Courses / Module 1 / Scheduling
Capacity and the Weekly Schedule
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Module 1 Est. 3.5 h · estimated
You'll be able to
- Check work center capacity against load
- Build a fully loaded weekly schedule using Palmer's six principles
Why it matters in the plant
A fully loaded, prioritized weekly schedule is what turns good planning into completed work.
In this lesson
- Check capacity
IW37NCM01CM25 - Build the weekly schedule
IW37N
Common mistakes
- Loading the schedule below 100%: work expands to fill the time (Parkinson's Law) [S18].
- Using CM01 alone to judge PM load: it doesn't show order-header capacity requirements (Note 385059).
Steps and transactions
Each step pairs the planning work with the transactions you'll use. Codes link to the reference.
1Check capacity
Each work center has a defined capacity, with shifts and utilization. CM25 levels operations against capacity; this detail comes from a search summary of [S16]. CM01 (work center load) is confirmed, with a caveat: per SAP Note 385059, as cited on SAP Community, CM01 does not show the capacity reserved by a maintenance order's header dates. Those requirements show in CM21/CM25/CM50, and PM load is normally checked in CM25 or CM50. Candidate: IW37N, Change Orders and Operations [map E].
Craft notes
Mechanical and I&E work centers are checked separately.
Sources [S16] SAP Learning, Configure Work Centers; KBA 2587998 and SAP Community (CM01)
2Build the weekly schedule
Palmer's six principles: (1) job plans identify craft skill and labor estimates; (2) a credible priority system; (3) the next week is the scheduling horizon; (4) that week's forecast is loaded to 100%; (5) field supervisors handle daily scheduling; (6) schedule compliance is measured. Example: 10 mechanics × 40 h = 400 h available, so schedule about 400 h, starting with priorities and bundling work by area or asset. Fernandina Beach, FL went from about 170 to 225 work orders a week by raising loading from 80% to 100%. Candidate: IW37N, with Fiori F4073 Manage Maintenance Backlog (S/4HANA only, not ECC).
Craft notes
I&E: schedule the transmitter test together with operations because of the bypass.
Sources [S17]; [S18] Palmer, Fully loaded weekly schedule
Templates for this lesson
- Task list template CSV · opens in Excel or Google Sheets
- Weekly scheduling board CSV
- Backlog tracker CSV
Related: Complete template bundle · Free PM Planning Checklist
Check your understanding
Questions
- A crew of 10 works 40 h with no time off. How many hours should you schedule?
- What is the scheduling horizon?
- Why isn't CM01 enough for checking PM load?
Answers and scoring are included in the full course.
Keep going with the full course
12 modules for Mechanical and I&E planners, with templates, quizzes and a certificate of completion.
This certificate confirms completion of a course from The Planner's Bench. It is not a professional license, accreditation, or SAP certification, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by SAP SE or any employer.