If you notice a significant difference in SMART hours between two months — like April and May — the most common explanation is a change in the Productivity forecast.

Quick Explanation

SMART hours are calculated using the following formula:

SMART Hours = Cost Driver ÷ Productivity Forecast

So, if the Productivity forecast is lower in May, even with the same cost driver (like number of covers or revenue), the result will be higher SMART hours. This doesn’t necessarily mean your staffing increased — it reflects a lower productivity expectation for that period.

What To Check

• Compare the Productivity forecast for both April and May.
• Look at the Cost Driver (e.g., revenue, covers) to see if it stayed consistent.
• Confirm that Productivity is set as the selected forecast in your SMART setup.

By aligning the forecast expectations with actual performance, you’ll get clearer insight into staffing efficiency across periods.