Overview
This article explains all automation settings in Shiftlab. These settings control automated schedule generation, role-based automation controls, location-level configuration, bulk automation updates, break plans, coverage plans, and restrictions designed to support consistent and efficient scheduling.
View the six part video series for the Administrator Setup, and this is video 4 of 6 found below.
When to Use This
Use automation settings when:
You want Shiftlab to build schedules automatically.
You need to control how schedules are adjusted or edited.
You want to manage break plans, coverage requirements, or labor rules.
You need to update automation settings for multiple locations at once.
You want to increase automation usage and reduce manual scheduling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Video Instruction
1. Generate Schedules Immediately
Select Generate Schedules Now.
Choose whether to Supplement or Overwrite existing schedules.
Select the weeks you want Shiftlab to build (e.g., Oct 29–Nov 4).
Select Build Schedules.
Wait a few minutes while Shiftlab generates schedules across all locations.
2. Enable Scheduled Automatic Schedule Generation
Example: With 2 weeks lead time and 2 weeks generation, Shiftlab will auto-build two future weeks every Sunday for any store without manual edits.
Select Edit under automatic schedule generation.
Set:
Weeks to Generate
Lead Time (how far ahead schedules are generated)
Toggle Auto Build on.
Select Save Changes.
3. Remove Store Prefixes
This shortens location names across the system, improving searchability.
Select Edit in the Store Prefix Removal section.
Toggle the feature on.
Enter the prefix you want to remove (e.g., “Training 101”).
Select Save Changes.
4. Configure Automation Adjustment Allowance
This allows controlled increases or decreases to automated hours using a slider on the scheduling page.
Select Edit in the Automation Adjustment Allowance section.
Toggle the feature on.
Select which role can access the hour-adjustment slider (e.g., Store Manager).
Set the Maximum and Minimum adjustment percentages.
Select Save Changes.
5. Set User Privileges for Location Settings
This controls who can modify items such as store hours and automation settings.
Select Edit in User Privileges.
Choose which role can edit location-level settings (e.g., District Manager).
Select Save Changes.
6. Use the Bulk Automation Extract
Select Download Extract in the Bulk Automation section.
Open the file containing all locations.
Update automation values such as:
Automation on/off
Break Plan IDs
Auto-invite
Timeclock settings
Draft schedule visibility
To hide schedules in draft:
Set Hide Draft Schedules to Yes.
Set the Visibility Threshold (e.g., 1 week before start date).
Save and reupload the file to update all locations at once.
7. Restrict Ease of Edit
Select Edit in the Restrict Ease of Edit section.
Enable features as needed:
Require Reason Codes for any manual change to automated shifts.
Limit Week-to-Week Copy/Paste.
Limit Daily Copy/Paste.
Toggle settings on or off based on organizational policy.
Select Save Changes.
8. Configure Minimum and Maximum Hours per Role Plan
Example:
Store Managers: 40–45 weekly hours, 6–11 daily hours, not overtime eligible.
Sales Reps: 32–38 weekly hours, 4–9 daily hours, overtime eligible.
Select Edit in the Role Plan section
Either:
Edit the general plan directly, or
Select Add New Role Plan.
Enter:
Role plan name
Code
Description
For each position, enter:
Weekly Maximum and Minimum hours
Daily Maximum and Minimum hours
Overtime eligibility
Select Save.
9. Configure Company Break Plans
Select Edit in Break Plans.
Edit the general plan or Add New Rule.
Choose break placement:
Middle percentage of shift, or
Specific hour window.
Enter:
Break plan name
Code
Description
Define break rules (e.g., “30-minute unpaid break after 6 hours”).
Choose whether to keep the store open if only one person is scheduled.
Enable:
Break Compliance Form
Shift Consent Form
Require Breaks on Manually Created Shifts
Select Save.
10. Configure Company Coverage Plans
Example: Require one manager to open every Monday.
Select Add New Rule.
Enter:
Rule name
Code
Description
Set:
Role (any employee or managers only)
Shift Type (opening, closing, or general coverage)
Employee Count required
Day of Week
Select Save.
Key Details & Definitions
Auto Build: Automates weekly schedule creation.
Supplement vs. Overwrite: Supplement adds to existing schedules; overwrite them fully.
Automation Adjustment Allowance: A percentage-based control for modifying auto-generated hours.
Bulk Automation Extract: A file that updates automation settings across multiple locations.
Break Compliance Form: Confirms that employees take full required break time.
Shift Consent Form: Confirms timecard accuracy at the end of the shift.
Coverage Plan: Ensures minimum staffing by role and time.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Automatic schedules are not generating.
Check lead time, generation weeks, and ensure Auto Build is enabled.
Prefix removal is not working.
Verify the prefix text matches exactly what appears in store names.
Bulk upload changes did not apply.
Ensure the file was saved correctly and reuploaded to the same settings area.
Break plans are not applied to manually created shifts.
Enable the “Require Breaks on Manually Created Shifts” toggle.
Employees can still copy/paste schedules.
Confirm copy/paste restrictions are toggled on.