One aspect of a scheduling system which is sometimes overlooked is that of specifying the roles needed for a specific job or process to be accomplished. In a number of industries cross-training of roles is expected of workers, whereby each individual can perform a number of tasks. But even then, specific qualifications for a job or process still need to be identified.

For example, in an automotive manufacturing facility a specific transmission will need to be mounted within a specific vehicle chassis to fill an order for a specific vehicle. A new model for that transmission might come along, say a six-speed continuously-variable model, and only one technician has been trained in how to install that model properly. It would be important for the scheduling system to be aware of this so that individual is in the right place when that installation needs to happen.

Identifying specific roles for an individual not only assists in ensuring processes occur correctly but is also useful in identifying what roles an individual needs to be trained in. Building qualification portfolios for individual workers will make those workers more valuable to the company in the long run.

Scheduling systems such as those from Tuppas Software can ensure roles are identified and assigned correctly within a facility. Reports for training personnel can also ensure cross-training is progressing well.

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