Efficient Resource Scheduling: Prioritizing Locked Bookings for Maximization
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Jun 12, 2023 11:00 PM

Efficient Resource Scheduling: Prioritizing Locked Bookings for Maximization

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Explore how Microsofts Resource Scheduling Optimization improves efficiency by allowing dispatchers to lock bookings, prioritizing time, resource constraints or

Maximizing efficiency in Resource Scheduling: Prioritizing Locked Bookings In Resource Scheduling Optimization, dispatchers can lock existing scheduled bookings to Resource, Time or Time Range, or Resource and Time based on their scheduling scenarios. WHAT ARE LOCKED OPTIONS AND WHY ARE THEY NEEDED? Once a booking is created, a lock can be set on the Scheduling Lock Options field in the Resource Scheduling Optimization tab of the Bookable Resource Booking record. There are 4 options:

  • Lock to ‘Time Range’. A repair work order is scheduled for tomorrow and a confirmation sent to customer stating that a technician will be arriving between 9am to 12pm in the morning. In case if this repair work order needed to be rescheduled as part of rescheduling or re-optimization process, RSO will need to make sure estimated arrival time for this booking still between 9am to 12pm but may move this booking to other resource if needed in order to optimize global scheduling results.
  • Lock to ‘Resource’. Sometimes, certain technicians manage work 
Resource Scheduling Optimization (RSO) has introduced a feature to lock bookings. These locks can be set to Resource, Time, Time Range, or Resource and Time, with the intention of improving the scheduling process based on different scenarios. The four lock options serve different purposes:
  1. Lock to 'Time Range': This ensures that a booking stays within a specific time range, but the resource assigned can change to optimize scheduling.
  2. Lock to 'Resource': Ensures that a booking remains with a particular resource but can be moved to a different time for better scheduling outcomes.
  3. Lock to 'Time': The booking is kept at a specific time, but the resource assigned can be adjusted if necessary.
  4. Lock to 'Resource and Time': This prevents any changes to the booking time or assigned resource, but the estimated travel time might be recalculated.

Previously, RSO administrators could select and rank 'Locked booking' objectives in the optimization goal, which included locked bookings in the optimization process. However, too many locked bookings could limit the system's flexibility and lead to suboptimal results or double bookings.

The RSO 3.4.0.8 update has improved the logic for locked bookings, ensuring they're always included in new proposed schedules, and other bookings are scheduled around them. While this reduces potential conflicts, excessive use of lock constraints could result in poor optimization.

RSO will also still respect locked bookings, even if they violate scheduling constraints like skill matching. In such cases, it'll show a prompt for the user to make corrections if needed.

For more efficient resource scheduling, it's advised to use booking lock options wisely. For further information, consult the Universal Resource Scheduling documentation on Dynamics 365 Field Service overview. User feedback is always welcomed in the Dynamics 365 Community.

 

Understanding Locked Options in Resource Scheduling Optimization

Locked options play a vital role in ensuring efficient resource scheduling by giving dispatchers the flexibility to manage bookings according to specific requirements. These options allow for customized locking settings based on time or resource constraints, ensuring that customer expectations are met while still optimizing scheduling solutions. By understanding the various lock options, dispatchers can better navigate complex scheduling scenarios and make informed decisions to ultimately improve overall performance and service quality.

Learn about Maximizing efficiency in Resource Scheduling: Prioritizing Locked Bookings

 

Resource Scheduling Optimization (RSO) is a tool used by dispatchers to maximize efficiency in resource scheduling. It allows existing scheduled bookings to be locked to a resource, time, or time range based on the specific scheduling scenario.

Locking a booking involves setting a Scheduling Lock Option on the Bookable Resource Booking record. There are four options: Lock to Time Range, Lock to Resource, Lock to Time, and Lock to Resource and Time.

Lock to Time Range allows dispatchers to set a specific time frame for a repair work order, such as 9am to 12pm. This ensures that any rescheduling or re-optimizing the booking process will still keep the estimated arrival time within that window.

Lock to Resource ensures that certain technicians are assigned to specific service requests. This could be beneficial if a customer has a preferred technician or one technician has a specific area of expertise.

Lock to Time locks the booking to a specific time slot, which may be necessary if there are specific time constraints or the booking needs to be completed during a specific shift.

Lock to Resource and Time combines the two previous options and allows for a booking to be locked to both a specific technician and a specific time.

By using RSO to prioritize locked bookings, dispatchers can more easily optimize their scheduling process and maximize efficiency.

 

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Keywords

Resource Scheduling Optimization, Locked Bookings, Scheduling Lock Options, Time Range, Resource, Optimization, Global Scheduling, Repair Work Order, Confirmation, Rescheduling, Re-Optimization, Estimated Arrival Time