Optimize the timetables

The optimization of the timetables is the last phase in the elaboration of the timetables; do not ignore it! It allows a consequential improvement in the quality of timetables. Besides, it requires no effort: just leave the computer switched on! Improvements are displayed in real time and are visible in the first few minutes.

Optimize all the timetables

 Prerequisite  All the courses are placed.

1. Go to the menu Calculate > Optimize the timetables of the teachers/classes.
2. By default, the optimization of the teachers’ timetables does not degrade those of the classes (and vice-versa); most of the time, all the timetables improve. However, you choose to optimize one or the other and if you want to accentuate the optimization, you can specify an authorized percentage of quality loss.
3. With the help of the drop-down menus, classify the criteria for improvement in accord with the priority you want to grant to them:
   • provide the maximum number of free half-days;
   • reduce the gaps while taking into account the individual thresholds defined in Timetable > Teachers >  List (Gap);
   • avoid isolated courses (a course as being isolated when it is the only one in a half-day and its duration is inferior to 2 time sequences).
4. Click on the button Launch the optimization: you can follow the optimization by viewing the graphics.
5. Wait for several attempts (5 to 7) or better yet, allow EDT to run all night. Be patient, your timetables will improve. Please note that in case of an interruption the obtained improvements will remain in effect.

Individually specify the number of gap hours tolerated by the teachers

Gap

Optimize the timetable for a resource

It is possible to launch the optimization in a timetable for just one resource.

1. Go to the tab Timetable > Teachers/Classes >  Timetable.
2. Select the resource in the list on the left.
3. Click on the button Optimize.
4. In the popup window, enter the number of tolerated gaps and if needed modify your priorities in the overall preferences, then launch the optimization.

Inspect the results of the optimizations

1. Go to the tab Timetable > Teachers/Classes >  List.
2. Click on the top right of the list on the button : EDT displays in the list, the number of gaps (detailed in accordance with the duration), the isolated courses and the free half-days for every resource.