The labor matrix outlines the staffing expectations for a location and defines the minimums and thresholds used in labor forecasting.
New Labor Matrix Experience
This article covers the new labor matrix experience. If the new labor matrix is not enabled, see the Legacy Labor Matrix Overview article.
Labor matrix records are read-only until a new version is created.
Labor Types
Jobs in the labor matrix are assigned a labor type that defines them as either fixed labor or variable labor.
Fixed Labor
Fixed labor is used for roles that don’t change based on sales volume. These jobs are configured as total weekly hours. When a forecast is generated, the fixed labor amount is spread evenly across the days included in the forecast. Because fixed labor doesn’t respond to demand, it provides a consistent baseline of required hours for the location each week.
Variable Labor
Variable labor is used for roles that scale with forecasted demand. These jobs are configured with minimums and thresholds. Minimums set baseline staffing for specific time ranges based on the day’s total forecast. Thresholds increase staffing based on the forecasted sales for each individual hour. These configurations allow forecasted labor to expand or contract based on projected activity.
Variable Labor Configuration
Variable labor configurations can range from simple to highly detailed. The labor matrix supports several levels of specificity, including:
Minimums and thresholds can be identical for all jobs or customized per job.
Minimums can be uniform across all days or vary by day of the week.
Thresholds can apply to the full day or vary by day part.
Variable labor uses forecasted sales unless entrée forecasting is enabled, in which case ‘Entrées’ becomes an available option.
Variable Labor Minimums and Thresholds
Minimums and thresholds can be used separately or together to forecast labor hours.
Labor Minimums
Labor minimums define baseline staffing needs for specific time ranges based on the total forecasted sales or entrées for the entire day.
When forecasts are generated, the system compares the day’s total forecast to the configured labor minimums to determine which minimum applies to each hour. If the daily forecast meets or exceeds the ‘Daily Forecast’ value for the time range that includes that hour, the employee count defined in that minimum is used as the baseline for that hour.
Labor minimums only apply to the time ranges defined in the labor minimums section of the labor matrix.
Labor Thresholds
Thresholds scale staffing based on hourly demand. Thresholds use the forecasted sales or entrées for each individual hour.
When forecasts are generated, the system compares each hour’s forecasted amount to the configured labor thresholds. If an hour’s forecast meets or exceeds the ‘Threshold’ value for a labor threshold, the employee count defined in that threshold is applied for that hour.
Thresholds apply to all operating hours of the day.
How Forecasting Applies Minimums and Thresholds
For each operating hour of the forecast, the system evaluates both minimums and thresholds, then applies the higher value.
The system forecasts variable labor as follows:
Determines the labor minimum that applies to the forecast hour based on the day’s total forecast and the hour’s time range.
Determines the labor threshold that applies based on the hour’s forecasted sales.
Forecasts labor as the higher of the labor minimum or labor threshold.
If no labor minimum or labor threshold applies, labor is forecasted as 0.
Labor is only forecasted for hours within the location’s operating hours.
Labor Matrix Pages, Screens, and Records
Labor Matrix Page
The Labor Matrix page displays all labor matrix records for locations that have Smart Labor enabled. Each record defines labor thresholds that support scheduling, forecasting, and labor optimization for a single location.
From this page, users can:
Open labor matrix records for single locations
Single Location Labor Matrix Record
The labor matrix for a single location defines the fixed labor values and variable labor minimums and thresholds used to generate labor forecasts for that location.
On this record, users can:
View labor matrix settings for the associated location
Update future versions:
Change effective date of the version
Change the labor type of location jobs
Labor Matrix System Setup
Location Records - Smart Labor
A location must have Smart Labor enabled on the Goals tab of its location record in order to have a labor matrix.
Location Jobs
Each labor matrix includes all jobs assigned to its location. Jobs are managed through job records, and each job is linked to a single location. Learn more about job records.
Day Parts
Day parts divide the business day into defined time segments (such as Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner). The day parts that appear in a location’s labor matrix come from the day part group assigned to that location. Day part groups are configured on the Location Hours page.
Entree Forecasting
When entrée forecasting is enabled, variable labor can be calculated using forecasted entrées instead of sales. Entrées are defined through menu item categories. Learn more about entrée forecasting.
