You know....I thought about that after I posted the message.

The way the schedule looks now (and I don't know if it helps) is like this:

Col: A = Day of the week
Col: B = Date
Col: C thru Q = MID Shift Dispatcher Initials (arranged by "line" / C-G =
Line #1, Etc)
Col: R = Total # of Dispatchers working that shift

Under each Dispatcher's initials is simply the letter "M" (for MID shift) if
they are working that date, or, the letters "DOR" (Day Off Regular), if they
are on a day off.

Example: Col: C-G (all Line #1), going down, row 2&3 (which corresponds to
Sunday & Monday) would have "DOR" under each set of initials. Rows 4,5,6,7
(corresponding to Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday) would show the
letter "M" (indicating they are working those days. Then row 8&9 (Saturday
and Sunday) would indicate "DOR", etc., continuing down utilizing a 4 day on
and 2 day off schedule.

I have a worksheet for each shift set up exactly the same way, substituting
the letters "D" for DAY shift and "E" for EVE shift.

The sad part is, our department has been utilizing this same format for more
than the 24 years I've been there (up until 3 years ago, the schedule was
done by hand on photocopied sheets). I have another 19 years to go until I
can retire with full benefits. I thought I could make my life a little
easier ;)



"Dave Thomas" wrote in message
...
I'm sure it's possible. It may be possible to make a master template for
use each year. But I'd have to see what the spread sheet looks like for
3-4 weeks to have an example.

"Michael Slater" wrote in message
. ..
I'm new to using Excel, but I was wondering if anyone knows if it is
possible to create (or "automate" might be a better word) the following
type of work schedule:

I'm only looking for a "YES" it's possible, or "NO" it isn't. If I know
that it is, I can figure it out myself.....I think.

I do the scheduling for a public safety dispatch center which runs on a
"4 day on, 2 day off" schedule with 3 around the clock shifts. There are
3 "lines", that is, employee group#1 starts with Monday and Tuesday off,
group #2 starts with Wednesday and Thursday off, and group #3 starts with
Friday and Saturday off. This schedule rotates each week so that the
following week gr# 1 is off on Sunday and Monday, etc....

I usually do the whole year out by scheduling one person on each line,
then copying and pasting throughout the rest of the schedule, which is a
little time consuming.

Thanks for any input.


Mike