Cru Software | Blog

What is Scheduling Optimisation & how can it transform complex operations?

Written by Cru Software | Feb 8, 2023 12:28:27 AM

What is scheduling optimisation?

Simply put, scheduling optimisation means determining the most efficient use of resources to achieve a set of goals. Scheduling optimisation software allows organisations in the resources and utilities sectors to allocate work activities to the right people, in the right places, at the right times. 

Crucially, optimised schedules replace:

  • paper-driven manual processes
  • unwieldy, error-prone spreadsheets
  • disparate systems for siloed teams.

Is it actually effective for complex organisations?

Yes, it is. At Cru, we’ve worked with huge organisations such as Origin Energy to optimise schedules across thousands of operational and maintenance activities.

Our smart solutions cater directly to the needs of complex operations. Cru Scheduling software streamlines planning and scheduling, integrating with Cru Rostering to assess the availability and competencies of both employees and contractors. Combining both software solutions lets planners schedule, manage, engage and analyse their workforce in a single cloud-based app, regardless of where they’re located.

By pulling together data from multiple sources, our software provides an easily understandable visualisation of operational and maintenance activities across many different sites for both the short and long term. 

 

How does scheduling optimisation work?

Scheduling optimisation software allows organisations to automatically build schedules that are configurable to their needs. Schedules can be built to meet necessary operational, maintenance and safety compliance criteria, and to simultaneously allow for variables including:

  • due dates
  • activity priorities
  • roles
  • skill sets
  • locations
  • qualifications. 

Cru Scheduling software allows users, depending on their needs, to adjust their level of input across three levels of automation:

  1. manual
  2. semi-automated - our smart scheduling assistant will suggest schedule improvements
  3. fully optimised and automatic.

In the case of fully optimised scheduling, intelligent business-defined algorithms are used to automatically create and adjust schedules.

What are the operational benefits of scheduling optimisation?

The benefits of scheduling optimisation for large-scale operations are considerable.

Streamlining

A fully integrated and optimised schedule brings together activities, resources and all other relevant data in a single interface that’s easily managed. When coupled with Cru Scheduling it can leverage existing ERP and third-party data with seamless integrations, streamlining operational processes and systems. This streamlining of previously disparate and manual systems is a game-changer – particularly for large operations in the resources and utilities sectors. 

Efficiency

A streamlined and automated schedule is more efficient on multiple fronts:

  • It is far less time-consuming for planners and schedulers to create – delivering consistent, repeatable outputs in line with business-defined rules.
  • It improves asset utilisation and uptime.
  • It makes better use of the workforces involved.
  • It reduces travel times by optimising routes and equipment use.

Visibility

Optimised schedules enhance visibility and accountability across an organisation because they bring together all necessary data in one place. Because Cru Scheduling is cloud-based: 

  • it can be accessed by planners and teams regardless of their location 
  • all updates show up in real time, meaning scheduling information is always current. 

Adaptability

The manual scheduling systems that have typically been used in the past by energy and resources companies are time-consuming, cumbersome and inflexible. In reality, the operational environment is dynamic, with many variables that can’t be easily accommodated using old-school scheduling tools such as MS Excel. 

By contrast, optimised scheduling software allows companies to plan for and quickly adapt to changes in circumstances – and the most up-to-date schedule is always available, keeping everyone in the loop. 

What are the business benefits?

For resources and energy companies that are running complex operations in dynamic industries, the benefits of optimisation are far-reaching.  

Time

Optimised, integrated and automated scheduling is faster than legacy systems, and generates consistent and repeatable schedules in line with an organisation’s pre-defined criteria. This creates more time for planners and schedulers to focus on high-value planning and other data-improvement work.

Out in the field, optimised scheduling: 

  • increases asset uptime
  • makes better use of the workforce
  • reduces travel time by optimising routes.

Money

Optimised, integrated and automated scheduling is faster than legacy systems, and generates consistent and repeatable schedules in line with an organisation’s pre-defined criteria. This creates more time for planners and schedulers to focus on high-value planning and other data-improvement work.

The time efficiencies listed above translate to financial savings because they:

  • reduce costs
  • better utilise assets
  • decrease travel time
  • improve worker satisfaction and retention.

For example, Origin’s decision to deploy Cru Rostering and Scheduling software enabled them to easily and quickly visualise and schedule thousands of operational and maintenance activities throughout their CSG fields, delivering:

  • 25% reduction in travel per activity
  • 30% increase in tool time
  • 10% reduction in repeat site visits
  • 25% reduction in well downtime.  

Insights

In addition to making each day run smoothly, an optimised scheduling system captures an extraordinary amount of data, providing operational insights that can help companies strategise for the short and long term. 

Each schedule is, in effect, a unified and easily understood document of how the organisation is meeting its KPIs. Viewing scheduling data as an operational model of an organisation, management teams can evaluate how efficient operations are and how effectively capital is being used. This knowledge can be harnessed to guide future decisions and business priorities.

About CRU Scheduling

Cru Scheduling lets you streamline how you manage employees and contractors. It specifically caters to complex scheduling needs and improves communication between your schedulers and workforce.

Cru Scheduling can automatically schedule and easily visualise thousands of operational and maintenance activities across multiple complex sites. With three levels of automation, you’re in full control.

Interested in finding out more? Get in touch with us or request a live demo