Sign up to submit
Add your Content
Share ItThere are lots of reasons why people don’t use schedule maker software, or any other type of software in their business. The most common argument for not using schedule maker software is the “this-is-how-we-have-always-done-it” fallacy. They think a new software program is too difficult to setup or takes too long to implement. It’s a shame that some people have these attitudes because schedule maker software is very quick, easy, and will save you time. Setting up the software so you can start making a schedule is as easy as one, two, three.
There are three easy steps to the setup process: first, define your shifts, second, enter shift explanations and notes, and third, enter employee information. Once you’ve entered this information into your schedule maker, you’re all ready to go.
The first step in implementing a schedule maker is to define your shifts. Since many organizations have unique shifts, it’s important to find schedule software that will allow you to define your own shifts. Shifts are used to tell an employee when to start and end working. When you define a shift, you can enter the start and end time of the shift, as well as specific information, such as a description and abbreviation for the shift. An example of the description would be that it’s a day shift and the abbreviation could simply be the letter “D.” You can also indicate break lengths for the shift, so that unpaid break time is subtracted from the total length of the shift. A quick key could be assigned to make it faster to assign shifts when you are making schedules. For example, you could use the letter “D” on your keyboard to assign the day shift. A different color can also be set for each shift to make reading schedules easier. If you have a color printer, you could print color-coded schedules for your employees.
The second step to setting up new schedule maker software is to define explanations. Explanations are used to add even more detail to a shift. The shift description says when they will be working, such as day shift or night shift. An explanation description can be used to indicate location (ex. 3rd floor or cardiac unite), assignment (ex. training or charge nurse), or job (ex. customer service). You can also use explanations to describe time-off (ex. sick time, vacation, or holiday).
The third step of the schedule maker setup process is to enter employee information. When you enter employee information, you can type in general contact information, such as name, phone number, email address, and the number of desired hours they wish to work each week. You can also define positions and special skills, as well as enter miscellaneous comments about the employee.
Making schedules with software is very easy and will save you a lot of time, so don’t let the implementation scare you away. First, you need to set up your shifts. Second, set up shift explanations. Third, enter in your employees. The initial set-up of schedule maker software is as easy as one, two, three.
