Hello, hoping for some advice please.
I am looking to set up a shift rotation planner for a charity I am involved with, and am not sure if I should be attempting this in Excel or if because of the number of potential volunteers/requirements I should be looking at separate software.
Details as follows:
- 7 days per week operation
- 12hrs per day (3x4hr shifts, 2 volunteers on duty each shift)
- Maximum of 500 volunteer names
Ideally I would like Excel (at the press of a button!) to fairly work out the shift patterns based on indicated shift preferences (eg what days/times you are available), and an option to email the shift pattern out. Also, the option to alter the days/hours required (eg if it was reduced to 5 days, or only 8hrs per day etc).
I am thinking because of my "wish list" separate software might have to be the way to go, but would be grateful for suggestions from anyone who has had experience either setting up something similar in Excel, or if anyone has experience of relevant (preferably free) software.
I would call myself an advanced-beginner in Excel (can deal with basic VBA/macro manipulation, lookups, pivots, indirect function etc), so look forward to your comments.
Many thanks!
Barry
I am looking to set up a shift rotation planner for a charity I am involved with, and am not sure if I should be attempting this in Excel or if because of the number of potential volunteers/requirements I should be looking at separate software.
Details as follows:
- 7 days per week operation
- 12hrs per day (3x4hr shifts, 2 volunteers on duty each shift)
- Maximum of 500 volunteer names
Ideally I would like Excel (at the press of a button!) to fairly work out the shift patterns based on indicated shift preferences (eg what days/times you are available), and an option to email the shift pattern out. Also, the option to alter the days/hours required (eg if it was reduced to 5 days, or only 8hrs per day etc).
I am thinking because of my "wish list" separate software might have to be the way to go, but would be grateful for suggestions from anyone who has had experience either setting up something similar in Excel, or if anyone has experience of relevant (preferably free) software.
I would call myself an advanced-beginner in Excel (can deal with basic VBA/macro manipulation, lookups, pivots, indirect function etc), so look forward to your comments.
Many thanks!
Barry
