> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.stackshift.cloud/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Forecast demand and compare staffing options

> Estimate future workload and see how staffing assumptions affect coverage.

<Note>
  This guide includes features awaiting release. If an option is not available in your workspace, contact StackShift Support.
</Note>

## What you can do

Estimate future workload and see how staffing assumptions affect coverage. Where to find it: Workforce → Forecasts, Staffing scenarios and Routing enforcement

## Before you start

* Configuration permission and relevant support history.

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Choose the forecast period and inspect the historical coverage available for it.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Read expected volume ranges and any low-sample or insufficient-data warning.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Create a staffing scenario with average handling time, concurrent work, occupancy, time away from handling, backlog and service target assumptions.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Compare the scenario’s required coverage with your actual schedule. Change one assumption at a time to understand its effect.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    If applying schedules to routing, review and enable the relevant Routing enforcement controls, then check actual assignments.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Example

Compare a launch-day scenario with normal demand before deciding whether to add a shift.

## Things to know

* A forecast is an estimate, not guaranteed demand.
* A staffing scenario does not hire staff or automatically change a schedule.

## What happens next

<Check>
  Planning decisions are tied to explicit assumptions and visible data limitations.
</Check>

## If something goes wrong

<Warning>
  * Insufficient history: use the warning to plan conservatively and revisit when more data exists.
  * Unrealistic staffing result: inspect handling time, concurrency and occupancy assumptions.
</Warning>

## Related guides

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Plan shifts, breaks, leave and coverage" href="/stackshift-support/workforce-schedules">
    Arrange who is working and handle changes without losing sight of inbox coverage.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Understand conversation volume and team performance" href="/stackshift-support/reports-and-analytics">
    Find the measures that answer a specific question about your support operation.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


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