Automatic scheduling: 7 tips to start as a service company

More and more service and maintenance companies are opting for automated scheduling. After all, automated scheduling provides a faster and more efficient way to plan and execute daily jobs. However, automated planning does not just have added value. You need to consider several important factors to make it successful. We want to give you seven tips for planning automatically.

1. What goals do you want to achieve with automatic scheduling

As mentioned, automated planning does not bring added value to every organization. Every service company is different, so the results are never the same for everyone. Therefore, ask yourself what your organization wants to achieve with automatic planning and set several clear objectives based on this. For example, you can improve efficiency, reduce costs, or increase customer satisfaction. Based on your goals, automated scheduling is then implemented. It can then be easily assessed whether it provides value and/or whether other adjustments must be made.

2. Dive into the possibilities of automatic scheduling

Every service and maintenance company is different, which creates different needs and results. Automated planning is never a standard procedure used in the same way for every organization. Therefore, familiarize yourself with the possibilities and options available. Comparing different options ensures you ultimately select the best solution for your organization and minimizes risks.

3. Make sure you have good preparation and planning

We understand better than anyone that you get started with automated planning as soon as possible and that you prefer to reap the benefits as quickly as possible. However, it is a fact that automated planning entails organizational change. Therefore, make sure you are well prepared. Do you have enough and the right employees in-house? Are your employees equipped with the necessary knowledge or training? Does your team offer something extra that can make a difference? Is your current service and maintenance software suitable? Good preparation and feasible planning ensure that problems are prevented during implementation.

4. Make relevant data available

Is automatic scheduling something for your organization? An essential condition for automated planning is that sufficient relevant data is available. After all, the software must be able to use data such as working hours, employee availability, and deadlines. If you do not have enough data available or if it is not accurate, your planning cannot be drawn up optimally.

5. Provide flexibility in your organization

Automated planning is an excellent addition for many service organizations. However, realize that your organization must be flexible to adapt to changing circumstances. After all, an automated planning module always looks at the most efficient planning. As an organization, you must be open to adapting to this new plan.

6. Give employees the proper training

We just mentioned that the introduction of automated planning entails an organizational change. In general, people are not crazy about change. Therefore, employees should be involved during the implementation and receive clear training about the new working method. The focus should be understanding the software, terminology, and new work processes. In this way, errors are prevented as much as possible, and your organization makes the best possible use of the new system.

7. Also, think about management and maintenance

Of course, please introduce automated planning once, and then you won’t have to worry about it anymore. Unfortunately, that is not the reality, and you must keep up with the constantly changing market. In addition, the software for automated scheduling must be managed and maintained to ensure that it continues functioning as it should. Therefore, choose an implementation partner that will last you for several years and relieve you as much as possible regarding management and maintenance. This helps you minimize downtime and other issues. In addition, they can help you to analyze the results sometime after implementation and optimize them further where possible.