Pattern builder

Rotating shift patterns: build Pitman, Panama, DuPont, and custom rotas once

Learn how RotaFlow turns repeating shift patterns into a reliable rota calendar for iPhone, iPad, widgets, and Apple Watch.

Updated: 2026-06-297 min read

A rota pattern should be the source of truth

RotaFlow starts with the repeating pattern behind your work life: days, nights, early shifts, late shifts, and rest days. Instead of copying a spreadsheet month by month, you define the cycle once and choose the real start date. The calendar then projects the pattern across months, widgets, and Apple Watch.

Patterns this fits well

  • Pitman and 2-2-3 schedules for 24/7 coverage
  • Panama patterns for alternating long and short weeks
  • DuPont style rotations with blocks of nights, days, and rest
  • Custom healthcare, manufacturing, transport, and emergency service rotas

Exceptions stay separate from the base cycle

Real schedules change. Someone swaps a night, books leave, or works overtime. RotaFlow keeps those events as overrides, so the base rota remains clean. That keeps day-to-day planning reliable: one change does not corrupt every future week.

Choose a pattern that matches real life

The best rota setup mirrors how your workplace actually runs. Start with the named pattern if your team uses one, then adjust shift labels, colors, rest days, and exceptions until the calendar matches what you need to check every day.