---
title: "Dispatch Block: Automatically Create Shifts with Locked Fields and Pre-Filled Assignments"
url: "https://help.ontraccr.com/en/article/dispatch-block-automatically-create-shifts-with-locked-fields-and-pre-filled-assignments"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2025-05-26T21:58:45.517Z"
---

# 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.

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## 🚚 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

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## 🛠 How to Add and Configure It

1.  Go to **Step 3: Workflow**
2.  Drag the **Dispatch Block** into the canvas
3.  Connect it to the relevant block (Submit, Approval, Trigger, etc.)
4.  Click the block to configure shift settings

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## ⚙️ 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) |

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### 2\. **Assign to Users**

Choose who will be assigned to the shift:

-   Users from a form field (e.g., dropdown labeled “Assign To”)

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### 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

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### 4\. **Shift Title & Description**

-   Define dynamic shift title (e.g., “Service Call – {{Customer}}”)

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### 5\. **Lock Shift Details**

Use checkbox to lock:

-   Clock In Details

> ✅ This prevents users from changing core details after the shift is created.

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## 📤 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

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## 🧠 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 |

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## 📌 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