When choosing between using schedules or the default order form, it’s important to know that both tools have their own strengths and may be suited to different scenarios. Understanding when to use each can significantly enhance your efficiency and ensure client satisfaction.
Schedules: Schedules allow you to create a request for staff including multiple job types, number of staff per shift, and various dates and times. This makes the Schedule option ideal for publishing a request with more complexity and moving parts.
Order Forms: On the other hand, order forms are more straightforward and are best suited for staffing requests with less variables. The default order form is designed to handle a single job type per order, with limited dates and times. The default order form can also handle long term or flexible schedule types, while Schedules can only handle short-term shifts.
When to Use Schedules
Complex Requests: If your needs involve multiple job types, dates, and times , schedules are the way to go. They allow for greater flexibility and the ability to adapt as the event progresses.
Example: Your client is hosting a two-day event and requires different staff for each day. On the first day, they need 2 bartenders and 2 servers for an evening cocktail party. On the second day, they need a chef and 1 server for a brunch event. With schedules, this request can be entered without having to place multiple orders.
Ongoing Client Relationships: For clients with consistent needs, schedules provide a structured yet flexible way to manage their requirements. You can easily accommodate changes without the need to create new orders each time.
Example: Your client’s dental office needs workers on a weekly basis. They require 3 dental assistants, every Friday morning and 2 hygienists in the afternoon. Occasionally, they need an additional assistant for a different start time. With schedules, they can enter their needs just once, and make adjustments if necessary.
When to Use Order Forms
Single Job Orders: For events that involve only one job type and straightforward timing, order forms are ideal.
Example: Your client requires two Registered Nurse’s (RN) to cover a night shift next week on Monday and Wednesday.
Long Term Orders: These are recurring orders that typically last more than three weeks and consist of a set number of hours to be worked per day. The same candidate will be assigned to the entirety of the order.
Example: Your client needs 1 RN to work nights every Monday and Wednesday for three-months.
Flexible Orders: These orders do not have fixed daily hours, meaning the client estimates the total job duration but does not specify exact start or end times for each day. Instead, you only need to set a start date and an end date for the assignment.
Example: Your client needs a graphic designer to create a new logo for them. They need the logo by September 15th and have enough budget to pay for 10 hours of work.
Conclusion
Choosing between schedules and order forms depends on the nature of the staffing request and the specific needs of your client. Schedules offer flexibility and are best suited for requests with many moving parts or needs that occur consistently. Order forms provide simplicity and are ideal for short term/ one-off, long term or flexible events with a single job type. By understanding the strengths of each tool, you can make more informed decisions, ensuring that your events run smoothly and efficiently, while also meeting your client’s expectations.