Manufacturing Shift Scheduling Software
Keep your production lines running 24/7. NextShifts helps manufacturing facilities manage rotating shifts, track certifications, and ensure every line is properly staffed — without spreadsheet chaos.
Free during beta. No credit card required.
Manufacturing scheduling is uniquely demanding.
24/7 operations, rotating shifts, and certification requirements make spreadsheets impossible. You need a tool built for production environments.
24/7 Operations
Running production around the clock means juggling multiple shifts, handoffs, and making sure every line is staffed at all hours.
Rotating Schedules
Fair shift rotation is complex. Workers burn out on nights, and tracking who's due for which shift is a nightmare in spreadsheets.
Certifications & Skills
Forklifts, hazmat, machine operation — you need certified workers on every shift. Tracking expirations manually risks compliance.
Learn about OSHA requirementsBuilt for continuous production.
From shift rotations to certification tracking, NextShifts handles the scheduling challenges unique to manufacturing.
Multi-Shift Dashboard
See day, swing, and night shifts side by side. Know exactly who's covering each production line.
Rotation Management
Set up fair rotation patterns automatically. Workers move between shifts equitably without manual tracking.
Certification Tracking
Track forklift licenses, safety certs, and equipment qualifications. Get alerts before they expire.
Line Coverage View
Ensure every production line has minimum staffing. See gaps before they shut down operations.
Fatigue Management
Prevent unsafe schedules. Flag when workers are scheduled for too many consecutive nights or overtime.
Mobile Shift Access
Workers check schedules, request swaps, and clock in from their phones. No kiosk lines.
Support for every shift pattern.
Whether you run fixed shifts, rotating schedules, or the DuPont system, NextShifts adapts to your operation.
Fixed Shifts
Workers stay on the same shift (day, swing, or night). Simpler but some workers are always on nights.
Pros
- Consistent routines
- Easier childcare
- Less fatigue from transitions
Considerations
- Night shift workers may feel stuck
- Less flexibility
Rotating Shifts
Workers cycle through all shifts over weeks. Fairer distribution but harder on sleep schedules.
Pros
- Fair distribution of undesirable shifts
- All workers gain experience
- Team bonding across shifts
Considerations
- Sleep disruption
- Harder to plan personal life
- Adjustment periods
DuPont Schedule
12-hour shifts with built-in recovery weeks. Popular in continuous operations.
Pros
- Fewer workdays per month
- Extended time off
- 24/7 coverage with 4 teams
Considerations
- Long shift days
- Complex rotation
- Requires more total staff
Trusted by Manufacturing Teams
Join production managers who've switched from spreadsheets to NextShifts for their shift scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about manufacturing shift scheduling.
What is manufacturing shift scheduling?
Manufacturing shift scheduling is the process of assigning workers to specific shifts in a production facility, typically across multiple shift patterns (day, swing, night). It involves balancing production demands, worker skills, equipment certifications, and labor regulations to maintain continuous operations. Good scheduling software automates rotation, tracks certifications, and ensures minimum staffing across all lines.
How do you schedule a 3-shift manufacturing operation?
A 3-shift manufacturing operation typically runs day shift (6AM-2PM), swing shift (2PM-10PM), and night shift (10PM-6AM). Effective scheduling requires rotating workers between shifts to prevent burnout, maintaining minimum staffing per production line, tracking overtime to stay compliant with labor laws, and ensuring certified operators are always available for specialized equipment. NextShifts handles all of this automatically.
What is the best shift pattern for manufacturing?
The best shift pattern depends on your production needs and workforce preferences. Common patterns include fixed shifts (workers stay on one shift), rotating shifts (workers cycle through all shifts over weeks), and the DuPont schedule (12-hour shifts with built-in recovery time). Consider factors like worker health, production continuity, and union agreements when choosing.
How can I reduce shift scheduling conflicts in manufacturing?
Reduce scheduling conflicts by using software that provides real-time visibility across all shifts, automatically checks for double-bookings and certification requirements, tracks worker availability and preferences, and sends instant notifications when changes occur. This eliminates the gaps that happen when coordinating via spreadsheets or paper schedules.
Does NextShifts work for small manufacturing facilities?
Yes, NextShifts is designed for manufacturing operations of all sizes. Whether you have 10 workers or 1,000, the platform scales to your needs. Small facilities benefit from the same automation features as large plants — rotation management, certification tracking, and gap detection. During our beta period, all features are free.
Scheduling for other industries
NextShifts works for various industries with shift-based operations.
Keep your production lines running.
Set up takes less than 15 minutes. Start managing your manufacturing shifts today.