Single resource scheduling
Resource Scheduling Optimization's single resource optimization feature provides a quick and simple way to reoptimize the schedule of a selected resource from the schedule board. This task can be completed to ensure that the resource continues to have an optimal schedule and route after schedule changes or cancellations occur during the day.
For example, a resource might have overlapping bookings after being assigned an emergency work order or after having arrived late due to traffic during the day. Those bookings need to be adjusted to ensure that the technician is able to complete the necessary work as needed.
Before a resource schedule can be modified with Single Resource Scheduling, the bookable resource record for that user must have the Optimize Schedule option set to Yes. In addition, single resource scheduling uses the default resource optimization goal for an organization. When RSO is deployed, a default goal for the organization is created. The default goal can be found and changed, if desired, by going to Resource Scheduling Optimization > Optimization Goals.
Single resource optimization only reoptimizes existing bookings. It doesn't generate new bookings. Also, you can apply it to reoptimize bookings that were originally booked manually or by a resource availability search, and any bookings that were created from location-agnostic requirements.
Use single resource optimization from the schedule board
Two ways to use the single resource optimization feature from the schedule board are:
One-click with defaults - Optimize the schedules for a single resource with one click by using the default goal with a time range set to the end of the current day. This task can be performed from any schedule board view.
Advanced with edits - Optimize the schedules for a single resource with the option to edit the goal and time range and the option to run as a simulation and apply or discard the results. This option is only possible from the schedule board view that is related to your optimization scope.
One-click with defaults
Using the One-click option that uses the organization's default optimization goal can be handy when you need to quickly optimize a resource schedule from the current point to the end of the day.
For example, an organization's default optimization goal might be to maximize productivity while minimizing travel. As a technician moves through their day, they might end up spending more time at an appointment than originally intended. As a result, the technician has some overlap on their existing bookings. In this instance, using One-click could be ideal because it looks at the existing bookings and rearranges as needed to fix the overlap in the schedule.
To initiate single resource optimization from the schedule board, right-click the resource's name and then select Optimize schedule to start the optimization for a selected resource.
As shown in the following image, yellow lines indicate the default optimization range, which in this instance, is from now to the end of today (12:00 AM). In addition, a gray mask also defines the default optimization range, from now to the end of today (12:00 AM). The Optimization panel shows the currently selected resource, default range for the optimization, default goal, and optimization request status.
Advanced optimization with edits
In instances where you want to have a bit more control on how a single resource is optimized, you can adjust job settings from the Optimization tab of the Details pane. When RSO is installed, the Optimization tab is automatically added to the Details pane of the schedule board. The tab can be used to modify and adjust settings for optimizing individual or groups of resources.
When you select an individual resource and open the tab, you can select a single resource, and then you can adjust the schedule of the resource that you selected. From here, you can customize the optimization range to any date/time or change the optimization goal as needed.
For example, as a technician encounters delays, and as projects are postponed, you might run into a scenario where a booking occurs outside of normal business hours. It might be best if you move the job to the next day. In this instance, the range could be set to a custom range that includes the rest of today and into the next day.
It might also make sense to use a different optimization goal rather than the default goal for the organization. This approach would allow an organization to put more weight on factors such as honoring times of currently scheduled items. In these instances, the organization could select a different optimization goal that is more aligned with the expectation.
For example, some of the bookings that the technician is scheduled for might have specific time windows that are already promised. By selecting a goal that puts more of a priority on locked bookings, the organization can ensure that the technicians' schedules are filled without moving those items from their previously promised times.
When a goal is configured to run as a simulation, the optimization schedules simulated bookings. Those simulated bookings are shown on the schedule board in white. Users can elect to apply or discard simulation results. Simulated bookings don't show on a map with routes. However, after they're applied, they show.
As the jobs are run, the Optimization requests history grid displays the status of current and past jobs. Those items can be opened to view more specific details about the job.
For more information, see How to use single resource optimization.