifications_template = DataproductSpecificationsTemplate.objects.get(name="empty")
+    dataproduct_specifications_template = DataproductSpecificationsTemplate.objects.get(name="visibilities")
     dataproduct_feedback_template = DataproductFeedbackTemplate.objects.get(name="empty")
 
     # iterate over all inputs
@@ -1225,7 +1342,7 @@ def schedule_pipeline_subtask(pipeline_subtask: Subtask):
                                     dataformat=dataformat,
                                     datatype=Datatype.objects.get(value="visibilities"),  # todo: is this correct?
                                     producer=pipeline_subtask_output,
-                                    specifications_doc=get_default_json_object_for_schema(dataproduct_specifications_template.schema),
+                                    specifications_doc=input_dp.specifications_doc,
                                     specifications_template=dataproduct_specifications_template,
                                     feedback_doc=get_default_json_object_for_schema(dataproduct_feedback_template.schema),
                                     feedback_template=dataproduct_feedback_template,
@@ -1485,10 +1602,13 @@ def specifications_doc_meets_selection_doc(specifications_doc, selection_doc):
             meets_criteria = False
         else:
             spec = specifications_doc[k]
-            if isinstance(spec, Iterable) and isinstance(v, Iterable):
+            if isinstance(spec, list) and isinstance(v, list):
                 for spec_v in spec:
                     if spec_v not in v:
                         meets_criteria = False
+            elif isinstance(v, list):
+                if spec not in v:
+                    meets_criteria = False
             else:
                 if spec != v:
                     meets_criteria = False
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/viewsets/specification.py b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/viewsets/specification.py
index 9605ead221a9ae4a18596d0c6d887b4ad2791bc2..d53ace784b028f01ba199a80e067090526a66a41 100644
--- a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/viewsets/specification.py
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/tmssapp/viewsets/specification.py
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@ from rest_framework.filters import OrderingFilter
 
 import json
 import logging
+import dateutil
 
 from django.core.exceptions import ObjectDoesNotExist
 
@@ -199,6 +200,66 @@ class DefaultTaskRelationSelectionTemplateViewSet(LOFARViewSet):
     serializer_class = serializers.DefaultTaskRelationSelectionTemplateSerializer
 
 
+class ReservationStrategyTemplateViewSet(LOFARViewSet):
+    queryset = models.ReservationStrategyTemplate.objects.all()
+    serializer_class = serializers.ReservationStrategyTemplateSerializer
+
+    @swagger_auto_schema(responses={status.HTTP_201_CREATED: 'The newly created reservation',
+                                    status.HTTP_403_FORBIDDEN: 'forbidden'},
+                         operation_description="Create a new Reservation based on this ReservationStrategyTemplate, "
+                                               "with the given <name>, <description>, <start_time> and <stop_time>",
+                         manual_parameters=[Parameter(name='start_time', required=True, type='string', in_='query',
+                                                      description="The start time as a timestamp string in isoformat"),
+                                            Parameter(name='stop_time', required=True, type='string', in_='query',
+                                                      description="The stop time as a timestamp string in isoformat"),
+                                            Parameter(name='name', required=False, type='string', in_='query',
+                                                      description="The name for the newly created reservation"),
+                                            Parameter(name='description', required=False, type='string', in_='query',
+                                                      description="The description for the newly created reservation"),
+                                            Parameter(name='project_id', required=False, type='integer', in_='query',
+                                                      description="the id of the project which will be the parent of the newly created reservation"),
+                                            ])
+    @action(methods=['get'], detail=True)
+    def create_reservation(self, request, pk=None):
+        strategy_template = get_object_or_404(models.ReservationStrategyTemplate, pk=pk)
+        reservation_template_spec = add_defaults_to_json_object_for_schema(strategy_template.template,
+                                                      strategy_template.reservation_template.schema)
+
+        start_time = request.query_params.get('start_time', None)
+        stop_time = request.query_params.get('stop_time', None)
+        if start_time:
+            start_time = dateutil.parser.parse(start_time)  # string to datetime
+        else:
+            start_time = datetime.now()
+        if stop_time:
+            stop_time = dateutil.parser.parse(stop_time)  # string to datetime
+        else:
+            stop_time = None
+
+        project_id = request.query_params.get('project_id', None)
+        if project_id:
+            project = get_object_or_404(models.Project, pk=request.query_params['project_id'])
+        else:
+            project = None
+
+        reservation = Reservation.objects.create(name=request.query_params.get('name', "reservation"),
+                                                 description=request.query_params.get('description', ""),
+                                                 project=project,
+                                                 specifications_template=strategy_template.reservation_template,
+                                                 specifications_doc=reservation_template_spec,
+                                                 start_time=start_time,
+                                                 stop_time=stop_time)
+
+        reservation_strategy_template_path = request._request.path
+        base_path = reservation_strategy_template_path[:reservation_strategy_template_path.find('/reservation_strategy_template')]
+        reservation_path = '%s/reservation/%s/' % (base_path, reservation.id,)
+
+        # return a response with the new serialized Reservation, and a Location to the new instance in the header
+        return Response(serializers.ReservationSerializer(reservation, context={'request':request}).data,
+                        status=status.HTTP_201_CREATED,
+                        headers={'Location': reservation_path})
+
+
 class DefaultReservationTemplateViewSet(LOFARViewSet):
     queryset = models.DefaultReservationTemplate.objects.all()
     serializer_class = serializers.DefaultReservationTemplateSerializer
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/urls.py b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/urls.py
index 039b531a658e3bed589f131860f3d1193bfc3b39..66e58162725f917a20c5020e6492ad6f39bed7d0 100644
--- a/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/urls.py
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/src/tmss/urls.py
@@ -142,6 +142,7 @@ router.register(r'default_scheduling_constraints_template', viewsets.DefaultSche
 router.register(r'default_task_template', viewsets.DefaultTaskTemplateViewSet)
 router.register(r'default_task_relation_selection_template', viewsets.DefaultTaskRelationSelectionTemplateViewSet)
 router.register(r'default_reservation_template', viewsets.DefaultReservationTemplateViewSet)
+router.register(r'reservation_strategy_template', viewsets.ReservationStrategyTemplateViewSet)
 
