System-wide Defaults

Learn how to configure and manage system-wide default settings that establish baseline configurations for security, permissions, entities, and other platform-wide behaviors.

Overview

System-wide Defaults in the Shifts platform allow super administrators to establish baseline configurations that apply across the entire system. These defaults create consistency in security policies, user roles, entity structures, and other critical system behaviors while still allowing for business-level customization. This article explains how to access, configure, and manage these system-wide default settings.

Accessing System Defaults

To access the system-wide defaults:

1. Log in with super administrator credentials
2. Navigate to Super Admin > Advanced Configuration
3. Select System Settings from the menu
4. Choose the category of defaults you wish to configure

Global System Settings

Configure foundational settings that affect the entire platform:

Security Defaults

Set baseline security settings:

• Session Timeout: Default duration before sessions expire (standard: 60 minutes)
• Password Policy:
  • Minimum length (default: 8 characters)
  • Character requirements (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, special)
  • Password expiration periods
  • Password history restrictions
• Account Lockout: Failed attempt thresholds and lockout durations
• Two-Factor Authentication: Default requirements and grace periods

API Configuration

Set default API behavior:

• Rate Limits: Default request limits per hour (standard: 1000)
• Window Size: Time period for calculating rate limits
• Tracking Method: IP-based or token-based tracking
• Default Permissions: Standard permission sets for new API tokens

Email System Defaults

Configure email delivery settings:

• SMTP Settings: Server address, port, and authentication details
• Default Sender: System-wide default “From” address
• Email Templates: Standard templates for system notifications
• Testing Configuration: Settings for email delivery testing

Entity Default Values

Manage the default settings for various entities when they are created:

Business Defaults

• Notification Preferences: Default channels (email, SMS, push)
• Working Days: Standard business days (default: Monday-Friday)
• Subdomain Generation: Rules for creating business subdomains
• Time Zone: Default time zone for new businesses

Security Settings for Businesses

• Default Security Profile: Baseline security settings for new businesses
• IP Validation Mode: Default setting (Passive, Warning, Strict)
• Self-Registration: Enable/disable by default
• Clock-in/out Settings: Default time windows and verification requirements

Default Roles and Permissions

• System Roles: Configure default permissions for system roles
• Organizational Roles: Standard organizational roles and hierarchy
• Permission Sets: Default permission groupings by role type
• Access Controls: Baseline access restrictions by role

Location Structure

• Location Levels: Default hierarchy levels (Corporate, Region, District, Location)
• Level Names: Standard naming conventions for location levels
• Default Structure: Baseline organizational structure for new businesses

Leave Types

• Standard Leave Types: Default leave categories (Vacation, Sick, Personal)
• Accrual Rules: Standard accrual settings for each leave type
• Documentation Requirements: Default documentation thresholds
• Advance Notice: Standard advance notice requirements

Templates for New Entities

Create and manage templates for entity creation:

Business Templates

• Industry-Specific Templates: Preconfigured settings by industry type
• Size-Based Templates: Defaults based on company size
• Regional Templates: Settings customized for different regions
• Clone Options: Create new templates from existing businesses

Role Templates

• Permission Presets: Standard permission configurations by role
• Hierarchical Templates: Role templates with defined reporting structures
• Custom Role Frameworks: Templates for specialized organizational structures

Configuration Management

Tools for managing and deploying system defaults:

Batch Updates

• Mass Configuration: Apply changes across multiple settings
• Propagation Options: Control how changes affect existing entities
• Validation Rules: Ensure configuration changes meet system requirements

Default Version Control

• Configuration History: Track changes to default settings
• Rollback Capability: Restore previous configurations
• Change Documentation: Record purposes of configuration changes

Environment-Specific Defaults

• Production Settings: Default configurations for production environment
• Testing Environment: Specialized defaults for testing and development
• Sandbox Settings: Configurations for demonstration environments

Business-Level Override Management

Control how businesses can customize system defaults:

Override Permissions

• Lockable Settings: Prevent modification of critical security defaults
• Customization Limits: Set boundaries for business-level customization
• Required Defaults: Enforce specific system-wide settings

Default Inheritance

• Inheritance Rules: Configure how defaults cascade through hierarchies
• Override Notifications: Alert when critical defaults are changed
• Compliance Checking: Verify businesses maintain required default settings

Best Practices

For optimal results when managing system-wide defaults:

1. Document Changes: Maintain records of all changes to system defaults
2. Test Before Deployment: Verify new defaults in a test environment first
3. Consider Impact: Assess how changes affect existing businesses
4. Communicate Changes: Notify administrators about significant default updates
5. Regular Review: Periodically assess if defaults still meet system requirements
6. Security First: Prioritize security considerations in default configurations
7. Balance Flexibility: Allow appropriate customization while maintaining consistency

Related Resources

• System Customization
• Business Templates
• Security Overview
• Multi-Tenant Management
• System Administration

This article should be updated when:

1. New system setting categories are added
2. Changes to default values for any setting
3. New template capabilities are introduced
4. Additional entity types get default configurations
5. Changes to the inheritance or override mechanisms
6. Updates to the super admin interface for system defaults