Bringing ATC constraints into one roster

One assignment can affect coverage, rest and the distribution of duties. In a 24/7 ATC operation, those requirements need to be considered together.

Constraint-based rostering helps planners compare assignments against that full set of requirements and see where they conflict.

Define the constraints

Start with the operation’s staffing demand: the roles and qualifications required in each time period. Add employee availability and competency records, followed by the applicable duty, break and rest rules.

Distinguish requirements that determine validity from preferences used to improve the roster. Preferred shifts, days off and the distribution of undesirable duties may need to be balanced when they compete with coverage.

Apply the model to ATC

SkyRoster supports strategic shift planning and tactical allocation to working positions. Its engine evaluates proposed assignments using the configured constraints. Planners review results and address violations before publication.

Relevant capabilities include:

• Shift types and staffing requirements for different parts of the day.
• Qualification and competency records that inform assignment eligibility.
• Rules for working time, rest and the distribution of duties.
• Staff preferences, leave requests and shift-swap workflows.
• Reports that help planners compare hours, overtime and roster changes.

The organisation defines its requirements and reviews the resulting roster. Where staffing is insufficient, planners need to assess the remaining coverage gaps and available options.

Check the changes too

Absences, additional demand and swaps can affect several constraints at once. A consistent review process checks availability, qualifications and working-time effects before approving changes.

Keep records current and assess the relevant period around a change. A single assignment can look reasonable in isolation while creating a conflict with a neighbouring duty.

Compare the whole result

Compare representative rosters using the same demand and staff inputs. Examine coverage, violations, overtime, duty distribution and the effort required to revise the plan. Use those measures to decide whether the proposed workflow improves the planning process.

SkyRoster focuses on ATC rostering. Explore the rule catalogue to see what the checks cover, or read how the engine compares roster alternatives.