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Scheduling & Date Attributes

AutoAllocate includes a robust scheduling engine that allows you to match resources and targets based on time-based availability. This is achieved using Date Range attributes and the Scheduling: Date Overlap Match rule.

1. Defining Date Ranges​

A date range attribute can represent several different time configurations:

  • A Single Day: e.g. a specific event date or a one-day deadline.
  • A Continuous Range: e.g. a week-long project or a month of availability.
  • Multiple Windows: e.g. a freelancer who is available for two separate weeks in a month.

2. Spreadsheet Syntax & Formatting​

When importing data via CSV or copy-paste, AutoAllocate recognises various date formats and separators.

Basic Syntax​

  • Single Day: 2026-06-21 or 21/06/2026
  • Date Range: 2026-06-01 to 2026-06-10
  • Alternative Separators: You can also use hyphens or dashes: 2026-06-01 - 2026-06-10 or 2026-06-01 – 2026-06-10.

Multiple Time Windows​

To define several separate periods for a single resource (e.g. multiple holiday periods), separate the ranges with a semicolon ( ; ):

  • 2026-06-01 to 2026-06-05 ; 2026-06-15 to 2026-06-20

3. Scheduling Modes (Available vs Unavailable)​

By default, any date range you import is treated as an Available window (a "white-list"). However, you can explicitly set the mode using a prefix in your spreadsheet cell:

  • Available (Default): AVAILABLE: 2026-06-01 to 2026-06-30
  • Unavailable (Blocked): UNAVAILABLE: 2026-12-25 to 2026-12-31
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If you use the UNAVAILABLE prefix, the solver will treat that period as a "black-list" and ensure no targets are allocated to the resource during that time.

4. The "Date Overlap Match" Rule​

To enforce your schedule during an allocation, you must apply the scheduling rule.

How it Works​

The Scheduling: Date Overlap Match rule requires that the date range of the resource and the date range of the target have at least one day in common. If there is any overlap, the allocation is deemed feasible.

  • Example: A staff member (Resource) is available from 01/06 to 30/06. An event (Target) takes place on 15/06. Because 15/06 overlaps with the resource's availability range, the allocation can proceed.

How to Apply the Rule​

  1. Go to the Rules tab.
  2. Add a new rule from the Compatibility category.
  3. Select Scheduling: Date Overlap Match.
  4. Map your Resource Date attribute to your Target Date attribute.
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Ensure that both your Resource and your Target have a Date Range attribute defined in the Overview Tab before attempting to set this rule.