 # instances
 router.register(r'cycle', viewsets.CycleViewSet)
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_reservations.py b/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_reservations.py
index c6afaed6dc60041c8d811437d76c11d0e9d7a28f..9cc99f3a7da802c98d3e39f3dd608068351fbff1 100755
--- a/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_reservations.py
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_reservations.py
@@ -240,4 +240,79 @@ class TestStationReservations(unittest.TestCase):
                               get_active_station_reservations_in_timewindow(reservation_start_time, reservation_stop_time-timedelta(days=5)))
         self.assertCountEqual(["CS001"],
                               get_active_station_reservations_in_timewindow(reservation_start_time, reservation_stop_time-timedelta(days=6)))
+from lofar.sas.tmss.tmss.exceptions import SchemaValidationException
+from django.core.exceptions import ValidationError
+
+
+class CreationFromReservationStrategyTemplate(unittest.TestCase):
+    """
+    Test that reservations can be created from strategy template
+    """
+
+    def test_create_reservation_ok(self):
+        """
+        Check that reservations from the reservation strategy can be created with api
+        """
+        strategy_template = models.ReservationStrategyTemplate.objects.get(name="Regular station maintenance")
+
+        reservation_spec = add_defaults_to_json_object_for_schema(strategy_template.template,
+                                                                  strategy_template.reservation_template.schema)
+        reservation = models.Reservation.objects.create(name=strategy_template.name,
+                                                 description="Unittest with %s" % strategy_template.description,
+                                                 project=None,
+                                                 specifications_template=strategy_template.reservation_template,
+                                                 specifications_doc=reservation_spec,
+                                                 start_time=datetime.now(),
+                                                 stop_time=None)
+
+        # Check URL of the reservation that is created
+        response = GET_and_assert_equal_expected_code(self, BASE_URL + '/reservation/%d' % reservation.pk, 200)
+        self.assertEqual(response['id'], reservation.pk)  # should be different id then previous one created
+
+        # Check that action call 'create_reservation' (no parameters) of strategy template creates a
+        # new reservation (with http result code 201)
+        response = GET_and_assert_equal_expected_code(self, BASE_URL + '/reservation_strategy_template/%d/create_reservation' % strategy_template.pk, 201)
+        self.assertNotEqual(response['id'], reservation.pk)  # should be different id then previous one created
+        self.assertLess(response['start_time'], datetime.utcnow().isoformat())   # start_time created with now so that was some micro seconds ago
+        self.assertEqual(response['stop_time'], None)
+        self.assertEqual(response['duration'], None)
+        self.assertEqual(response['name'], "reservation")
+        self.assertEqual(response['specifications_doc'], reservation_spec)
+
+    def test_create_reservation_exception(self):
+        """
+        Check that reservations from the reservation strategy results in an Exception due to wrong
+        station assignment
+        """
+        strategy_template = models.ReservationStrategyTemplate.objects.get(name="Regular station maintenance")
+        strategy_template.template['resources']['stations'] = ['CS999']
+        # using ValidationError seem not  to work?
+        with self.assertRaises(Exception) as context:
+            strategy_template.save()
+        self.assertIn('is not one of', str(context.exception))
+        self.assertIn('Failed validating', str(context.exception))
+
+
+class ReservationTest(unittest.TestCase):
+    """
+    Check the Reservation model
+    TODO: more testcases to be added
+    """
+
+    def test_create_reservation_validation_error(self):
+        """
+        Check that creating reservation with results in SchemaValidationException due to wrong station assignment
+        """
+        reservation_template = models.ReservationTemplate.objects.get(pk=1)
+        reservation_spec = get_default_json_object_for_schema(reservation_template.schema)
+        reservation_spec['resources']['stations'] = ['CS999']
+        with self.assertRaises(SchemaValidationException) as context:
+            models.Reservation.objects.create(name="Test Reservation",
+                                              description="Unittest",
+                                              project=None,
+                                              specifications_template=reservation_template,
+                                              specifications_doc=reservation_spec,
+                                              start_time=datetime.now(),
+                                              stop_time=None)
+        self.assertIn('is not one of', str(context.exception))
 
