BDS (Automated Shift Distribution)
With the automated shift distribution service in JoinedUp, MSPs can configure supplier tiers and associated distribution rules, eliminating the manual task of sharing shifts directly.
Configure Distribution Rules
Distribution rules are stored on the order template. To configure distribution rules on an order template, navigate from the “Plan” menu and select “Shift Templates”.
Here, you will find all order templates for MSPs. Clicking on an order template makes the “Edit” button available.
Once opened, you will have access to a section of the order template configuration where you can manage your distribution settings on the “Template Settings” page:
You’ll find the distribution rule settings at the bottom of the page. To add a distribution rule, select “Add Distribution Rule”.
Distribution Rule Modal
You will have the option to create a new rule or use an existing rule. If this is your first time creating distribution rules, please select “create a new rule”.
You will then be prompted to select whether you want to configure a time-based rule or a percentage-based rule:
Time-Based Rules
When a time-based rule is selected, you must next add supplier tiers. This is easily done by clicking “Add Supplier Tier”. Next, you must select suppliers to add to the tier. A dropdown list is made available to you containing all linked agencies to the order template. At least one supplier must be added per tier. Competitive sourcing within tiers is supported. If more than one supplier is added to a tier, the shift will be made available to all suppliers in the tier. Shifts are distributed to Tier 1 suppliers immediately when the shift is distributed.
Additional tiers can be configured in the same way as described for Tier 1. Additional tiers also have the option to run on a time offset. Time offset rules will release unallocated shifts to suppliers in that tier after the configured time has elapsed.
Tiers can be removed by clicking on “Remove Tier”.
Percentage-Based Rules
Supplier tiers can be configured for Percentage-based rules in the same way as Time-Based Rules. All tiers will have shifts distributed immediately. As with time-based rules, there must be at least one supplier assigned for each tier in percentage-based rules. If multiple suppliers are selected within a single tier, shifts will be distributed to all suppliers in the tier to support competitive sourcing strategies.
As tiers are created, the modal will dynamically update to enable the user to allocate a percentage of the shifts to the supplier(s) in the tier. The total percentage between tiers must equal 100%. For convenience, the total percentage allocated is summed on the modal, and the distribution rule can only be saved if this validation is met.
Create Shift and Trigger BDS
Distribution rules can be immediately triggered when shifts are created. Users are also given the option to create shifts without immediately triggering the distribution rules.
If the user opts to distribute shifts automatically, the shifts will be created and have a status of “Auto Distribution Pending”. Shifts in a pending status will be represented with a dotted outline on the planning screen.
Once the shifts have been successfully distributed, the shifts will have a status of “Auto Distributed” and a solid outline. If the distribution service is unsuccessful, the shifts will be highlighted with red text and a red dotted outline.
Clicking on the shift(s) that failed to distribute automatically will open a side panel that provides more details to the user. They are also given a few options to proceed, including retrying the automated distribution, sharing the shifts manually, or viewing the distribution rule configuration for reference.
