Mainsaver Work Order Scheduling Options

Challenge:

Utilize one of 3 scheduling options in Mainsaver to promote organized WO scheduling.

Methodology:

There are effectively 3 methods in Mainsaver to schedule work orders to individuals and crafts. Each of these has different features, capabilities, and results. This tech tip will explore the 3 different methods and detail characteristics of each, such that users can best evaluate which scheduling technique provides the most effective method for his/her maintenance operation.

Option 1 – Simple Work Order Assignment and Schedule date
A. Use one of the following fields on the work order detail tab to assign the work order to a supervisor, planner, individual or work group.

B. Use the Schedule Date / time fields on the work order action tab to designate the date the work is to be performed.

C. Build Table view queries and set up dashboards for assigned/scheduled work. Queries can be built to show work orders assigned to specific individuals, work groups, or supervisors. The queries will allow for efficient access of scheduled work by the individuals to whom they are assigned

Option 2 – Use the Mainsaver Basic Scheduler
The Mainsaver work order scheduler is launched from the Ribbon menu of the work order module by clicking on the “schedule work” button. The basic scheduler allows work orders to be scheduled to individuals on specific days. Work orders are scheduled based upon the craft required for the job. Therefore, only work orders with a craft code assigned to the WO labor tab will be available for scheduling.

To use the scheduler:

• Select the work orders to be scheduled using the drop-down menu in the upper left corner of the screen
• Select the individuals to which work orders will be scheduled using the drop down in the lower right window of the screen
• Select the date (week) that work is to be scheduled
• Click on the person to whom a job will be scheduled. Drag and drop the work order onto the title bar of the day the work is to be scheduled.
• Repeat until all desired work is scheduled

Once the work is scheduled, the schedule can be viewed by using the “print” button in the lower right corner, by a report in Management Reports (employee work schedule) or by using the Mainsaver calendar function. The Mainsaver basic scheduler assumes that all employees work 40 hours and does not take into account employee availability nor shift schedules that employees may work.

Option 3 – Use the Mainsaver Advanced Scheduler
The Mainsaver Advanced scheduler works much the same as the basic scheduler; however, it provides enhanced detail about actual availability of the work force. It allows specific shift schedules to set up to emulate actual work schedules at plant sites. In order to activate the advanced scheduler a switch is turned on in System Administration > Application Switches > General Tab.

Once the advanced feature is turned on custom shift schedules can be built in System Admin > Personnel. Then individuals are assigned to the specific shift in the Personnel module. By using this feature, the advanced scheduler can indicate exactly who is available for scheduling on any given date based on their shift schedule assignment.

Once the shift schedules and individuals are set up, the advanced scheduler works much the same as the basic scheduler.

• Select the work orders to be scheduled using the drop down menu in the upper left corner of the screen
• Select the individuals to which work orders will be scheduled using the drop down in the employee window.
• Select the date (week) that work is to be scheduled
• Click on the person to whom a job will be scheduled. Drag and drop the work order onto the title bar of the day the work is to be scheduled.
• Repeat until all desired work is scheduled

Benefit:

Implementing structured work order scheduling in your operation assists in maximizing craft utilization and available manpower.