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_scheduling.py b/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_scheduling.py
index 6dda9cf61de9fa857d009bec6204fad744de1e75..5bcfa16e9e29e9e82b75a3c5f13dff663a89289d 100755
--- a/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_scheduling.py
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_scheduling.py
@@ -97,6 +97,18 @@ def create_reserved_stations_for_testing(station_list):
         assigned = rarpc.do_assignment(ra_spec)
         return assigned
 
+def duplicates(l: list) -> list:
+    # O(n^2), but that's good enough.
+    uniques = []
+    dupes = []
+
+    for e in l:
+      if e not in uniques:
+        uniques.append(e)
+      elif e not in dupes:
+        dupes.append(e)
+
+    return dupes
 
 class SchedulingTest(unittest.TestCase):
     def setUp(self):
@@ -113,13 +125,12 @@ class SchedulingTest(unittest.TestCase):
         test_data_creator.wipe_cache()
 
 
-    def test_schedule_observation_subtask_with_enough_resources_available(self):
+    def _test_schedule_observation_subtask_with_enough_resources_available(self, observation_specification_doc):
         with tmss_test_env.create_tmss_client() as client:
             task_blueprint_data = test_data_creator.TaskBlueprint(template_url=client.get_task_template(name="target observation")['url'])
             task_blueprint = test_data_creator.post_data_and_get_response_as_json_object(task_blueprint_data, '/task_blueprint/')
             subtask_template = client.get_subtask_template("observation control")
-            spec = get_default_json_object_for_schema(subtask_template['schema'])
-            spec['stations']['digital_pointings'][0]['subbands'] = [0]
+            spec = add_defaults_to_json_object_for_schema(observation_specification_doc, subtask_template['schema'])
             cluster_url = client.get_path_as_json_object('/cluster/1')['url']
 
             subtask_data = test_data_creator.Subtask(specifications_template_url=subtask_template['url'],
@@ -137,6 +148,34 @@ class SchedulingTest(unittest.TestCase):
             self.assertEqual('scheduled', subtask['state_value'])
             self.assertEqual('scheduled', tmss_test_env.ra_test_environment.radb.getTask(tmss_id=subtask_id)['status'])
 
