Auto-blocking unavailable slots

Purpose

1.1. Automatically detect and block appointment slots that are already booked, under maintenance, or assigned to off-duty technicians for air compressor repair services.
1.2. Prevent double-booking and reduce manual calendar updates by integrating real-time availability sync across scheduling interfaces, technician rosters, and customer portals.
1.3. Provide immediate feedback to customers and staff on slot unavailability, optimizing resource allocation and reducing scheduling conflicts.

Trigger Conditions

2.1. New booking request received via online portal, phone system, or third-party aggregator.
2.2. Technician marks availability change (sick leave, overtime, route delays, etc.).
2.3. Real-time system updates such as emergency jobs, system cancellations, or admin overrides.

Platform variants

3.1. Salesforce Service Cloud
• Feature/Setting: Configure Flow Builder to auto-update Service Resource Calendar and Appointment Booking API.

3.2. Microsoft Outlook Calendar
• Feature/Setting: Power Automate triggers for event creation/updates, block/unblock with SetEvent API.

3.3. Google Calendar
• Feature/Setting: Use Calendar API’s Events: watch and Events: patch for auto-detection and blocking.

3.4. Acuity Scheduling
• Feature/Setting: Webhooks for New Appointment/Appointment Change trigger; set appointment blocks.

3.5. Calendly
• Feature/Setting: Integrate Calendly API’s “Event Types > Availability Schedules” and configure “Event Cancellation” triggers.

3.6. ServiceTitan
• Feature/Setting: Use Dispatch Pro with resource schedule locking and appointment status webhooks.

3.7. Zoho Bookings
• Feature/Setting: Use “Automatic Slot Blocking” and API for time-off/absence sync.

3.8. HubSpot Meetings
• Feature/Setting: Meetings API, auto-block via “Update meeting” endpoint.

3.9. Square Appointments
• Feature/Setting: Business Hours and Time-off API endpoints, automate slot unavailability logic.

3.10. FieldAware
• Feature/Setting: Schedule API for technician availability update; auto-block via service event status.

3.11. Jobber
• Feature/Setting: Appointments API “Sync Status” and “Block Time” operations.

3.12. Appointlet
• Feature/Setting: Unavailable Times API; auto-block via calendar sync.

3.13. Deputy
• Feature/Setting: Unavailability and Leave Requests API linked to scheduling module.

3.14. Freshdesk Omnichannel
• Feature/Setting: Freshservice API for Calendar Items – block with “Create Unavailable Slot.”

3.15. Doodle
• Feature/Setting: Poll API “Participant Availability”; auto-hide unavailable windows.

3.16. Monday.com
• Feature/Setting: Calendar integration with Status change automation and API block event.

3.17. SAP Field Service Management
• Feature/Setting: Resource Calendar API auto-block by Work Order and Absence modules.

3.18. ServiceNow
• Feature/Setting: Schedule Management API to lock unavailable slots after booking/ticket.

3.19. When I Work
• Feature/Setting: Time Off API to restrict bookings during unavailability periods.

3.20. Booker by MindBody
• Feature/Setting: Booking API with time block, “Block Time” upon request/availability changes.

Benefits

4.1. Eliminates double-booking and reduces technician idle time.
4.2. Ensures up-to-date scheduling visibility for all stakeholders.
4.3. Decreases manual admin work and human error.
4.4. Enhances customer experience with immediate alternative suggestions.
4.5. Improves response to dynamic service changes (emergencies, cancellations).