Qualifiers are visual indicators that display specialized certifications, roles, or skills next to personnel names on the scheduling board. This feature helps schedulers quickly identify qualified personnel for specific assignments, equipment operations, or specialized response requirements. By implementing qualifiers, departments can ensure proper staffing levels for critical capabilities while maintaining compliance with operational standards and certifications. Qualifiers also come into play with Call Shift Rankings, as ranking lists are built around the Qualifier.
In emergency services operations, personnel possess various certifications, specialized training, and operational qualifications that determine their assignment eligibility. Qualifiers provide a standardized method for marking and tracking these capabilities directly on the shift board. Common qualifications include apparatus operator certifications (Engineer, Chauffeur), specialized rescue skills (Rope Rescue, Swift Water), medical certifications (Paramedic, EMT), and leadership roles (Acting Officer, Task Force Leader).
Qualifiers appear as color-coded short codes next to individual names on the shift board, allowing schedulers to make informed staffing decisions at a glance. This visual system reduces scheduling errors, ensures compliance with minimum staffing requirements, and streamlines the process of identifying available personnel for specialized responses.
To manage qualifiers, users must have administrative access to the Scheduling module with the following permissions:
Step 1: Access the Qualifiers Setup
Step 2: Review Existing Qualifiers . Before creating new qualifiers, review your current configuration:
Step 3: Create a New Qualifier
Step 4: Configure Display Settings
Step 5: Assign Personnel to the Qualifier
Step 6: Save Your Configuration
Naming Conventions
Short Code Strategy
Color Selection
Personnel Management
Organizational Tips
Q: I created a qualifier, but it's not appearing on the shift board. What's wrong? A: Verify that you checked the "Show on Shift Board" box when configuring the qualifier. If this box is unchecked, the qualifier will be tracked in the system but won't display visually. Edit the qualifier and enable this setting, then save your changes.
Q: The short code is too long and overlaps with other information on the shift board. How do I fix this? A: Edit the qualifier and reduce the short code to 2-4 characters. Longer codes can cause display issues, especially on mobile devices. Use standard abbreviations that your personnel will recognize.
Q: Can I assign multiple qualifiers to the same person? A: Yes, personnel can have multiple qualifiers assigned to them. All applicable qualifiers will display next to their name on the shift board. Be mindful of visual clutter—if many personnel have numerous qualifiers, consider whether all qualifiers need to be visible on the shift board.
Q: I accidentally deleted a qualifier. Can I recover it? A: Deleted qualifiers typically cannot be recovered. You'll need to recreate the qualifier and reassign personnel. To prevent accidental deletion, consider implementing a department policy requiring administrative approval before removing qualifiers.
Q: The qualifier color looks different on mobile devices than on desktop. Why? A: Device display settings, screen brightness, and color calibration can affect how colors appear. Choose high-contrast colors and test visibility on the actual devices your personnel use for shift board access.
Q: How do I know which personnel should be assigned to each qualifier? A: Reference your department's certification records, training database, and personnel files. Cross-check with your training officer or certification coordinator to ensure accuracy. Consider integrating qualifier updates with your certification renewal process.
Q: Can supervisors or field users create qualifiers? A: No, creating and managing qualifiers requires Scheduling Admin or System Administrator permissions. Standard users can view qualifiers but cannot modify them. This restriction ensures consistency and prevents unauthorized changes to the scheduling system.
Q: What happens to scheduled shifts if I delete a qualifier that's currently in use? A: Deleting a qualifier removes it from personnel records and the shift board display, but it typically does not affect existing shift assignments. However, you may lose historical tracking data.