+            # test whether all dataproduct specifications are unique
+            outputs = Subtask.objects.get(pk=subtask_id).outputs.all()
+            dataproduct_specifications_docs = [dp.specifications_doc for output in outputs for dp in output.dataproducts.all()]
+            duplicate_dataproduct_specification_docs = duplicates(dataproduct_specifications_docs)
+
+            self.assertEqual([], duplicate_dataproduct_specification_docs)
+
+    def test_schedule_observation_subtask_with_enough_resources_available(self):
+            spec = { "stations": { "digital_pointings": [ { "subbands": [0] } ] } }
+            self._test_schedule_observation_subtask_with_enough_resources_available(spec)
+
+    def test_schedule_beamformer_observation_subtask_with_enough_resources_available(self):
+            spec = { 
+              "stations": { "digital_pointings": [ { "name": "target0", "subbands": [0] } ] },
+              "COBALT": {
+                "version": 1,
+                "correlator": { "enabled": False },
+                "beamformer": {
+                    "tab_pipelines": [
+                      {
+                        "SAPs": [ { "name": "target0", "tabs": [ { "coherent": False }, { "coherent": True } ] } ]
+                      }
+                    ]
+                }
+              }
+            }
+            self._test_schedule_observation_subtask_with_enough_resources_available(spec)
+
     def test_schedule_observation_subtask_with_one_blocking_reservation_failed(self):
         """
         Set (Resource Assigner) station CS001 to reserved
@@ -260,6 +299,7 @@ class SchedulingTest(unittest.TestCase):
             obs_subtask = test_data_creator.post_data_and_get_response_as_json_object(obs_subtask_data, '/subtask/')
             obs_subtask_output_url = test_data_creator.post_data_and_get_url(test_data_creator.SubtaskOutput(subtask_url=obs_subtask['url']), '/subtask_output/')
             test_data_creator.post_data_and_get_url(test_data_creator.Dataproduct(filename="L%s_SB000.MS"%obs_subtask['id'],
+                                                                                  specifications_doc={"sap": "target0", "subband": 0 },
                                                                                   subtask_output_url=obs_subtask_output_url), '/dataproduct/')
 
             # now create the pipeline...
@@ -304,6 +344,7 @@ class SchedulingTest(unittest.TestCase):
             obs_subtask = test_data_creator.post_data_and_get_response_as_json_object(obs_subtask_data, '/subtask/')
             obs_subtask_output_url = test_data_creator.post_data_and_get_url(test_data_creator.SubtaskOutput(subtask_url=obs_subtask['url']), '/subtask_output/')
             test_data_creator.post_data_and_get_url(test_data_creator.Dataproduct(filename="L%s_SB000.MS"%obs_subtask['id'],
+                                                                                  specifications_doc={"sap": "target0", "subband": 0},
                                                     subtask_output_url=obs_subtask_output_url), '/dataproduct/')
 
             # now create the ingest...
@@ -416,6 +457,23 @@ class SubtaskInputOutputTest(unittest.TestCase):
         setting.value = True
         setting.save()
 
+
+    def test_specifications_doc_meets_selection_doc(self):
+        # empty selection matches all
+        self.assertTrue(specifications_doc_meets_selection_doc({'something else': 'target0'}, {}))
+
+        # specification is a list? specification must be a subset of the selection
+        self.assertTrue(specifications_doc_meets_selection_doc({'sap': ['target0']}, {'sap': ['target0']}))
+        self.assertFalse(specifications_doc_meets_selection_doc({'sap': ['target0','target1','target2']}, {'sap': ['target0','target1']}))
+
+        # specification is a value? it must appear in the selection
+        self.assertTrue(specifications_doc_meets_selection_doc({'sap': 'target0'}, {'sap': ['target0']}))
+        self.assertTrue(specifications_doc_meets_selection_doc({'sap': 'target0'}, {'sap': ['target0','target1']}))
+        self.assertTrue(specifications_doc_meets_selection_doc({'sap': 'target0'}, {'sap': 'target0'}))
+
+        # specification must contain the selection key
+        self.assertFalse(specifications_doc_meets_selection_doc({'something else': 'target0'}, {'sap': 'target0'}))
+
     @mock.patch("lofar.sas.tmss.tmss.tmssapp.subtasks.assign_or_unassign_resources")
     def test_schedule_pipeline_subtask_filters_predecessor_output_dataproducts_for_input(self, assign_resources_mock):
         # setup:
@@ -431,12 +489,12 @@ class SubtaskInputOutputTest(unittest.TestCase):
         pipe_in2 = models.SubtaskInput.objects.create(**SubtaskInput_test_data(subtask=pipe_st, producer=obs_out2, selection_doc={'sap': ['target1']}))
 
         #   create obs output dataproducts with specs we can filter on
-        dp1_1 = models.Dataproduct.objects.create(**Dataproduct_test_data(producer=obs_out1, specifications_doc={'sap': ['target0']}))
-        dp1_2 = models.Dataproduct.objects.create(**Dataproduct_test_data(producer=obs_out1, specifications_doc={'sap': ['target1']}))
-        dp1_3 = models.Dataproduct.objects.create(**Dataproduct_test_data(producer=obs_out1, specifications_doc={'sap': ['target0']}))
+        dp1_1 = models.Dataproduct.objects.create(**Dataproduct_test_data(producer=obs_out1, specifications_doc={'sap': 'target0', 'subband': 0}))
+        dp1_2 = models.Dataproduct.objects.create(**Dataproduct_test_data(producer=obs_out1, specifications_doc={'sap': 'target1', 'subband': 0}))
+        dp1_3 = models.Dataproduct.objects.create(**Dataproduct_test_data(producer=obs_out1, specifications_doc={'sap': 'target0', 'subband': 1}))
 
