Assigning Crews

Proper crew assignment ensures that each scheduled project has the right people and equipment to complete the work successfully. DrillerDB provides flexible tools for assigning field technicians, lead drillers, helpers, and equipment to scheduled projects.

Team Assignments

The primary method for crew assignment is through teams. When you assign a project to a team in the scheduling system, all members of that team are automatically assigned to the project. This ensures the entire crew knows about their upcoming work.

Team assignments appear consistently throughout the system. In the scheduling views, you'll see the team name displayed with each project. On mobile devices, field technicians see projects assigned to their team in their work list.

Changing Team Assignments

To reassign a project from one team to another, drag the project to a different team's schedule in List View. Alternatively, open the project details modal and select a different team from the assignment dropdown.

When you change team assignments, the system automatically updates the schedules for both teams. The project is removed from the original team's schedule and added to the new team's schedule, with dates recalculated based on each team's workload.

All team members receive notifications about assignment changes, ensuring everyone stays informed about their schedule updates.

Driller Selection

Each project can have a designated lead driller, typically the most experienced member of the assigned team. The lead driller serves as the primary contact for the project and oversees the crew's work on site.

To assign a lead driller, open the project details and select from the dropdown list of qualified field technicians. The driller dropdown shows only employees with appropriate roles and permissions to lead drilling operations.

The assigned driller receives special notifications about the project and can access additional project management features on their mobile device, such as updating project status and recording field notes.

Helper Assignment

Many projects require a helper or assistant driller to work alongside the lead driller. You can assign helpers through the project details screen, selecting from available team members or other field technicians.

Helper assignments are flexible and can be changed as needed based on availability and project requirements. Helpers receive the same project information and notifications as other assigned crew members.

Equipment Assignment

Each project can have equipment assigned to ensure the necessary rigs, pumps, and tools are available on the job site. Equipment assignments help with maintenance planning and prevent double-booking of critical equipment.

To assign equipment, open the project details and select from your company's equipment inventory. You can assign multiple pieces of equipment to a single project, such as a drill rig, pump, and support vehicle.

The system tracks equipment assignments across all scheduled projects, allowing you to see where each piece of equipment is scheduled and identify potential conflicts if the same equipment is needed for overlapping jobs.

Checking Crew Availability

Before assigning crew members to a project, check their current workload by reviewing their schedule in List, Calendar, or Gantt view. Employees assigned to multiple overlapping projects may not be able to complete all work on time.

The scheduling system shows warnings if you attempt to assign a crew member to overlapping projects, though it allows you to proceed if necessary. Use these warnings as guidance to avoid overcommitting team members.

Crew Skill Requirements

Different types of drilling projects require different skills and certifications. When assigning crews, consider whether team members have the necessary qualifications for the specific well type or geological conditions.

Reference employee profiles to review certifications, training, and experience levels. Assign more complex projects to experienced crews and use simpler projects for training newer team members.

Notification of Assignments

When you assign a crew to a project, all assigned individuals receive notifications through the system. Mobile users see a push notification if they have the mobile app installed. Email notifications provide project details and scheduled dates to all assigned crew members.

These automatic notifications reduce the need for manual communication and ensure everyone knows about their assignments as soon as they're made.

Crew Assignment Best Practices

For consistent results and efficient operations, maintain stable team composition as much as possible. Crews that work together regularly develop better coordination and productivity.

Assign backup crew members for critical projects in case the primary crew encounters delays or emergencies on previous jobs.

Review crew assignments weekly to ensure upcoming projects have complete crews assigned.

Consider geographic location when assigning crews to projects. Teams based in specific regions can respond faster to local work and reduce travel time and fuel costs.

Document any special crew requirements in project notes, such as specific certifications needed or equipment expertise required. This helps ensure appropriate crews are assigned and prevents mismatches between project requirements and crew capabilities.