Creating Buffers for Your Schedule

Last updated: October 9, 2026

Introduction to Buffers

Buffers give you control over appointment availability. You can configure them for opening, closing, and immediate scheduling times. By setting up buffers, you can ensure that your staff has adequate time to prepare at the start and end of the day and manage the flow of patients effectively.

Types of Buffers

  1. Opening Buffer:

    • This buffer controls the time between when your clinic opens and when the first online appointment can be booked.

    • For example, if your clinic opens at 8 a.m. and you set a 30-minute open buffer, the first available appointment would be at 8:30 a.m.

  2. Closing Buffer:

    • The closing buffer works similarly, controlling the time between when your clinic closes and when the last appointment can be booked.

    • For instance, if your clinic closes at 8 p.m. and you set a 15-minute closing buffer, the last available appointment would be at 7:45 p.m.

  3. Booking Buffer:

    • The booking buffer prevents patients from booking appointments too close to the current time.

    • If you set a 40-minute booking buffer, patients cannot book appointments within the next 40 minutes from the current time.

Setting Up Buffers

  1. Adding Buffers:

    • Go to the Hours and Scheduling settings in Solv.

    • Select the Online Hours tab to set the Opening and Closing Buffers, or the Scheduling tab to set the Booking Buffer.

    • Choose a buffer duration from the dropdown for each day (or, for the Booking Buffer, for the location).

  2. Configuring Buffer Settings:

    • Static Buffer: Choose whether the buffer should be the same for every day of the week.

    • Day-specific Buffers: Alternatively, you can set different buffers for individual days depending on your clinic’s schedule.

  3. Applying Buffers to Locations:

    • Once your buffer settings are configured, select the specific locations where these buffers will apply.

    • Click "Save Changes" to finalize your buffer settings.

Example: On days with high walk-in traffic, such as Mondays or the day after a holiday, you might find it beneficial to set a shorter 'booking buffer' in the afternoon. This allows patients to book last-minute appointments while still giving your staff enough time to manage the day’s flow effectively. For example, setting a 20-minute 'booking buffer' after lunch can help you accommodate a sudden influx of patients without overwhelming your team.

Conclusion

Buffers are a simple yet powerful tool to help manage patient flow and ensure your clinic operates smoothly from opening to closing. By properly setting open, closing, and booking buffers, you can optimize appointment scheduling, giving your staff the necessary time to prepare and transition between appointments.