-        dp2_1 = models.Dataproduct.objects.create(**Dataproduct_test_data(producer=obs_out2, specifications_doc={'sap': ['target0']}))
-        dp2_2 = models.Dataproduct.objects.create(**Dataproduct_test_data(producer=obs_out2, specifications_doc={'sap': ['target1']}))
+        dp2_1 = models.Dataproduct.objects.create(**Dataproduct_test_data(producer=obs_out2, specifications_doc={'sap': 'target0', 'subband': 0}))
+        dp2_2 = models.Dataproduct.objects.create(**Dataproduct_test_data(producer=obs_out2, specifications_doc={'sap': 'target1', 'subband': 0}))
 
         # trigger:
         #   schedule pipeline, which should attach the correct subset of dataproducts to the pipeline inputs
@@ -488,6 +546,7 @@ class SAPTest(unittest.TestCase):
             client.set_subtask_status(subtask_id, 'defined')
             subtask = client.schedule_subtask(subtask_id)
 
+            self.assertEqual(1, subtask_model.output_dataproducts.count())
             self.assertEqual(1, subtask_model.output_dataproducts.values('sap').count())
             self.assertEqual(subtask_model.output_dataproducts.first().sap.specifications_doc['pointing']['angle1'], pointing['angle1'])
             self.assertEqual(subtask_model.output_dataproducts.first().sap.specifications_doc['pointing']['angle2'], pointing['angle2'])
@@ -505,8 +564,8 @@ class SAPTest(unittest.TestCase):
         pipe_in = models.SubtaskInput.objects.create(**SubtaskInput_test_data(subtask=pipe_st, producer=obs_out))
 
         #   create obs output dataproducts
-        dp1_in = models.Dataproduct.objects.create(**Dataproduct_test_data(producer=obs_out))
-        dp2_in = models.Dataproduct.objects.create(**Dataproduct_test_data(producer=obs_out))
+        dp1_in = models.Dataproduct.objects.create(**Dataproduct_test_data(producer=obs_out, specifications_doc={"identifiers": { "sap_index": 0, "subband_index": 0 }}))
+        dp2_in = models.Dataproduct.objects.create(**Dataproduct_test_data(producer=obs_out, specifications_doc={"identifiers": { "sap_index": 0, "subband_index": 1 }}))
 
         #   schedule pipeline, which should copy the SAP
         schedule_pipeline_subtask(pipe_st)
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_schemas.py b/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_schemas.py
index 0cf0157e39e2917d8baaa06384836c4795c41ab4..e9b25c35efca7a967bf7bf541c027cb15b836f7b 100755
--- a/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_schemas.py
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_schemas.py
@@ -43,13 +43,17 @@ class TestSchemas(unittest.TestCase):
         """ Check whether the given schema is valid. """
 
         # Can all $refs be actually resolved?
-        logger.info("Resolving references for schema %s", name)
-        resolved_refs(schema)
+        try:
+            resolved_refs(schema)
+        except Exception as e:
+            raise Exception("Failed to resolve references in schema %s" % name) from e
 
         # Does this schema provide actually valid defaults?
-        logger.info("Validating defaults of schema %s", name)
-        defaults = get_default_json_object_for_schema(schema)
-        validate_json_against_schema(defaults, schema)
+        try:
+            defaults = get_default_json_object_for_schema(schema)
+            validate_json_against_schema(defaults, schema)
+        except Exception as e:
+            raise Exception("Failure in defaults in schema %s" % name) from e
 
     def check_schema_table(self, model):
         """ Check all schemas present in the database for a given model. """
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_subtasks.py b/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_subtasks.py
index 806fcd682579d20829b1b010f5548fb530ae73e1..8086f231da703fba4bcdf574bed9940f0ee6d3d2 100755
--- a/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_subtasks.py
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_subtasks.py
@@ -181,9 +181,9 @@ class SubTasksCreationFromTaskBluePrint(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertEqual(None, subtask)
 
