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How to Manage Rotating On-Call Shifts Effectively: A Guide for MSPs

How to Manage Rotating On-Call Shifts Effectively

At Medha Cloud, we understand how important it is for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to maintain a smooth on-call rotation system. When the system fails, chaos can ensue—especially during after-hours emergencies. If your current process involves manual call forwarding or depends heavily on a single person, it’s time to rethink your strategy.

In this article, we’ll explore simple, effective ways to handle rotating on-call responsibilities using automation, tools, and best practices.

Why Your On-Call System Needs an Upgrade

A manual process, such as having a manager forward calls to a technician weekly, may work for a while. But when that manager is unavailable—like on vacation—things can quickly fall apart. A reliable on-call system ensures uninterrupted service, reduces stress for your team, and keeps your clients happy.

1. Automate Call Forwarding

One of the easiest ways to improve your on-call system is by automating call forwarding. Tools like RingCentral, Dialpad, or Grasshopper allow you to set up an on-call schedule that automatically forwards calls to the right technician.

How It Works:

  • Create a rotation schedule in the system.
  • Assign technicians to specific time slots.
  • The system automatically routes calls to the assigned person without manual intervention.

With automation in place, you can avoid missed calls or confusion when someone forgets to update the forwarding settings.

2. Use On-Call Scheduling Software

For larger teams or more complex setups, on-call scheduling software like PagerDuty, Opsgenie, or ConnectWise Manage is a game-changer.

Key Features:

  • Automated Scheduling: Rotations are handled without manual input.
  • Escalation Policies: Missed calls are automatically forwarded to backup technicians.
  • Integration: Works with phone systems, email, and chat tools.

By using these tools, MSPs like Medha Cloud can ensure seamless coverage, even during vacations or holidays.

3. Dedicate a Shared On-Call Phone

If your team isn’t ready for advanced tools, a simple solution is using a dedicated phone for on-call shifts.

How It Works:

  • The on-call phone is passed to the current technician at the start of their shift.
  • Notifications about incoming calls or issues can be sent via apps like Slack or Microsoft Teams.

This method is straightforward and ensures there’s always a clear point of contact for after-hours emergencies.

4. Plan for Redundancy

No system is perfect, so building redundancies into your process is crucial.

Best Practices:

  • Assign a backup technician for every shift.
  • Set up escalation rules so missed calls are forwarded to the backup person.
  • Notify both the primary and backup technicians when a shift starts.

Redundancy ensures no call goes unanswered, even if the primary technician is unavailable.

5. Create a Clear On-Call Policy

Document your on-call process so everyone on your team knows what’s expected.

What to Include:

  • How shifts are scheduled.
  • Responsibilities during an on-call shift.
  • Escalation procedures for unresolved issues.

At Medha Cloud, we’ve seen how a clear policy helps teams stay aligned and reduces last-minute confusion.

6. Test Your On-Call System Regularly

Just like fire drills, it’s important to test your on-call process to identify potential gaps.

How to Test:

  • Run mock scenarios where an after-hours issue arises.
  • Check how well calls are routed and escalated.
  • Get feedback from your team to improve the system.

Regular testing ensures your process is ready for real-world emergencies.

7. Leverage Cloud-Based Platforms

Integrating your after-hours answering service with tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk can improve efficiency. These platforms route calls and track issues automatically, so nothing falls through the cracks.

If your MSP uses Microsoft Teams, consider these steps:

  1. Set up an on-call calendar in Teams.
  2. Use Teams calling features to route calls to the assigned technician.
  3. Log missed calls in a shared Teams channel for visibility.

Medha Cloud’s Approach to On-Call Management

At Medha Cloud, we specialize in helping MSPs optimize their operations, including on-call management. By leveraging automation, scheduling tools, and cloud platforms, we create systems that are reliable and scalable.

Conclusion

A robust on-call system is vital for MSPs to deliver seamless support, especially during after-hours emergencies. By automating call routing, using scheduling software, and building redundancies, you can prevent chaos and ensure your clients receive the support they need.

If you’re ready to upgrade your on-call process, Medha Cloud is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can streamline your MSP operations and keep your clients happy, no matter the hour.

Contact Medha Cloud Now!

Reach us at:

  • India: +91 93536 44646
  • US: +1 646 775 2855
  • Websitewww.medhacloud.com
  • Email: info@medhacloud.com
Benjamin Gbolaru
Benjamin Gbolaru
I'm Benjamin, a Microsoft 365 Specialist, helping small and large businesses deploy, configure, and secure M365 environments to maximize the benefits of Microsoft tools. With sound expertise in driving cloud adoption, identity and access management (IAM), security monitoring, system reliability, and proactive troubleshooting.
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