OctopusPro empowers you to customize time slot intervals between bookings to ensure an efficient and well-organized scheduling system. Time slot intervals dictate the duration between each booking and determine when a client can schedule an appointment. For instance, a 30-minute interval would allow bookings at 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and every subsequent 30-minute interval.

Implementing time slot intervals enhances the precision of your fieldworkers’ schedules by arranging their appointments in a manner that avoids overlapping and minimizes idle time between appointments. Additionally, setting time slot intervals streamlines the appointment booking process for customers, enabling them to select their desired booking time effortlessly.

Time slot intervals commence at the earliest available time for the fieldworker and continue until the end of their availability. For example, if the booking interval is set to 1 hour and the fieldworker’s available time ranges from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., a client can book appointments at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and so on. To learn more about fieldworkers’ working hours, visit the Working Hours userguide page

The system also accounts for the duration of a fieldworker’s booking. For instance, with a 30-minute interval, it remains possible to book a fieldworker for a 1-hour appointment (assuming the fieldworker can accommodate such a duration). However, the overlapping 30-minute time slot interval within the 1-hour duration becomes unavailable for booking.

To configure time slot intervals, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to Settings > Customer Portal > Flags & Permissions.
2. You will be redirected to the Customer Portal Flags and Permissions Settings page.
3. In the Booking Flags section, use the Time Slot Interval option to set your desired interval.

Once you have established the time slot interval in the settings, it will be reflected in the customer portal as illustrated below. For example, if the interval is set to 30 minutes, each hour of the day will be divided into two slots, and customers can choose their preferred time from the drop-down menu corresponding to each hour.

What are time slot intervals in OctopusPro?

Time slot intervals in OctopusPro refer to the customizable duration between each booking, which determines when clients can schedule appointments. Time slot intervals ensure efficient scheduling for fieldworkers, preventing overlaps and minimizing idle time between appointments.

How do time slot intervals benefit my fieldworkers and customers?

Time slot intervals enhance the precision of fieldworkers’ schedules by arranging appointments in a way that avoids overlapping and minimizes idle time. Additionally, setting time slot intervals simplifies the appointment booking process for customers, allowing them to select their desired booking time effortlessly.

How do I set up time slot intervals in OctopusPro?

To configure time slot intervals, navigate to Settings > Customer Portal > Flags & Permissions. You will be redirected to the Customer Portal Flags and Permissions Settings page. In the Booking Flags section, use the Time Slot Interval option to set your desired interval.

Can I still book a fieldworker for a longer appointment with a shorter time slot interval?

Yes, you can still book a fieldworker for a longer appointment even with a shorter time slot interval. For example, with a 30-minute interval, it remains possible to book a fieldworker for a 1-hour appointment (assuming the fieldworker can accommodate such a duration). However, the overlapping 30-minute time slot interval within the 1-hour duration becomes unavailable for booking.

How do time slot intervals appear in the customer portal?

Once the time slot interval is set in the settings, it will be reflected in the customer portal. For example, if the interval is set to 30 minutes, each hour of the day will be divided into two slots, and customers can choose their preferred time from the drop-down menu corresponding to each hour.

How do time slot intervals account for fieldworkers’ working hours?

Time slot intervals commence at the earliest available time for the fieldworker and continue until the end of their availability. For example, if the booking interval is set to 1 hour and the fieldworker’s available time ranges from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., a client can book appointments at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and so on.