The camera will not get your request until after the next time it contacts the server to send a photo (whether motion-triggered, time lapse, or scheduled event) or scheduled event status report.
When you make a request, your request goes to the server. The server cannot send your request to the camera until the camera contacts the server again. After the camera delivers the photo or status report, it will get your request(s) and act.
If the batteries or low, signal is poor, or there is a problem with the SD card, a firmware update request may not complete. Sometimes, it may take several contacts with the server.
Some cameras will respond to multiple "stacked" requests (typically up to three with one server contact) while others may handle only one request at a time. You'll just have to see how your camera works.
Having scheduled events every 2-4 hours throughout the day will reduce the time you have to wait for your camera to respond to your requests because scheduled events will force the camera to check in at scheduled times rather than you having to wait for a motion-triggered photo or for the scheduled event 01 status report (at midnight unless you changed the time.