         # Next call will fail due to no qa_files object
-        # ValueError: Cannot create qa_plots subtask for task_blueprint id=1 because it has no qafile subtask(s)
-        with self.assertRaises(SubtaskCreationException):
-            subtask = create_qaplots_subtask_from_task_blueprint(task_blueprint)
+        subtask = create_qaplots_subtask_from_task_blueprint(task_blueprint)
+        # subtask object is None because QA file conversion is by default not enabled!!!!
+        self.assertEqual(None, subtask)
 
 
     def test_create_sequence_of_subtask_from_task_blueprint_with_QA_enabled(self):
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_tasks.py b/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_tasks.py
index 2652a8ff989b584ae69834b1b50beaf5dc51a2f2..88e4791390c6e46ff365372fe86cc79be91f24b3 100755
--- a/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_tasks.py
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_tasks.py
@@ -44,6 +44,8 @@ rest_data_creator = TMSSRESTTestDataCreator(tmss_test_env.django_server.url, (tm
 
 from lofar.sas.tmss.tmss.tmssapp.tasks import *
 
+from lofar.sas.tmss.tmss.exceptions import SchemaValidationException
+
 
 class CreationFromSchedulingUnitDraft(unittest.TestCase):
     """
@@ -397,7 +399,6 @@ class TaskBlueprintStateTest(unittest.TestCase):
             self.assertEqual(expected_task_state, task_blueprint.status)
 
 
-
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     os.environ['TZ'] = 'UTC'
     unittest.main()
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_tmssapp_specification_REST_API.py b/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_tmssapp_specification_REST_API.py
index 2b0bddc5e87aaf62e80213a7ac962c986bd6be87..d3da150deaa98063eb7c714b99090c37447c8597 100755
--- a/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_tmssapp_specification_REST_API.py
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/t_tmssapp_specification_REST_API.py
@@ -335,6 +335,69 @@ class ReservationTemplateTestCase(unittest.TestCase):
         DELETE_and_assert_gone(self, url)
 
 
+class ReservationStrategyTemplateTestCase(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_reservation_strategy_template_list_apiformat(self):
+        r = requests.get(BASE_URL + '/reservation_strategy_template/?format=api', auth=AUTH)
+        self.assertEqual(r.status_code, 200)
+        self.assertTrue("Reservation Strategy Template List" in r.content.decode('utf8'))
+
+    def test_reservation_strategy_template_GET_nonexistant_raises_error(self):
+        GET_and_assert_equal_expected_code(self, BASE_URL + '/reservation_strategy_template/1234321/', 404)
+
+    def test_reservation_strategy_template_POST_and_GET(self):
+        # POST and GET a new item and assert correctness
+        test_data = test_data_creator.ReservationStrategyTemplate()
+        expected_data = test_data_creator.update_schema_from_template("reservationtemplate", test_data)
+        r_dict = POST_and_assert_expected_response(self, BASE_URL + '/reservation_strategy_template/', test_data, 201, expected_data)
+        url = r_dict['url']
+        GET_OK_and_assert_equal_expected_response(self, url, expected_data)
+
+    def test_reservation_strategy_template_PUT_invalid_raises_error(self):
+        test_data = test_data_creator.ReservationStrategyTemplate()
+        PUT_and_assert_expected_response(self, BASE_URL + '/reservation_strategy_template/9876789876/', test_data, 404, {})
+
+    def test_reservation_strategy_template_PUT(self):
+        # POST new item, verify
+        test_data = test_data_creator.ReservationStrategyTemplate()
+        expected_data = test_data_creator.update_schema_from_template("reservationtemplate", test_data)
+        r_dict = POST_and_assert_expected_response(self, BASE_URL + '/reservation_strategy_template/', test_data, 201, expected_data)
+        url = r_dict['url']
+        GET_OK_and_assert_equal_expected_response(self, url, expected_data)
+        # PUT new values, verify
+        test_data2 = test_data_creator.ReservationStrategyTemplate("reservationtemplate2")
+        expected_data2 = test_data_creator.update_schema_from_template("reservationtemplate", test_data2)
+        PUT_and_assert_expected_response(self, url, test_data2, 200, expected_data2)
+        GET_OK_and_assert_equal_expected_response(self, url, expected_data2)
+
+    def test_reservation_strategy_template_PATCH(self):
+        # POST new item, verify
+        test_data = test_data_creator.ReservationStrategyTemplate()
+        expected_data = test_data_creator.update_schema_from_template("reservationtemplate", test_data)
+        r_dict = POST_and_assert_expected_response(self, BASE_URL + '/reservation_strategy_template/', test_data, 201, expected_data)
+        url = r_dict['url']
+        GET_OK_and_assert_equal_expected_response(self, url, expected_data)
+
+        test_patch = {"name": "new_name",
+                      "description": "better description"}
+
+        # PATCH item and verify
+        expected_patch_data = test_data_creator.update_schema_from_template("reservationtemplate", test_patch)
+        PATCH_and_assert_expected_response(self, url, test_patch, 200, expected_patch_data)
+        expected_data = dict(test_data)
+        expected_data.update(expected_patch_data)
+        GET_OK_and_assert_equal_expected_response(self, url, expected_data)
+
+    def test_reservation_strategy_template_DELETE(self):
+        # POST new item, verify
+        test_data = test_data_creator.ReservationStrategyTemplate()
+        expected_data = test_data_creator.update_schema_from_template("reservationtemplate", test_data)
+        r_dict = POST_and_assert_expected_response(self, BASE_URL + '/reservation_strategy_template/', test_data, 201, expected_data)
+        url = r_dict['url']
+        GET_OK_and_assert_equal_expected_response(self, url, expected_data)
+        # DELETE and check it's gone
+        DELETE_and_assert_gone(self, url)
+
+
 class TaskTemplateTestCase(unittest.TestCase):
 
