Real-time availability request collection

Purpose

1.1. Automate real-time availability request collection from restaurant staff to optimize shift planning and reduce manual scheduling errors.
1.2. Enable restaurant managers to automatically gather, update, and track staff shift availability in real-time across diverse channels (SMS, email, workspace apps).
1.3. Support scheduling agility for peak hours, seasonal demand, and last-minute changes in Pacific Northwest cuisine settings.
1.4. Ensure all staff, including those working remotely or in hybrid roles, can automatedly respond to scheduling requests with minimal friction.

Trigger Conditions

2.1. New scheduling period initiated (weekly, biweekly, or monthly).
2.2. Last-minute shift opening or unexpected staff absence detected (e.g., call-off, emergency).
2.3. Automated change or update in staff roster or availability status in scheduling system.
2.4. Scheduled time-based automation (e.g., every Friday at 10:00am).

Platform variants

3.1. Twilio SMS
• Feature/Setting: Automate SMS requests to staff for availability responses using Twilio Programmable Messaging API; configure auto-inbound webhook to parse replies.
3.2. SendGrid
• Feature/Setting: Automate emails requesting staff availability via SendGrid "Mail Send" v3 API; track reply-to with Parse Webhook.
3.3. Slack
• Feature/Setting: Automate direct message and channel notification with Slack API chat.postMessage; collect responses via Slack Events API.
3.4. Microsoft Teams
• Feature/Setting: Automate Teams bot or Adaptive Card sent via Microsoft Graph API; collect replies via webhook or bot framework.
3.5. Google Workspace (Gmail & Calendar)
• Feature/Setting: Automated email requests using Gmail API and collect schedule blocks via Google Calendar API “availability” endpoint.
3.6. Zoom (Chat)
• Feature/Setting: Automated chat bot broadcasts availability requests using Zoom Chatbot API; reply parsing automation.
3.7. WhatsApp Business Platform
• Feature/Setting: Automate template messages for shift availability request using WhatsApp Cloud API; collect structured responses automatedly.
3.8. Facebook Messenger
• Feature/Setting: Automate broadcast with Messenger Send API; receive and automate tracking of incoming messages.
3.9. Telegram
• Feature/Setting: Automate bot message dispatch using Telegram Bot API; collect with getUpdates for incoming replies.
3.10. Discord
• Feature/Setting: Automate DM or channel notifications with Discord API; automate collection of reactions/messages.
3.11. Monday.com
• Feature/Setting: Automate creation of pulse/status column for availability, using Items API; collect automated updates via webhooks.
3.12. Asana
• Feature/Setting: Automate task generation for staff reply, using custom fields for shift availability via Asana API; webhooks for status change.
3.13. Trello
• Feature/Setting: Automate card creation per staff per shift with checklist items for availability using Trello REST API; automate Power-Up actions.
3.14. Notion
• Feature/Setting: Automated new database item creation for each staff; collect form submissions or inline editing via Notion API.
3.15. Airtable
• Feature/Setting: Automate Airtable forms for staff to submit availability; sync records using Airtable API.
3.16. Salesforce
• Feature/Setting: Automated task assignment/notification for availability input using Salesforce Workflow API; collect via custom object or Community Portal.
3.17. HubSpot
• Feature/Setting: Automate workflow to email staff for scheduling via HubSpot Workflows API; responses collected in custom CRM properties.
3.18. BambooHR
• Feature/Setting: Automate time-off request integration for shift availability using BambooHR Open API; automate polling for updated statuses.
3.19. Deputy
• Feature/Setting: Automate push notifications for availability collection using Deputy API; sync responses to shift planner.
3.20. When I Work
• Feature/Setting: Automate shift request/availability flow with When I Work API endpoints; real-time update automation in schedule dashboard.

Benefits

4.1. Dramatically reduces manual scheduling errors by automating data collection and centralizing responses.
4.2. Enables real-time, automated conflict detection and replacement for shifts in Pacific Northwest cuisine restaurants.
4.3. Improves staff morale by automatedly offering flexible channels for shift availability communication.
4.4. Ensures legal and policy compliance by automated tracking of labor rules, recurring automatable scheduling checks, and digital audit trails.
4.5. Enhances restaurant efficiency; automates routine scheduling, thus freeing management for critical operations.
4.6. Rapidly adapts to business demands with automation capabilities for both planned and emergency staffing needs.