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Time Filters

Control what times of day you'll receive appointment notifications with SpotPatrol's flexible time filtering system.

Overview​

Time filters allow you to set specific hours when you want to be notified about available appointments. You can create different schedules for weekdays versus weekends, or customize each day individually. This feature works alongside Date Range Filters to give you complete control over when you receive notifications.

Standard Service Feature

Time filters are only available to Standard service users. Trial users can set time ranges in the interface, but these filters will not be applied until they upgrade.

Filter Methods​

Simple Method​

Consistent Schedule

Best for: Consistent schedule across all days

The Simple method applies the same time ranges to every day of the week. Perfect if you have a consistent availability schedule.

How it works:

  • Define one set of time ranges
  • Applied automatically to all seven days
  • Ideal for standard work schedules

Example: Setting "5:00 PM - 11:59 PM" means you'll only receive notifications for appointments during evening hours, every day of the week.

Grouped Method (Weekday/Weekend)​

Best for: Different weekday vs weekend availability

The Grouped method lets you set separate time ranges for weekdays (Monday-Friday) and weekends (Saturday-Sunday).

How it works:

  • Weekdays: Custom time ranges for Monday through Friday
  • Weekends: Different time ranges for Saturday and Sunday
  • Each group can have multiple time ranges

Example:

  • Weekdays: "6:00 PM - 11:59 PM" (after work)
  • Weekends: "8:00 AM - 6:00 PM" (daytime availability)

Daily Method​

Advanced Control

Best for: Completely customized weekly schedule

The Daily method gives you complete control over each individual day of the week.

How it works:

  • Set unique time ranges for each day
  • Some days can have no ranges (blocked)
  • Each day can have multiple time ranges

Example:

  • Monday: "7:00 AM - 9:00 AM" and "5:00 PM - 8:00 PM"
  • Tuesday: No ranges (no notifications)
  • Wednesday: "12:00 PM - 1:00 PM" (lunch appointments only)

Important Behavior Notes​

Trial vs Standard Service​

Trial Service:

  • Time filters can be set and saved
  • Filters remain inactive until upgrade
  • All appointment times monitored during trial
  • Trial banner shows upgrade reminder

Standard Service:

  • Time filters are fully active
  • Only appointments during specified times trigger notifications
  • Instant implementation of changes

Empty Time Ranges​

Important Behavior Difference

No time ranges defined:

  • Simple method: Receives notifications for all appointment times
  • Grouped/Daily methods: Days/groups without ranges are blocked (no notifications)

This difference is important: leaving Simple method empty means "monitor all times," while leaving Grouped or Daily sections empty means "don't monitor this day/group."

Blocked Days​

In Grouped and Daily methods, days without any time ranges are automatically blocked. You won't receive notifications for appointments on those days, regardless of appointment time.

Visual indicators:

  • Empty sections show "Blocked unless range(s) added"
  • Dashboard displays which days are being monitored

Setting Up Time Filters​

Accessing Time Filters​

  1. Go to your Dashboard
  2. Locate the "Appointment Times" section
  3. Click Add (first time) or Edit (to modify)

Creating Time Ranges​

  1. Choose your method: Simple, Grouped, or Daily
  2. Add time ranges: Click the "+" button to add ranges
  3. Set times: Use the time pickers for start and end times
  4. Quick fill options: Use preset buttons for common ranges
  5. Save changes: Click "Update Times"

Quick Fill Options​

Common presets available in the interface:

  • 6am-12pm: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM (morning)
  • 12pm-6pm: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (afternoon)
  • 6pm-11pm: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM (evening)
  • 6am-11pm: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM (full day)

Managing Multiple Ranges​

Each day or group can have multiple time ranges:

  • Example: "8:00 AM - 10:00 AM" AND "2:00 PM - 4:00 PM"
  • Useful for lunch breaks or split schedules
  • No limit on number of ranges per day

Practical Examples​

Example 1: Working Professional​

Evening & Weekend Strategy

Goal: Only evening and weekend appointments Method: Grouped

  • Weekdays: 6:00 PM - 11:59 PM
  • Weekends: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Example 2: Flexible Schedule​

Custom Daily Control

Goal: Different availability each day Method: Daily

  • Monday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Tuesday: Blocked (no ranges)
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Friday-Sunday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Example 3: Lunch Hour Appointments​

Goal: Only lunch-time appointments Method: Simple

  • All days: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Best Practices​

Choose the Right Method​

  • Simple: Use when your schedule is consistent every day
  • Grouped: Use when weekdays differ from weekends
  • Daily: Use when each day has unique availability

Consider Your Schedule​

  • Account for travel time to appointment locations
  • Remember notifications are based on appointment start time
  • Consider appointment preparation time

Start Broad, Then Narrow​

  • Begin with wider time ranges
  • Narrow them down based on actual appointment patterns
  • Monitor your notification volume

Combine with Date Filters​

Time filters work best when combined with Date Range Filters for complete control over your notification preferences.

Use with Quiet Hours​

Time filters control which appointments trigger notifications, while Quiet Hours control when those notifications are delivered. Both features work together - time filters determine notification eligibility, then Quiet Hours determine delivery timing.

Related Features

Need Help? Contact SpotPatrol support at https://www.spotpatrol.com/contact for assistance with time filter setup.