The Magic of Turning Words into Work Schedules

There's a story I want to share with you—a tale of innovation, frustration, and the relentless pursuit of simplicity. It begins not in a bustling office or a high-tech lab, but in the quiet moments when an idea takes hold and refuses to let go.

About a year and a half ago, my team at Soon embarked on an ambitious journey. We envisioned a tool that could revolutionize the way businesses handle scheduling—a generative AI that could create an entire week's work schedule from a simple text prompt. Imagine just typing, "I run a retail store open from 9 am to 9 pm, with five staff members rotating in shifts," and instantly receiving a full schedule tailored to your needs.

At the time, the technology wasn't quite there. We experimented with OpenAI 's early APIs, and while the potential was tantalizing, we hit a wall. The AI would often produce inconsistent outputs, sometimes veering off into what's known as "hallucinations"—producing data that looked right but wasn't usable. The JSON formats we needed for consistent scheduling were just out of reach.

Fast forward to this week, and that distant dream has become a reality.

Unveiling the Text-to-Schedule Generator

We launched our generative AI text-to-schedule generator, and it's nothing short of magical. With a few sentences, users can describe their unique operational needs, and our AI crafts a comprehensive schedule for the entire week. This isn't just a template—it's a dynamic, customizable schedule that adapts to the nuances of each business.

Consider the challenge many new users face when adopting scheduling software. Traditional tools often require a steep learning curve, and templates seldom fit the diverse needs of different industries. A dental clinic's schedule looks nothing like that of a customer support team or a fire department. The one-size-fits-all approach turns off more users than it engages.

Our solution was to let users articulate their requirements in their own words. The AI does the heavy lifting, translating those words into structured, actionable schedules. It's personal, it's precise, and most importantly, it's incredibly easy.

Behind the Scenes: A Leap Forward in AI

What's fascinating is how we bridged the gap from concept to execution. The advancements in AI technology allowed us to overcome the hurdles that previously held us back. The AI now reliably produces consistent, structured data, eliminating the inconsistencies and "hallucinations" that plagued earlier versions.

We've also integrated a system to receive real-time feedback. Every time someone uses the feature, we get insights into their prompts and how the AI responds. This feedback loop is invaluable. It not only helps us refine the tool but also offers a glimpse into the diverse ways businesses operate.

Why This Matters

The core of our mission at Soon has always been to simplify scheduling so businesses can focus on what truly matters: their work. By removing the friction from the onboarding process, we're helping more users experience that "aha" moment when they see how seamlessly the tool fits into their workflow.

We're not targeting a single niche because we believe in the universality of good tools. Just as word processors aren't designed only for writers or lawyers, our scheduling software is built for anyone who works in shifts. The adaptability of the AI ensures that whether you're running a fruit stand that operates from 6 am to 6 pm or managing a global customer support team, the tool molds itself to your needs.

A Call to Experience the Magic

Next week, we're launching this feature on Product Hunt, and I'd be thrilled if you could lend your support. But more than votes or rankings, what I genuinely hope is that you'll try it out. Experience the simplicity and elegance of turning your words into a working schedule.

We've even added a "fun mode"—a small touch to make the experience more engaging. Toggle it on, and your schedule comes alive with emojis, vibrant colors, and playful descriptions. It's a reminder that work doesn't always have to feel like work.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this milestone, we're already setting our sights on what's next. Forecasting is on the horizon, and we can't wait to share more innovations with you. But for now, we're taking a moment to appreciate how far we've come.

Creating this tool has been a journey—a blend of patience, creativity, and a fair share of late nights. But seeing it come to life and knowing it can make a real difference for businesses is profoundly rewarding.

Join Us

So, here's my invitation to you: Give it a try. Visit our website, play around with the text-to-schedule generator, and let us know what you think. Whether you're a longtime user or someone who's just curious, your feedback is the compass that guides us.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let's continue to redefine what's possible, one innovation at a time.

The final result

Warm regards,

Olaf Jacobson