desired shift schedule based on constraints

hey all ,
please help me developing shift schedule as desired with few constraints.. I am new to forum and only have basic knowledge of excel.
I think the shift scehdule will be done through solver .. but unable to do so and hence want to get help ..
Thanks in advance to suggestions ..I am using excel 2003 and 2007..and having basic knowledge of macro and VBA..

I've uploaded an old Microsoft staff planner to give you an idea of a possible setup for your planner.

The Excel solver is a powerful tool but the max number of constraints is rather small (200) and that could be a problem seeing you wish to plan for 18 people during a month.

Still as this kind of problem is a linear one there is a free solver developed by Auckland University where there is no limit to the number of constraints. Google for OpenSolver and yes it integrates nicely with Excel 2003 - 2010.

Alf

thanks for suggestions.. I was late to give feedback since bit busy schedule.. I worked on it a bit and its best solution for the problem..
thanks again

I was late to give feedback since bit busy schedule

No problem

But 4 shifts a day and 18 persons to plan a shift for during 30 days will use a lot of constraints, I would suggest you test first with a smaller time period i.e. say a week.

Alf