SmartRoster supports two roster generation engines: AutoRoster and OR-Tools. The engine you select determines how the roster is built before the SmartRoster analysis layer runs. Both engines are fully compatible with SmartRoster analysis.
Comparing the two engines
Use the table below to understand the key differences between AutoRoster and OR-Tools.
Feature | AutoRoster | OR-Tools |
Type | Constraint-based scheduling engine | Mathematical constraint solver |
Uses AI | No | No — deterministic only |
Optimisation goal configurable | No | Yes — set primary optimisation goal and secondary priorities |
Preview before applying | No | Yes — roster can be reviewed and discarded before saving |
Compare Engines | Yes — when used alongside OR-Tools | Yes — when used alongside AutoRoster |
Configuration required | Minimal — uses existing AutoRoster settings | Yes — requires OR-Tools Settings to be configured before first use |
Select a generation engine
You can configure SmartRoster to use OR-Tools, AutoRoster, or both. Enabling both engines unlocks the Run All and Compare Engines options on the dashboard.
Go to Smart Roster and select Settings.
Select OR-Tools Settings.
In Step 2 of the configuration wizard, select the engine or engines you want to enable.
Complete the remaining configuration steps.
Select Save.
📌Note: Enabling both engines does not change how the roster is built on a standard run. The manager selects which engine to use at the point of running SmartRoster. See Run SmartRoster for details.
When to use each engine
Use the table below to identify the recommended engine for your customer's situation.
Scenario | Recommended engine |
Customer is already using AutoRoster and wants to trial SmartRoster | AutoRoster — minimal configuration required |
Customer wants control over the optimisation goal (for example, minimise cost vs maximise coverage) | OR-Tools |
Customer wants to compare engine outputs before committing to a roster | Both engines — enables Compare Engines on the dashboard |
Customer does not use AutoRoster and builds rosters manually | OR-Tools, or manual build with SmartRoster analysis only |