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The Solvice Scheduling Framework provides a comprehensive approach to workforce optimization across five interconnected planning levels. Each level feeds into the next, creating a seamless flow from high-level strategy to day-to-day operations.
Hierarchical planning levels from labour budgeting to task sequencing

Solvice Framework: From strategic planning to operational execution

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Planning Hierarchy

Labour Budgeting

Level: Strategic | Horizon: Annual/QuarterlyDefine overall workforce capacity and budget constraints. This foundational level determines:
  • Total headcount and FTE allocations
  • Budget constraints for labor costs
  • Skill mix requirements
  • Seasonal capacity adjustments

Demand Forecasting

Level: Tactical | Horizon: Monthly/WeeklyPredict workload requirements based on historical patterns and business drivers:
  • Customer demand patterns
  • Service level targets
  • Peak period identification
  • Capacity planning inputs

Shift Creation

Level: Tactical | Horizon: WeeklyGenerate optimal shift structures to meet forecasted demand using the Create API:
  • Convert demand curves into concrete shifts
  • Balance coverage requirements with labor costs
  • Apply template patterns or flexible generation
  • Ensure minimum/maximum staffing levels

Create API

Automatically generate shifts from demand forecasts

Shift Filling

Level: Operational | Horizon: Daily/WeeklyAssign employees to created shifts using the Fill API:
  • Match employee skills to shift requirements
  • Enforce labor regulations and rest periods
  • Respect employee preferences and availability
  • Balance workload fairly across the workforce

Fill API

Optimize employee-to-shift assignments

Task Sequencing

Level: Operational | Horizon: DailyOptimize task execution order using the VRP API:
  • Route field workers efficiently
  • Schedule appointments within time windows
  • Balance workloads across resources
  • Minimize travel time and costs

VRP API

Optimize routes and task sequences

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Framework Benefits

End-to-End Optimization

Each planning level optimizes within constraints set by higher levels, ensuring strategic alignment throughout operations.

Cascading Constraints

Budget constraints flow to demand planning, demand drives shift creation, and shifts define the assignment problem.

Feedback Loops

Operational outcomes inform tactical and strategic adjustments, creating continuous improvement cycles.

Unified Platform

Consistent API design across all levels simplifies integration and enables holistic optimization.

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Solver Mapping

Each planning level maps to specific Solvice APIs:
Planning LevelHorizonSolvice APIPrimary Output
Labour BudgetingAnnualExternal systemsHeadcount, Budget
Demand ForecastingMonthlyExternal systemsDemand curves
Shift CreationWeeklyCreate APIShift templates
Shift FillingDaily/WeeklyFill APIEmployee assignments
Task SequencingDailyVRP APIOptimized routes
Labour budgeting and demand forecasting are typically handled by external HR and BI systems. Solvice APIs focus on the execution layers where optimization delivers the highest operational value.

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Data Flow

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Integration Points

The Create API accepts demand curves and generates shifts that provide optimal coverage:
{
  "demands": [
    {
      "name": "morning-rush",
      "from": "2024-01-15T08:00:00",
      "to": "2024-01-15T12:00:00",
      "min": 5,
      "max": 8
    }
  ],
  "templates": [...],
  "options": { "mode": "FLEXIBLE" }
}
The Fill API takes created shifts and assigns available employees:
{
  "shifts": [
    {
      "name": "morning-kitchen",
      "from": "2024-01-15T08:00:00",
      "to": "2024-01-15T14:00:00",
      "skills": [{ "name": "kitchen" }]
    }
  ],
  "employees": [...],
  "rules": [...]
}
The VRP API optimizes daily task execution for assigned workers:
{
  "vehicles": [
    {
      "id": "alice",
      "startLocation": { "lat": 51.05, "lng": 3.72 },
      "availability": { "from": "08:00", "to": "14:00" }
    }
  ],
  "jobs": [...],
  "objectives": [{ "type": "min-max", "value": "duration" }]
}

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Industry Applications

  • Healthcare
  • Retail
  • Field Service
  • Hospitality
Home Health Care Scheduling
  1. Budget: Annual nursing FTE allocations per region
  2. Demand: Patient visit requirements and acuity levels
  3. Shifts: Nurse shift schedules covering all regions
  4. Fill: Assign nurses based on skills and certifications
  5. Route: Optimize daily visit sequences with travel time
Solvice delivers 15-25% reduction in travel time while ensuring skill-matched assignments.

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Getting Started

1

Start with Shift Filling

Most organizations begin with the Fill API to optimize existing shift assignments:

Fill API Quickstart

Assign employees to shifts in minutes
2

Add Shift Creation

Once filling is optimized, add automated shift generation:

Create API Quickstart

Generate shifts from demand forecasts
3

Integrate Task Routing

For field operations, add route optimization:

VRP API Quickstart

Optimize daily routes and schedules

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Next Steps

Fill API Guide

Employee-to-shift assignment optimization

Create API Guide

Automated shift generation from demand

VRP API Guide

Route and schedule optimization

Platform Overview

Unified API design and architecture