Compound Rotations allow Fire/EMS departments to create complex scheduling patterns that combine two different rotation cycles into a single, automated schedule. This feature enables departments to efficiently manage sophisticated shift patterns like 48/96 shifts (48 hours on duty, 96 hours off) by combining two individual rotation patterns with customizable offsets to create seamless coverage schedules.

Background Information

Compound Rotations are essential for departments that require overlapping or sequential shift patterns that cannot be achieved with standard single rotations. Common use cases include multi-platoon systems, extended duty cycles, and specialized assignment coverage. These rotations consist of a First Recurrence Pattern and Second Recurrence Pattern that work together to create comprehensive scheduling coverage. The system provides visual calendar previews to help administrators verify the rotation pattern before implementation.

Required Permissions

To set up Compound Rotations, users must have:

• Access Scheduling
  
• Access Setup 
  

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Navigate to Compound Rotations Setup

1. Click on Scheduling in the main navigation menu
2. Select Setup from the dropdown options
   

1. Click on Rotations
   

1. Select the Compound Rotations tab
   

2. Create the Compound Rotation

1. Click the Create or Add New button
   

1. Fill in the Name of the Compound Rotation - Use a descriptive name that identifies the schedule pattern
   

3. Configure Rotation Properties

1. Select a Color for the rotation - This will be used in calendar displays and visual indicators
2. Define the First Recurrence Pattern and Name - Enter the primary rotation cycle details
3. Define the Second Recurrence Pattern and Name - Enter the secondary rotation cycle details
   

4. Set the Schedule Parameters

1. Enter the Start Date - Specify when the rotation should begin
2. Configure the Offset - Set the number of days to offset between the first and second rotation patterns
   • For a 48/96 shift: Set offset to 1 day to allow 48 hours at work with 96 hours off
3. Select Associate with Shift - Choose the appropriate shift from the dropdown menu
   

5. Preview and Verify the Calendar

1. Review the calendar display that appears after configuration
2. The calendar will show a legend at the bottom with color coding:
   • Light blue represents the first rotation
   • Dark blue represents the second rotation
3. Use the Next arrow to view up to 120 days in advance to verify the pattern
   

6. Adjust Offset if Needed

1. Modify the Offset value to fine-tune the rotation timing
2. The offset allows precise control over how the two rotations interact
3. Preview the changes in the calendar view to ensure the desired pattern

7. Save the Configuration

1. Review all settings for accuracy
2. Click Save when the configuration is complete
3. Verify that the compound rotation appears in the rotation list
   

Best Practices

Planning and Design

• Map out your schedule on paper before creating the compound rotation to ensure the pattern meets operational requirements
• Test with different start dates to verify the rotation works correctly across various time periods
• Coordinate with shift supervisors to ensure the compound rotation aligns with staffing needs

Configuration Tips

• Use descriptive names for both the compound rotation and individual recurrence patterns to avoid confusion
• Choose distinct colors that contrast well with your department's existing rotation colors
• Document the offset logic for future reference and training purposes

Validation Procedures

• Preview at least 120 days ahead to verify the pattern repeats correctly
• Check for conflicts with existing rotations before implementing
• Test with a small group initially before rolling out department-wide

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't overlap shifts without considering the impact on maximum consecutive hours policies
• Avoid using the same shift association for multiple rotations simultaneously
• Don't implement without adequate testing period to identify potential scheduling conflicts

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Overlapping Messages During User Assignment

Issue: System displays overlapping warnings when assigning users to compound rotations 

• Review existing user assignments for conflicts
• Use the "Force" option only when overlap is intentional
• Verify that position requirements and qualifiers are properly configured

Calendar Display Issues

Issue: Rotation patterns don't display as expected in the calendar preview 

• Verify that start dates fall within valid ranges
• Check that offset values are appropriate for the desired pattern
• Ensure both recurrence patterns are properly configured

Assignment Position Selection Problems

Issue: Position selection options not visible for single-position assignments 

• Refresh the page and retry the assignment process
• Verify that assignments have proper position configurations
• Use the workaround of temporarily selecting a different assignment, then switching back

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: Can I modify a compound rotation after it's been implemented? 
   
1. A: No, you can only change the color. 
   
2. Q: What's the maximum offset I can set between rotations? 
   
1. A: The system supports offsets up to 120 days.
   
3. Q: Can compound rotations work with Assignment Without Time (AWT)?
   
1. A: Yes, compound rotations support both regular assignments and AWT configurations.
   
4. Q: How do compound rotations interact with Kelly Day assignments? 
   
1. A: Kelly Days are processed separately but must fall within the compound rotation's start and end dates to avoid conflicts.