The accompanying window

Start the optimisation process by opening the optimisation dialogue. Go to the 'Start' tab and click on the <Optimisation> button, enter the desired settings and click <OK>.

If the data analysis window appears, check the displayed messages and/or rectify the displayed errors and click <OK>.

An accompanying window appears which consists of two panes. The upper part of the window is the information window containing functions for the management of the optimisation process (pause, cancel etc.).

The window also provides a continuous display of key data of the current optimisation run, including an evaluation of the current timetable (penalty points), the number of unscheduled periods, NTPs (for classes) and core time violations (these are periods with a time request of +3 that the software is unable to fill for some reason). Additionally, it is shown how often double period conditions are violated and how often a subject was scheduled twice on one day from the class view. If you use the module Course Scheduling the number of clashes in the student timetables, as well as the total number of NTPs are also displayed.

These data provide a first, rough impression of the quality of your timetables. The tools for a more detailed diagnosis are described in the chapter 'Diagnostics tools' .

When the yellow-blue <OK> button appears on the screen, the optimisation run is completed.

Note:

Every timetable is assessed (column 'Evaluation'). The less points a timetable has, the better it is. The number of points depends on the amount of data, as well as the weightings settings. It does not make any sense to compare your number of points with the neighbouring school's.