     def test_task_template_list_apiformat(self):
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/tmss_test_data_django_models.py b/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/tmss_test_data_django_models.py
index 1439289ddb36f8760085a647351c62492bbe6a86..03bd63e347821654485556b3e2c146e9aea2d92b 100644
--- a/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/tmss_test_data_django_models.py
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/tmss_test_data_django_models.py
@@ -580,6 +580,22 @@ def Reservation_test_data(name="MyReservation", duration=None, start_time=None,
             "specifications_template": specifications_template}
 
 
+def ReservationStrategyTemplate_test_data(name="my_ReservationStrategyTemplate",
+                                          reservation_template:models.ReservationTemplate=None,
+                                          template:dict=None) -> dict:
+    if reservation_template is None:
+        reservation_template = models.ReservationTemplate.objects.create(**ReservationTemplate_test_data())
+
+    if template is None:
+        template = get_default_json_object_for_schema(reservation_template.schema)
+
+    return {"name": name,
+            "description": 'My Reservation Template description',
+            "template": template,
+            "reservation_template": reservation_template,
+            "tags": ["TMSS", "TESTING"]}
+
+
 def ProjectPermission_test_data(name=None, GET=None, PUT=None, POST=None, PATCH=None, DELETE=None) -> dict:
     if name is None:
         name = 'MyProjectPermission_%s' % uuid.uuid4()
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/tmss_test_data_rest.py b/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/tmss_test_data_rest.py
index 51eedfcd740de728cfd7bdfd5829efb1a6e46481..551a251a68857807ceb4e4bf63699d6bd575c44d 100644
--- a/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/tmss_test_data_rest.py
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/backend/test/tmss_test_data_rest.py
@@ -147,6 +147,29 @@ class TMSSRESTTestDataCreator():
                  "schema": schema,
                  "tags": ["TMSS", "TESTING"]}
 
+    @property
+    def cached_reservation_template_url(self):
+        try:
+            return self._reservation_template_url
+        except AttributeError:
+            self._reservation_template_url = self.post_data_and_get_url(self.ReservationTemplate(), '/reservation_template/')
+            return self._reservation_template_url
+
+    def ReservationStrategyTemplate(self, name="my_ReservationStrategyTemplate",
+                                          reservation_template_url=None,
+                                          template:dict=None) -> dict:
+        if reservation_template_url is None:
+            reservation_template_url = self.cached_reservation_template_url
+
+        if template is None:
+            template = self.get_response_as_json_object(reservation_template_url+'/default')
+
+        return {"name": name,
+                "description": 'My ReservationTemplate description',
+                "template": template,
+                "reservation_template": reservation_template_url,
+                "version": "1",
+                "tags": ["TMSS", "TESTING"]}
 
     def SchedulingUnitObservingStrategyTemplate(self, name="my_SchedulingUnitObservingStrategyTemplate",
                                                       scheduling_unit_template_url=None,
diff --git a/SAS/TMSS/client/lib/populate.py b/SAS/TMSS/client/lib/populate.py
index 6d3420403a6490f9b74c7117f4fb845bce66e9e5..ccadba3d1274599f1d78b56c40c2be74405085fd 100644
--- a/SAS/TMSS/client/lib/populate.py
+++ b/SAS/TMSS/client/lib/populate.py
@@ -38,14 +38,18 @@ def populate_schemas(schema_dir: str=None, templates_filename: str=None):
             # keep track of the templates, json schemas and references
             templates_dict = {}
             observing_strategy_templates = []
+            reservation_strategy_templates = []
             schema_references = {}
             all_references = set()
 
