Dispatch Block: Automatically Create Shifts with Locked Fields and Pre-Filled Assignments
📄 Dispatch Block: Automatically Create Shifts with Pre-Filled Details and Assignment Logic
The Dispatch Block allows forms to automatically generate field schedule shifts—complete with assigned users, project data, and custom notes. This streamlines workflows like job scheduling, shift planning, or after-hours dispatch requests.
🚚 What Is the Dispatch Block?
This workflow block creates a shift in the Dispatch Schedule from a submitted form. You can:
- Set the date, start/end time, and duration
- Assign users or teams to the shift
- Lock values (e.g., project, shift type) to prevent editing
- Pre-fill descriptions, titles, or instructions
✅ Great for real-time field scheduling, emergency dispatching, or automated workforce planning
🛠 How to Add and Configure It
- Go to Step 3: Workflow
- Drag the Dispatch Block into the canvas
- Connect it to the relevant block (Submit, Approval, Trigger, etc.)
- Click the block to configure shift settings
⚙️ Configuration Settings
1. Shift Date and Time
Choose how to set the shift time:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Use form fields | Pull from “Shift Date” or “Start Time” fields in the form |
| Duration-based | Set based on “# of hours” input in form |
| Relative time | Create shift “X hours from now” (coming soon) |
2. Assign to Users
Choose who will be assigned to the shift:
- Users from a form field (e.g., dropdown labeled “Assign To”)
3. Set Project
- Or map from a form field (e.g., “Project” dropdown)
📌 If project is required for time tracking, make sure it's always filled or mapped
4. Shift Title & Description
- Define dynamic shift title (e.g., “Service Call – {{Customer}}”)
5. Lock Shift Details
Use checkbox to lock:
- Clock In Details
✅ This prevents users from changing core details after the shift is created.
📤 What Happens After Creation?
- The shift appears on the Field Schedule immediately
- Assigned users receive mobile and in-app notifications
- Shift data links back to the form that created it
🧠 Use Case Examples
| Scenario | Setup |
|---|---|
| After-hours maintenance request | Create shift for technician based on form field selection |
| Daily site report triggers next-day shift | Form → Dispatch Block → Shift for next day at 7 AM |
| Job closeout triggers return-to-site visit | PM approval step → creates shift for follow-up crew |
| Call center dispatches work order | Admin fills form → Dispatch Block creates technician shift |
📌 Best Practices
- ✅ Always validate time fields in the form (e.g., required start/end or duration)
- 🔐 Use lock toggles to prevent editing shift-critical info
- 🧩 Combine with Notify In App or Create Task to layer alerts and responsibilities
- 📆 Add a custom “Preferred Time” dropdown to give field control without risking free-text errors