Open **Availability → Assignment Routing**: "Choose how scheduled orders pick from the photographers assigned to the matching service area."

## Visual Walkthrough

![Auto-Assignment, Customer Choice, and Manual Approval.](https://remediahub.com/help-guide-images/assignment-routing.png?v=20261104-1)

Auto-Assignment, Customer Choice, and Manual Approval. The Avery Stone Demo workspace is shown; your saved values and available controls may differ. [Open the Full-Size Image](https://remediahub.com/help-guide-images/assignment-routing.png?v=20261104-1).

## Auto-Assignment

This applies when a service area has more than one assigned service provider.

| Mode | How It Chooses |
| --- | --- |
| **Smart Route** | Prioritizes the best nearby photographer using same-day routes first, then home base distance. |
| **Closest Available** | Chooses the available photographer whose home base is closest to the property. |
| **First Available** | Chooses the first assigned photographer who is open for the requested time. |
| **Manual Assignment** | Leaves scheduled orders unassigned unless the customer selected a photographer. |

## Customer Choice

**Allow customers to choose a photographer during booking** shows eligible photographers after the customer selects a time. The picker appears only when the property matches a service area with at least two assigned photographers available at that time.

## Manual Approval

**Require approval before notifying selected photographers** holds public order-form assignments until an admin approves them. The time is reserved, but the photographer sees it only after approval. Check the team members under **Photographers Requiring Approval**.

Select **Save Assignment Routing**.

## Requirements

- Providers must be marked **Is Service Provider** and assigned to service areas.
- **Smart Route** and **Closest Available** rely on each provider's home base address.

## Related Guides

- [Set Up Service Areas](https://help.remediahub.com/hc/help-center/articles/set-up-service-areas)
- [Manage Appointments on an Order](https://help.remediahub.com/hc/help-center/articles/manage-appointments-on-an-order)