Please explain the differences between machine resources and labour resources
Resources in Orchestrate are anything that needs to be scheduled. This can include machines, tools, vessels, rooms, areas and people or skill sets. If you wish to show that it is being used, or if it is something that constrains how you plan work, then you may wish to include it as a resource.
Labour is a separate category of resource intended to be used for people and skill groups. Labour works in a similar manner to other resources, and all the functionality described here can be used for either. You can turn labour on or off through the System Manager.
Resources Menu
The resources menu holds a section for both resources and labour. Here, we describe how to set up resources. Labour should be set up in the same way through the equivalent labour tables.
Resources
Each resource to be scheduled should be created as an entry in the resources table. The basic data needed are as follows:
Resource Code
This should be unique and contain no spaces
Resource Description
A description of your resource.
Allow Tasks Overlaps
Check this box if more than one task can happen on this resource at the same time. Leaving it unchecked prevents tasks from overlapping on the resource. It also makes the capacity box read-only.
Max Units Available
Set the maximum number of this resource available for use.
Shift Editing Method
By default, shifts are off for all resources. Set to On/Off to have the resource set on shift or off shift. Use Adjust Quantity to change the number of units available for different shifts.
Resource Groups
If a choice of resources can be used as a step in a process, then these resources can be put into a group.
Create the resources first and then open the resource groups from the resources menu.
Create the resource group on the left-hand table and click save.
Make sure to have clicked on the resource group.
Now enter the resources for the group into the right-hand table.
Add a sequence number to indicate which order to choose the resources in.
When choosing the resource, Orchestrate will plan on each resource in the group and then choose the one which finishes earliest.