Workload

Goal: To translate your production plan into staffing requirements. This section is where you define what is being made, where it is being made, and when it needs to happen.

The Workload section is the bridge between your ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) production plan and your actual staff. By selecting an SKU, you aren't just picking a product; you are pulling in a "staffing recipe" that tells Blue Roster exactly how many people—and which specific jobs—are needed to get the work done.

How Workload Functions

Workload operates on the logic of SKU Requirements. When you create a workload entry, the system looks at the SKU's predefined positions (from your Catalogs) and projects them onto the Action Center and Gantt charts.

The Three Methods of Entry:

1. Manual Creation: Best for one-off tasks or unexpected maintenance.

2. Templates: Best for standard production weeks that repeat regularly.

3. CSV Upload: Best for high-volume environments where production plans are exported from an ERP system (like SAP or Oracle).

Step-by-Step: Creating a Manual Workload

If you need to add a specific production run manually:

1. Define the SKU: Select the product or task (e.g., "Line 1 - Cleanup").

2. Assign the Location: Choose the Department and Place where this work will occur.

3. Set the Timeframe:

   • Input the Start Date and End Date.

   • Input the Start Time and End Time.

4. Run Engine: Click the button to process the workload. Once run, the system will immediately generate the necessary "holes" in the Action Center for you to fill.

Bulk Uploads (The CSV Method)

For most administrators, importing a weekly plan is the most efficient route. Blue Roster requires specific data columns in your spreadsheet for a successful upload:

Required Column	Description
SKU Name	Must match the name in your SKU Catalog exactly.
Department	The high-level area (e.g., "Packaging").
Place	The specific line or zone (e.g., "Line 2").
Start/End Date	Format: MM/DD/YYYY.
Start/End Time	Format: HH:MM (24-hour clock recommended).

Pro-Tip: Download the "Sample CSV" from the Workload menu to use as a template for your ERP exports.

5. Using Workload Templates

If your facility runs the same schedule every week (e.g., a "Standard 5-Day Run"):

1. Build the workload manually once.

2. Click "Save as Template."

3. Next week, simply click "Load Template," select your saved run, and adjust the dates.

6. Pro-Tips for Workload Accuracy

• The Lead Time: Try to load your workloads at least 72 hours in advance. This gives the system time to generate Overtime Opportunities (Yellow blocks) for employees to see on their apps.

• Overlapping Runs: You can run multiple SKUs at the same Place if they happen at different times. However, if they overlap, the system will combine the staffing requirements, which may create a "double-staffing" alert.

• Priority Staffing: If you use the Client Catalog, ensure your CSV or Manual entry includes the Client name. This allows the system to prioritize filling the "Walmart Line" before the "Generic Line" if you are short-staffed.