Overview #
The Smart Dispatch Optimization automatically creates the most efficient schedule for service engineers by considering Region, job locations, travel distance, appointment time windows, engineer availability, and business constraints. It helps dispatchers reduce travel time, improve resource utilization, and optimize daily job assignments directly from the Dispatch Board.
Prerequisites #
- Service engineers are active and available for scheduling.
- Jobs are created and assigned to the appropriate service region.
- Engineer locations and service addresses are maintained accurately.
- Work Calendar for Service Engineer, holidays, and time-off schedules are configured.
- The user has access to the Dispatch Board and optimization features.
Bulk Dispatch #
The Dispatch Jobs feature automatically assigns new or unassigned jobs to qualified engineers in bulk while considering service regions, skill requirements, working hours, and engineer availability
Step 1: Open the Dispatch Board
- Navigate to the Dispatch Board tab from the FieldAx application.
Step 2: Select the Date to load Assignments
- Select required Date from the Calendar.
Step 3: Select the Jobs
- Select the jobs you want to optimize by checking the corresponding checkboxes, or use the Select All
Step 4: Open the Bulk Dispatch
- Click Dispatch Jobs
Step 5: Configure Bulk Dispatch Jobs
In the Dispatch Jobs window:
Step 5.1: Enter the Minimum Skill Match % (Optional).
Step 5.2: Enter the Buffer Time (Not exceed Max – 60 Mins).
Step 5.3: Select the Assignment Strategy
- Nearest Neighbor – Shortest Route (default option).
- Time Windows – Honor Planned Times
Step 5.5: Enter the Buffer Time (Not exceed Max – 60 Mins).
Step 5.6: Click Start Dispatch.
Step 6: Review the “Dispatch Results”
The Results window displays:
- Number of Successful Assignments
- Number of Failed Assignments
- Total No of Jobs
- Each Jobs Contains the Successful or Failure Message
Step 7: Return to Dispatch Board
- Click Refresh Calendar to return to the Dispatch Board and view the Assignments.
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Optimize Schedule #
The Optimize Schedule feature reorganizes existing assigned jobs to create a more efficient route for service engineers. It helps reduce travel time and improve schedule efficiency while respecting configured scheduling constraints.
2.1. Shortest Route Optimization (Nearest Neighbor) #
Shortest Route Optimization automatically arranges an engineer’s daily assignments in the most efficient order based on the shortest travel route. The optimization starts from the engineer’s home location and helps reduce travel time while improving productivity.
Step 1: Open the Dispatch Board
- Navigate to the Dispatch Board tab from the FieldAx application.
Step 2: Open the Assignment Optimizer
- Click Optimize Schedule
Step 3: Configure the Optimization
In the Assignment Optimizer window:
Step 3.1: Select the desired Region.
Step 3.2: Ensure Nearest Neighbor – Shortest Route is selected (default option).
Step 3.3: Enter the Minimum Skill Match % (Optional).
Step 3.4: Enter the Buffer Time (Not exceed Max – 60 Mins).
Step 3.5: Click Preview.
Step 4: Review the “Preview”
The preview window displays:
- Number of Assignments
- Number of Engineers
- Number of Days
Review the optimization summary and click Run Optimization to proceed.
Step 5: Review the Optimization Results
After the optimization completes, the results window displays:
- Number of Assignments Reassigned
- Number of Assignments Optimized
- Total Travel Distance (KM)
- Total Travel Time (Minutes)
Step 6: Review the Additional Actions in Optimization Results
- Click an Engineer Name to view assignment details.
Step 7: New Optimizer Range
- Click Optimize Another Range Button this will redirect to the Assignment Optimizer configuration screen.
Step 8: Return to Dispatch Board
- Click Refresh Calendar to return to the Dispatch Board and view the updated schedule.
2.2. Time Window Optimization (Appointment-Aware Scheduling) #
Time Window Optimization schedules assignments while respecting customer appointment time slots. The system dynamically calculates travel time between jobs and optimizes routes without impacting scheduled appointments.
Step 1: Open the Dispatch Board
- Navigate to the Dispatch Board tab from the FieldAx application.
Step 2: Open the Assignment Optimizer
- Click Optimize Schedule
Step 3: Configure the Optimization
In the Assignment Optimizer window:
Step 3.1: Select the desired Region.
Step 3.2: Ensure Time Windows – Respect Appointment Order is selected.
Step 3.3: Enter the Minimum Skill Match % (Optional).
Step 3.4: Enter the Buffer Time (Not exceed Max – 60 Mins).
Step 3.5: Click Preview.
Step 4: Review the “Preview”
The preview window displays:
- Number of Assignments
- Number of Engineers
- Number of Days
Review the optimization summary and click Run Optimization to proceed.
Step 5: Review the Optimization Results
After the optimization completes, the results window displays:
- Number of Assignments Reassigned
- Number of Assignments Optimized
- Total Travel Distance (KM)
- Total Travel Time (Minutes)
Step 6: Review the Additional Actions in Optimization Results
- Click an Engineer Name to view assignment details.
Step 7: New Optimizer Range
- Click Optimize Another Range Button this will redirect to the Assignment Optimizer configuration screen.
Step 8: Return to Dispatch Board
- Click Refresh Calendar to return to the Dispatch Board and view the updated schedule.
