💡 Introduction
Welcome to the second part of our Scheduling Series.
In the first tutorial, you learned how to create classes and prepare them for scheduling.
Now, we’ll go a step further — behind the scenes of the optimizer itself.
In this session, you’ll see how global mathematical optimization outperforms simple step-by-step or class-by-class scheduling methods.
You’ll also watch the optimizer assign instructors efficiently across dozens of training classes, reducing workload fragmentation and maximizing profit.
📸 Disclaimer: Screenshots or video examples may differ slightly from your XO Scheduler interface, depending on your configuration.
🎥 Watch the Video:
This tutorial corresponds to the second video in the Scheduling Series.
You’ll learn the key principles of mathematical optimization, see how XO Scheduler builds optimal instructor assignments in real time, and compare global vs. class-by-class results.
1. Understand the Concept of Optimization
Traditional scheduling often follows a sequential or heuristic process — assigning one class or instructor at a time.
This can lead to conflicts, inefficiencies, and partially filled schedules.
XO Scheduler uses a global optimizer, which evaluates all classes and all resources together to find the best overall solution — in seconds.
Let’s look at a simple illustration:
Resource | Lesson | Reward Example |
Resource 2 → Lesson 1 | $500 |
|
Resource 1 → Lesson 2 | $850 |
|
Resource 3 → Lesson 1 | $900 |
|
If we schedule lesson by lesson, we might quickly pick high-reward matches — but run out of qualified resources for the last lesson.
A global optimizer, instead, evaluates all combinations to achieve the highest total reward and complete utilization of resources.
This principle scales up to hundreds of instructors, simulators, and classes.
2. Run the Optimizer in XO Scheduler
Open your Scheduling Page.
Select the classes to be scheduled — for example, your B747 Recurrent Training.
Right-click → Schedule.
In the Schedule Configurator, choose Instructors (since simulators and classrooms were already scheduled earlier).
Click Run Schedule.
3. Observe the Optimization Process
The optimizer begins collecting data and building the model from zero.
Progress is displayed at the top (e.g., 9% complete).
It first focuses on continuity preferences, then moves toward maximizing total reward.
You’ll see in real time how the system assigns instructors and consolidates their workload.
Example:
425 instructors assigned → 505 → 547 → all 550 slots filled
Then, the optimizer enters the “less fragmented” phase, aiming to use fewer instructors more efficiently:
17 → 16 → 15 → 14 instructors total
You can stop the process at any time if you’re satisfied with the current solution.
4. Analyze the Results
Total Profit: ≈ $347 000
Instructors Used: 14
All slots filled
Higher efficiency and better resource utilization
5. Compare Global vs Class-by-Class Scheduling
To illustrate the power of optimization:
Scheduling Method | Instructors Used | Profit | Missing Assignments |
Global Optimizer | 14 | $347 000 | None |
Class-by-Class | 15 | $340 000 | 4 classes incomplete |
When scheduling class by class, the system locks each class once completed — preventing global rebalancing later.
As a result, some slots remain unfilled even though additional instructors are available.
That’s why global optimization is essential to achieve the best possible outcome.
💡 Pro Tip
Use the global optimizer whenever possible.
It not only improves overall profit but also guarantees that every class gets a complete and feasible schedule.
🔗 Related Tutorials
If you found this helpful, check out:
🎯 Scheduling 1 – Creating and Understanding Classes
⚙️ Work Rules – Define Duty and Rest Times
🧩 Curriculum Series – Building Your Training Structure
📘 Wrapping Up
The optimizer is what makes XO Scheduler stand out — transforming complex, multi-resource planning into a fast, transparent, and efficient process.
In the next tutorial, we’ll explore how to review, adjust, and analyze scheduled results — refining your plan even further.
✅ Next Step
Continue to Scheduling 3 – Review and Adjust Schedules.