             # load all templates and schemas and prepare them for upload.
             # determine the dependencies, and upload the depenends first, and the rest in parallel later.
             for template in templates:
-                with open(os.path.join(schema_dir, template['file_name'])) as schema_file:
-                    json_schema = json.loads(schema_file.read())
+                try:
+                    with open(os.path.join(schema_dir, template['file_name'])) as schema_file:
+                        json_schema = json.loads(schema_file.read())
+                except Exception as e:
+                    raise Exception("Could not decode JSON schema %s" % template['file_name']) from e
 
                 # add template name/description/version from schema if not already in template
                 template['name'] = template.get('name', json_schema.get('title', '<no name>'))
@@ -71,7 +75,7 @@ def populate_schemas(schema_dir: str=None, templates_filename: str=None):
                 # get the id without trailing # and/or /
                 json_schema_id = json_schema.get('$id', "").rstrip("#").rstrip("/")
 
-                if template_name == 'scheduling_unit_observing_strategy_template':
+                if 'strategy_template' in template_name:
                     template['template'] = json_schema
                 else:
                     template['schema'] = json_schema
@@ -83,10 +87,17 @@ def populate_schemas(schema_dir: str=None, templates_filename: str=None):
 
                 # store the prepared template for upload
                 if template_name == 'scheduling_unit_observing_strategy_template':
+                    template["strategy_template_name"] = template_name  # so the 'strategy_template' name
+                    template["template_name"] = "scheduling_unit_template"
                     observing_strategy_templates.append(template)
+                elif template_name == 'reservation_strategy_template':
+                    template["strategy_template_name"] = template_name
+                    template["template_name"] = "reservation_template"
+                    reservation_strategy_templates.append(template)
                 else:
                     templates_dict[json_schema_id] = template
 
+
             # helper functions for uploading
             def upload_template(template: dict):
                 logger.info("Uploading template with name='%s' version='%s'", template['name'], template['version'])
@@ -103,13 +114,18 @@ def populate_schemas(schema_dir: str=None, templates_filename: str=None):
                     template = templates_dict.pop(id)
                     upload_template(template)
 
-            # helper functions for uploading observing_strategy_templates
-            def upload_observing_strategy_templates(template: dict):
-                scheduling_unit_templates = client.get_path_as_json_object('scheduling_unit_template?name=' + template.get('scheduling_unit_template_name') + '&version=' + template.get('scheduling_unit_template_version'))
-                scheduling_unit_template = scheduling_unit_templates[0]
-                template['scheduling_unit_template'] = scheduling_unit_template['url']
-                logger.info("Uploading observation strategy with name='%s' version='%s'", template['name'], template['version'])
-                client.post_template(template_path='scheduling_unit_observing_strategy_template', **template)
+            def upload_strategy_templates(template: dict):
+                """
+                Helper function for uploading strategy_templates
+                Use template["strategy_template_name"] for the name of the 'strategy_template' to be uploaded
+                Use template["template_name"] for the name of the template (used for validation)
+                """
+                tn = template.get('template_name')
+                response_templates = client.get_path_as_json_object(tn+'?name=' + template.get(tn+'_name') + '&version=' + template.get(tn+'_version'))
+                template[tn] = response_templates[0]['url']
+                logger.info("Uploading strategy with name='%s' version='%s'", template['name'], template['version'])
+                client.post_template(template_path=template.get('strategy_template_name'), **template)
+
 
             # first, upload all dependent templates
             for ref in all_references:
@@ -118,11 +134,15 @@ def populate_schemas(schema_dir: str=None, templates_filename: str=None):
             # then, upload the remaining templates in parallel
             rest_templates = [template for template in templates_dict.values()]
             with ThreadPoolExecutor() as executor:
-               executor.map(upload_template, rest_templates)
+                executor.map(upload_template, rest_templates)
+
+            # the reservation_strategy_templates
+            with ThreadPoolExecutor() as executor:
+                executor.map(upload_strategy_templates, reservation_strategy_templates)
 
             # and finally, the observing_strategy_templates
             with ThreadPoolExecutor() as executor:
-               executor.map(upload_observing_strategy_templates, observing_strategy_templates)
+                executor.map(upload_strategy_templates, observing_strategy_templates)
 
             scheduling_constraints_templates = client.get_path_as_json_object('scheduling_constraints_template')
             if scheduling_constraints_templates: