Create a shift optimization rule

Shift optimization rules specify where working or non-working shift Work period in WFM that has a definite length. events are automatically placed when a request that adds or removes time from a shift is approved. Depending on the rule definition, shift events can be automatically moved, added to, or removed from a shift.

After creating a rule, you can change the rule status to inactive by clearing the Apply check box on the Shift Optimization list page.

Before you begin 

Shift optimization rules overview

Procedure 

1. Go to Organization Management Module in WFO that allows administrators to set up different hierarchies to manage users from a single, unified, Web interface.. Under Request Management, select Shift Optimization.

2. From the left pane, select an organization.

3. Select Create New Rule.

4. In the Rule name field, enter a name for the rule.

   For example, Time_off_max_6_hours.

5. Under Request Types, select the request types to which the rule applies.

   For example, if you want the rule to apply to shift bidding Feature in WFM that allows employees to submit requests (bids) for selected shift assignments. and shift request & change requests, select Shift Request & Change and Shift Bidding. You can optionally select Include Withdrawal for the relevant requests.

6. Optional. If you selected Time Off/Flex Time, select one or more time-off types Under Available Time Off Types. The rule only applies to these specific time-off request types.

7. Under Optimization, define the duration range of the shift assignment to which the rule applies.

   For example, if you want the rule to apply to all shifts with a duration of 8 or 9 hours, enter 8:00-9:00 in this field.

   If there are rules with adjacent durations, the system applies the rule that matches the duration of the shift or longer (not shorter).

   For example, the approved shift request is 2 hours. There is a rule for a duration of 1-2 hours, and a rule with a duration of 2-4 hours. In this case, the system uses the rule with a duration of 2-4 hours.

8. In the use shift field, select the shift template for which you want the shift events in the template to be applied to the relevant shift assignment.

   Shifts with absolute breaks and custom gaps cannot be used as shift templates. Therefore, these shifts do not appear in the use shift field.

9. Under Shift event optimization, select one of the following:

   1. Optimize non-working shift events (breaks) only: If there are non-working shift events in the shift template, the system optimizes these shift events into the shift assignment.

   2. Optimize working shift events only: If there are working shift events in the shift template, the system optimizes these shift events into the shift assignment.

   3. Optimize both non-working and working shift events: If there are both working and non-working shift events in the shift template, the system optimizes all of these shift events in the shift assignment.

      If there are working shift events in the shift assignment that are not in the shift template, the system does not optimize these events. Working shift events that are in the shift assignment must be part of the shift template for the system to optimize them.

10. Under Apply to sub-orgs, select one of the following:

    • Apply to this org only: Rule applies only to the selected organization, and not to its suborganizations.

    • Apply to sub-orgs (no override): Rule applies to the organization and its suborganizations. Users associated with the suborganizations cannot update the rule.

    • Apply to sub-orgs (allow override): Rule applies to the organization and its suborganizations. Users associated with the suborganizations can change whether the rule applies to their organization, but they cannot update it.

Related topics 

Shift optimization rule fields

Shift optimization list page

Shift optimization examples