> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pcnaid.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create shift templates and schedules

> Build reusable shift templates, create draft shifts, publish schedules, and use AI schedule suggestions.

# Create shift templates and schedules

## What does this do for me?

Shift templates let you reuse common shift patterns so you do not recreate every shift from scratch. Draft shifts become published schedules that team members see.

## 1. Open the Schedule page

Select **Schedule** in the sidebar navigation. The page shows two tabs: **Schedule** and **Time clock**.

## 2. Create a reusable shift template

Select **Show templates** under **Reusable shift templates**. Fill in:

* **Name** — A label for the template.
* **Role** — Defaults to **associate**.
* **Location** — Select an active location.
* **Start time** and **End time** — Repeating times of day.
* **Break minutes** — Default 0.
* **Target headcount** — How many people this shift covers (1-100).

Select **Save template**.

To delete a template, select **Delete template** in the table and confirm.

## 3. Create a draft shift

Under **Create shift**, fill in the member, role, location, start and end times, break minutes, and labor budget in cents. Select **Create draft shift**.

You can also create an **Open shift** by leaving the member field empty.

## 4. Publish shifts

When draft shifts are ready, select **Publish all draft shifts (N)**. Published shifts trigger email and SMS notifications to the assigned team members if their contact info is saved.

The **Seven-day role coverage and labor budget** table shows planned hours and budget by role.

## 5. Use AI schedule suggestions

Under **AI schedule suggestions**, enter a week start date and goals (default: "Cover peak hours, avoid overtime, and keep associates at default locations when possible"). Optionally check **Add AI suggestions as draft shifts**. Select **Generate suggestions** to see AI-generated candidates with deterministic rule validation.

## Next steps

After publishing shifts, team members can [use the time clock](https://docs.pcnaid.com/nodes/shopify/teamcopilot/merchant/guides/use-time-clock.md) on POS or in the admin.

[Pcnaid Documentation](https://docs.pcnaid.com/namespace/index.md) › [Shopify Ecosystem](https://docs.pcnaid.com/hubs/shopify-ecosystem/index.md) › [TeamCopilot](https://docs.pcnaid.com/nodes/shopify/teamcopilot/index.md) › [Merchant](https://docs.pcnaid.com/nodes/shopify/teamcopilot/merchant/index) › [Guides](https://docs.pcnaid.com/nodes/shopify/teamcopilot/merchant/guides/index.md) › Create shift templates and schedules


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