A computing device includes an interface configured to interface and communicate with a dispersed storage network (DSN), a memory that stores operational instructions, and a processing module operably coupled to the interface and memory such that the processing module, when operable within the computing device based on the operational instructions, is configured to perform various operations. The computing device determines estimated need of capabilities within the DSN based processing access requests for data, storing of the data, and/or rebuilding of the data and also determines actual capabilities within the DSN based on provisioned dispersed storage (DS) units within the DSN. The computing device then generates an assignment of functions for the DS units within the DSN and directs the DS units within the DSN to operate based on the assignment of functions.