Scheduling Equipment to Projects
Equipment scheduling helps you track where your tools, vehicles, and machinery are being used. By scheduling equipment to projects, you can prevent double-booking and ensure the right tools are available when needed.
Creating an Equipment Schedule
From the Schedule Equipment Button
- Navigate to Scheduling in the left sidebar
- Click the Schedule Equipment button (outlined button in the header)
- Complete the equipment scheduling form
- Click Save
Equipment Schedule Form Fields
Required Fields
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Select the equipment to schedule | Boom Lift #3 |
| Project | Select the destination project | Downtown Tower Build |
| Start Date/Time | When equipment is needed | Dec 23, 2025 6:00 AM |
| End Date/Time | When equipment will be returned | Dec 27, 2025 5:00 PM |
Optional Fields
| Field | Description | Options/Example |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Hours | Estimated usage hours | 40 |
| Assigned Operator | Employee operating the equipment | Mike Johnson |
| Usage Type | How equipment will be used | On-Site, In Transit, In Shop |
| Status | Current schedule status | Scheduled, Confirmed, In Progress |
| Priority | Urgency of the assignment | Normal, High, Critical |
| Notes | Special instructions | "Needs fuel before delivery" |
Usage Types Explained
| Usage Type | Description | Example Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| On-Site | Equipment is deployed at a job site | Boom lift at construction site |
| In Transit | Equipment is being transported | Truck delivering materials |
| In Shop | Equipment is at your facility | Backhoe in maintenance bay |
Assigning an Operator
When scheduling equipment, you can optionally assign an operator:
- In the Equipment Schedule form, find the Assigned Operator field
- Select an employee from the dropdown
- This links the equipment usage to a specific person
Note: Assigning an operator is optional. Some equipment may not need a dedicated operator.
Viewing Equipment Schedules
On the Calendar (Week View)
- Equipment schedules appear in the same calendar as employee schedules
- Equipment is identified by a tools icon next to the resource name
- Click on an equipment schedule to view details
In the Equipment List View
- Change the View dropdown to Equipment
- See all equipment schedules in a sortable table
- Columns include: Equipment, Project, Operator, Start, End, Hours, Status
Editing an Equipment Schedule
- Click on the equipment schedule card on the calendar
- Click the Edit button in the details popup
- Make your changes
- Click Save
Preventing Double-Booking
The scheduling system helps you avoid scheduling the same equipment to multiple projects at the same time:
- When viewing the calendar, look for equipment that already has schedules
- If you see existing bookings, schedule around them
- The system displays all schedules so you can visually identify conflicts
Tip: Use the Month View to see equipment availability across a longer period.
Example: Scheduling a Crane for a Week
Scenario: You need to reserve Crane #1 for the Highway Bridge project from Monday through Friday.
Steps:
- Go to Scheduling and click Schedule Equipment
- Fill out the form:
- Equipment: "Crane #1 - 50 Ton"
- Project: "Highway Bridge Repair"
- Start Date: Monday, Dec 23 at 6:00 AM
- End Date: Friday, Dec 27 at 6:00 PM
- Assigned Operator: "Carlos Martinez"
- Usage Type: "On-Site"
- Scheduled Hours: 60
- Status: "Scheduled"
- Notes: "Crane must be inspected before transport"
- Click Save
- View the Week View calendar to confirm the schedule appears
Best Practices
Reserve Early
- Schedule equipment as far in advance as possible
- Popular equipment books up quickly
Include Delivery Time
- Add buffer time for equipment delivery and pickup
- A crane might need an extra day to be set up
Assign Operators When Required
- For specialized equipment, always assign a qualified operator
- This helps with accountability and billing
Use Notes for Special Instructions
- Note fuel requirements
- Include inspection or certification notes
- Add delivery/pickup addresses if different from project site
Troubleshooting
"Equipment isn't showing in the dropdown"
- Ensure equipment is added in Equipment module
- Check that the equipment status is "Active"
"I need to see equipment availability quickly"
- Switch to Equipment list view to see all assignments
- Use date filters to check specific time periods