Flexible task and resource definition
Tasks may be defined as recurring or non-recurring with specific scheduling windows and fixed or variable
durations and requiring any logical combination of defined resources and related STK-report-driven time
constraints. Resources are defined with global availability (or blackout) times including periodic options, or
by STK report-driven times. In addition, tasks can deplete or replenish resource capacity by a fixed amount or
at a user-defined rate. Resources can be associated with STK objects for the automatic application of
appropriate access constraints to tasks using those resources.
Schedule solution optimization
Don't just find any solution, find an optimized solution. Most heuristic engines stop when they find the first
working solution. STK/Scheduler provides a neural-based global search engine option to search and compare a
multitude of possible solutions in parallel to find the best working schedule option within defined
constraints. The user is given the option of using several different scheduling algorithms, and can even
modify the constants in the figure of merit (FOM) to tailor the solution scoring mechanism for a user-specific
definition of "optimum."
Apply STK access calculations and reports
Fully integrated with STK, STK/Scheduler facilitates the application of STK report time constraints to any
task and/or resource discrete window definition throughout the schedule definition process. Non-STK time window
text files can also be applied if you have additional or alternative sources of access or event data.
Report-driven constraints are defined as the schedule is built to show the user-related task windows and
resource availability times. In addition, a full set of task and resource reports, graphs, conflict analysis
tools, and manual change validity check tools are included with the STK/Scheduler module.
Integrated graphical interface
A single customizable window provides task and resource attribute data, task Gantt charting, and resource
histograms. Filter, sort, group, and resize Gantt and table views to get the window arrangement that best
supports your planning needs. Resource and task editing GUIs are just a right-click away from any object in the
window. The user is also provided with many shortcuts to help speed the schedule definition process for simple
problems and powerful flexibility to define even the most complex scheduling scenarios. Form-specific HTML help
is provided for STK/Scheduler; simply click on the "?" on any form to access information about the active
form and any associated fields.
Multiple schedules can be displayed at the same time, objects may be cut and pasted between schedules, and two
schedule files can even be merged into a single combined schedule.
Application Programming Interface
STK/Scheduler comes with a comprehensive API that allows the software to be fully automated and integrated
with third-party software products, including user-provided scheduling algorithms. The API was designed to
allow any GUI function to be performed through the API; define and redefine tasks and resources and scheduling
options, request task and resource attributes; generate a new schedule solution;or request a schedule report.
STK/Scheduler API commands have been designed to follow the standard Connect command format, and can be sent to
STK/Scheduler through STK's socket interface, or directly to the STK/Scheduler application through a COM
interface. STK/Scheduler can even import and execute a text file of valid API commands.
Schedule animation
Once you have defined your problem and generated a schedule solution, STK/Scheduler generates an STK scenario
so you can visualize and assess your solution in 3D.