The Roster Count feature provides a real-time visual representation of staffing levels across all assignments and time periods within your shift schedule. This tool enables supervisors and administrators to quickly identify staffing gaps, ensure minimum staffing requirements are met, and make informed scheduling decisions to maintain operational readiness. By displaying staffing levels in an easy-to-read format with color-coded indicators, the Roster Count helps prevent understaffing situations and ensures compliance with department policies and NFPA standards.
Maintaining appropriate staffing levels is critical for emergency services operations. The Roster Count feature consolidates complex scheduling data into a single visualization that shows exactly how many personnel are assigned to each hour of the day across all assignments. This becomes especially valuable during shift transitions, holiday periods, or when managing multiple concurrent leave requests. The feature integrates with your shift schedules, time-off requests, and assignment configurations to provide an accurate, up-to-date view of your department's staffing status. Understanding how to read and interpret the Roster Count display is essential for anyone responsible for scheduling oversight, resource allocation, or ensuring minimum staffing compliance.
To access and view the Roster Count feature, users must have:
Step 1: Navigate to the Shift Board
Step 2: Access Roster Count
Step 3: Interpret the Roster Count Display
The Roster Count screen provides comprehensive staffing information organized into several key components:
Hourly Timeline (Top Row)
Assignment Rows (Left Side)
Staffing Level Indicators (Black Dots)
Visual Status Indicators
Legend (Bottom of Screen)
Proactive Staffing Management
Addressing Staffing Gaps
Integration with Other Scheduling Tools
Documentation and Compliance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Q: The Roster Count shows staffing, but I know someone called out sick. Why isn't this reflected? A: Roster Count displays scheduled assignments based on the shift calendar. Real-time callouts or last-minute changes may not immediately appear. Cross-reference with your daily staffing board or attendance tracking for the most current status.
Q: What does it mean if I see grey lines for an entire 24-hour period? A: This indicates that assignment is consistently understaffed according to your configured staffing levels. Review whether the staffing level target is set correctly, or if you need to reassign personnel or hire additional staff.
Q: Can I print or export the Roster Count display? You can take screenshots of the Roster Count display for documentation purposes.
Q: The staffing numbers don't match what I expected. How do I troubleshoot? A: Verify the following: (1) Time range you're viewing matches your intended period, (2) All assignments are configured with correct staffing level targets, (3) Shift schedules have been properly published, (4) Personnel assignments are correctly mapped to apparatus/stations.
Q: Why do some assignments show blue lines while others show grey even though everyone is scheduled? A: Blue lines appear only when scheduled personnel meet or exceed the target staffing level (black dots). If the target is set to 3 but only 2 are scheduled, you'll see grey even though positions are filled—just not to the desired level.
Q: Can I change the staffing level targets directly from the Roster Count screen? A: No, Roster Count is a read-only display tool. Staffing level targets must be configured through the assignment or apparatus settings. Contact your administrator if targets need adjustment.
Q: How often does the Roster Count update? A: Roster Count refreshes based on your shift schedule data. When shift assignments are modified, approved trades occur, or time-off is granted/denied, the Roster Count will reflect those changes once the schedule is updated.