Create a task unassignment constraint

  • Release version: Washingtondc
  • Updated February 1, 2024
  • 2 minutes to read

    • Define constraints that prevent a task from being unassigned even if it is of lower importance based on the task ordering rules.

    Before you begin

    Role required: admin

    About this task

    Un-Assignment Constraints are rules that govern when tasks can or cannot be unassigned, such as unassigning less important tasks to prioritize more critical ones. Use them to maintain the integrity of task lists and ensure Task Ordering Rules don’t conflict with dependencies for smooth operations. This minimizes operational disruptions and enhances customer satisfaction by reducing last-minute changes.

    • Several Pre-configured Un-Assignment Constraints are provided
      • Task with downstream: Blocks un-assignment if a task has dependent tasks.
      • Schedule Lock: Task remains assigned regardless of other variables.
      • Part Sourced: Prevents un-assignment if required parts are already sourced.
      • On Route: Task remains if technician is already on the way.
      • Needs Crew: Cannot un-assign if specific crew requirements are met.
      • Breaching SLA: Blocks if SLA will breach within the next 5 hours.
      • Has Appointment: Prevents un-assignment if there's a scheduled appointment.
    • Enabling the unassignment option allows dynamic scheduling to unassign a task to complete the assignment of a more important task. The unassignment option is available as a checkbox on the Dynamic Scheduling Configuration Work Order Task record (Field Service > Dynamic Scheduling Administration > Configuration).
    • Task importance is determined by task ordering rules.
    • If an unassigned task has downstream tasks, the downstream tasks are also unassigned and added to the queue.
    • Task assignments and dependencies are handled correctly as long as ordering rules don't conflict with task dependencies.

    Procedure

    1. Navigate to All > Field Service > Administration > Dynamic Scheduling Configuration.
    2. In the Un-Assignment Constraints related list, click New.
    3. Click the lookup icon next to the Constraint field.
    4. In the Constraints list, click New.
    5. Fill in the fields on the Constraint form, as necessary.
      Table 1. Constraint form
      Field Description
      Name The constraint name.
      Task Table Select the task table to which this constraint applies.
      Type Choose the type of constraint.
      • Simple: define a simple constraint by selecting a table, a task field, and one or more filter conditions.
      • Advanced: define an advanced constraint by creating a script.
      Constraint Table Specify the table used to define the constraint on a task.
      Task Field Select the task field to which this constraint applies.
      Constraint Condition When this condition is true, it prevents task reassignment or unassignment.
      Constraint Script If using an advanced constraint, create a script to define the constraint details.
    6. Click Submit.
      Returns you to the Un-Assignment Constraint form.
    7. Click Submit.
      Returns you to the configuration form and adds the constraint to the Un-Assignment Constraints related list.

    Result

    The unassignment constraint is created and added to the configuration. This constraint will prevent task unassignment based on the specified conditions, ensuring that tasks are not unassigned even if they have lower importance according to the task ordering rules.

    What to do next

    Validate the dynamic scheduling configuration.