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Supporting Technicians with Rotating Schedules in TimeZest

Johannah Strobaugh avatar
Written by Johannah Strobaugh
Updated yesterday

TimeZest does not currently include a native rotating schedule feature. However, many customers successfully support technicians with rotating or shift-based schedules by combining scheduling controls in their PSA with thoughtful configuration inside TimeZest.


Overview of the Recommended Approach

The key principle is letting the PSA define availability while using TimeZest to control when scheduling is allowed.

This is achieved by:

  • Managing technician shifts in the PSA

  • Using the TimeZest Pod (Insight or Tab) to limit dates and times available for booking

  • Appointment types as static windows

While this approach requires some manual updates, it provides predictable control and flexibility when implemented thoughtfully.


Manage Shifts in the PSA

Technician availability should be defined and maintained in the PSA:

  • Create shifts or working hours that reflect each technician’s schedule

  • Assign technicians to the appropriate shifts

  • Set schedules as far in advance as possible

Because TimeZest reads availability from the PSA, keeping this information accurate is essential.

To reduce overhead:

  • Rotate schedules on a predictable cadence (for example, every 4–6 weeks)

Customers who rotate schedules less frequently report significantly lower maintenance effort.


TimeZest Functionality Options

Here are a few ways that you can use and set up TimeZest to support working with rotating shifts.

Use On-the-Fly Appointment Limits to Control When TimeZest Can Schedule

Defining the scheduling guardrails prior to sending out an invite maintains what dates a client can see as available.

This allows TimeZest to schedule appointments only when technicians are expected to be available, even if schedules differ week to week.

When This Approach Works Best

This setup is a strong fit when:

  • Technician schedules are predictable and planned ahead

  • Rotations happen monthly or less frequently

  • The team prefers control over automation flexibility

If schedules change daily or weekly with little notice, manual maintenance may become burdensome.


Appointment Types as Static Windows

Rotating schedules can be accommodated by combining three features that work together.

The Approach

  • Availability by Appointment Type defines stable, known coverage windows

  • Team Scheduling assigns the appointment to an available technician based on the current PSA availability

  • Appointment Type Scheduling Windows limit how far into the future clients can book

Together, this ensures clients can only schedule during approved coverage periods, with technicians assigned based on real-time availability.

How It Works

  1. Create appointment types that represent coverage windows, such as business hours, after-hours, or on-call support.

    1. Use the Availability Mode: Combine the availability of the resources being scheduled with the schedule below.

3. Limit the Scheduling Window within the Appointment Type to a few days to prevent bookings after shifts change.

Appointment Type → Scheduling Options → Scheduling Availability → Scheduling Window

4. Enable Team Scheduling so TimeZest schedules with an available technician within the Team.

Additional Functionality

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