technical models. This work will require a number of different skills profiles, including capable data scientists, data engineers, and cloud engineers.
must be developed in conjunction with efficient scheduling processes, which should be codesigned with frontline employees. Digital tools, such as smart-scheduling engines, codify the underlying processes, meaning that organizations that do not optimize their processes in tandem with the development of technical tools are at risk of codifying inefficiencies. Getting the most out of new digital tools may require some or all of the following process improvement initiatives: — clear job readiness checklists that take into account the specificities of each electric or gas job — break-in management processes that reduce nonemergency break-ins and quickly reorder the schedule to address emergencies — efficient handoff meetings to align stakeholders such as schedulers, field supervisors, and warehouse managers
3. Businesses must clearly specify their optimization criteria
A smart-scheduling engine can optimize frontline schedules based on several evaluation criteria. For example, the engine could maximize the number of jobs scheduled, minimize operating costs related to shifts or travel time, or maximize service levels by reducing customer wait times. To achieve the best results, it is imperative that business leaders feed clear objectives into their smart-scheduling engine. 4. Piloting, followed by intentionally scaling, a “light tech” scheduling solution is vital to increasing adoption Smart-scheduling solutions can be developed as “light tech” overlays on top of existing systems and do not require platform overhauls (“heavy tech”). Algorithms can often be tested in an isolated testing environment to pilot the efficacy of a scheduling optimization solution. This piloting, which should be done in conjunction with schedulers, is essential to train the model for the specific utility company and context. For example, variations in regulations or union-specific requirements can have a significant impact on the details of an optimized schedule.
— prejob walkthroughs to ensure site readiness
Additionally, the successful deployment of digital tools requires continuous maintenance of the
To achieve the best results, it is imperative that business leaders feed clear objectives into their smart- scheduling engine.
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