# Shift

### Definition

A Shift, whilst similar to [Appointments](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/getting-started/maica-key-concepts/appointment), is the principal way of organising your [Resources](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/getting-started/maica-key-concepts/resource) into timeslots across your locations, including capturing the following key information:

* [Resource](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/getting-started/maica-key-concepts/resource)[s](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/getting-started/maica-key-concepts/resource) who are delivering the service as part of the Shift
* [Appointment Services](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/getting-started/maica-key-concepts/appointment-service) (Shift Service) which are being delivered as part of the Shift
* [Location](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/appointments/create-an-appointment/location) at which the Shift is being held
* Recurrance if the Shift is a repeating service being delivered

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You can learn how to create Shifts [here](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/shifts).
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### Purpose

A Shift sets out the structure under which [Resources](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/getting-started/maica-key-concepts/resource) are rostered on a [Location](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/appointments/create-an-appointment/location), including on a recurring basis. They are visually represented in the [Maica Planner](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/the-planner/planner-overview) and can be accessed using either the web browser or mobile device (using the Salesforce mobile application).

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The primary difference between Shifts and [Appointments](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/getting-started/maica-key-concepts/appointment) is that Shifts do not have specific [Participants](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/getting-started/maica-key-concepts/participant) associated with the Shift. The overall purpose of a Shift is to place [Resources](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/getting-started/maica-key-concepts/resource) at a specific [Location](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/appointments/create-an-appointment/location) at specific (and potentially recurring) times.
{% endhint %}

### Usage

In Maica, Shifts form the central mechanism by which information about [Resource](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/getting-started/maica-key-concepts/resource) rosters is captured and managed. Shifts are primarily managed through the [Maica Planner](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/the-planner/planner-overview) and can be created or managed by any authorised end user, whether this be a dedicated scheduling team member or the [Resource](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/getting-started/maica-key-concepts/resource) themselves.

### Final Thoughts

It's important to understand the main differences between Shifts and [Appointments](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/getting-started/maica-key-concepts/appointment), so we can best summarise this as follows:

* [Appointments](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/getting-started/maica-key-concepts/appointment) are structured to allow [Participants](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/getting-started/maica-key-concepts/participant) to receive specific services at specific times.
* Shifts are structures to place [Resources](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/getting-started/maica-key-concepts/resource) at a [Location](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/appointments/create-an-appointment/location) during specific times.

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Both, [Appointments](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/getting-started/maica-key-concepts/appointment-service) and Shifts can be recurring and will automatically be generated by Maica.
{% endhint %}