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Sim Slots are a simple but powerful way to control when simulator sessions can start. Instead of fixing start times in your curriculum, XO Scheduler uses Sim Slots to decide which simulator blocks are available. This gives the Optimizer flexibility to find the best start times based on real resource availability.
🎥 Video Tutorial: Sim Slots
📍 This video walks you through creating Sim Slots and assigning preferences step by step.
📸 Disclaimer: Screenshots and videos may look slightly different from your XO Scheduler interface depending on your version or configuration.
🛠️ Step-by-Step Guide
📸 Disclaimer: Screenshots in this guide may look slightly different from your XO Scheduler interface depending on your version or configuration.
We’ll use creating five 4-hour slots as our example.
1) Open the Sim Slots page
Go to the SimSlots page in XO Scheduler.
Right-click in the Sim Slots area.
Choose Create SimSlots.
2) Name and create the slots group
Give the group a name, e.g.,
5 Slots.Click the plus (+) button for each slot you want to add.
3) Define slot start times and durations
Slot 1: Start 07:00 AM, Duration 240 min (4 hrs).
Slot 2: Start 11:00 AM, Duration 240 min.
Slot 3: Start 03:00 PM, Duration 240 min.
Slot 4: Start 07:00 PM, Duration 240 min.
Slot 5: Start 11:00 PM, Duration 240 min.
4) Set reward factors (optional)
Use Reward Factor to make certain slots preferred.
Example: 11:00 slot → 1.1 (10% more desirable).
Example: 15:00 slot → 1.05 (5% more desirable).
Slots with equal factors are treated equally by the optimizer.
5) Save and assign to simulators
Click Save.
The new Sim Slots group can now be assigned to any simulator resource.
💡 Pro Tips
Use reward factors strategically: Make peak or highly efficient slots slightly more attractive.
Standardize slot groups: Consistent naming (e.g.,
Standard-5x4h) makes assigning to simulators faster.Match operational hours: Align slot start times with your facility’s open hours or staffing patterns.
Review assignments: Always confirm simulators are assigned to a slot group; otherwise, they may appear unavailable.
🔗 Related Tutorials
New Resource – Simulator – Assign Sim Slots to simulators after creation
Create a Curriculum – Part 1 – Learn about flexible days without predefined times
Qualify Resources – Ensure your simulators are properly qualified
📌 Wrapping Up
Sim Slots give you fine control over simulator availability while keeping schedules flexible. By creating well-defined slot groups and using reward factors wisely, you’ll help XO Scheduler’s optimizer produce even better, more realistic schedules.
Next, review your simulators and assign your new Sim Slots to make them ready for scheduling.