> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tillbiz.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Opening a shift

> Start your working session at the till by opening a shift with a starting cash float.

A **shift** is your working session at the till. You must have an open shift
before you can take orders, so opening one is the first thing you do each day.

<Note>
  Shifts are part of the **Cashier shifts** feature. If you don't see Shifts in
  your sidebar, your plan may not include it — see
  [Subscription & licensing](/guides/billing-addons/subscription-and-licensing).
</Note>

## Open your shift

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Shifts (or the POS)">
    Open **Shifts** from the sidebar, or start ringing up a sale on the POS and
    you'll be prompted to open a shift first.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm your store">
    Make sure the correct [store](/guides/settings/branches) is selected.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Count and enter your opening cash">
    Count the cash already in the drawer (your float) and enter it as the
    **opening cash**. This is the baseline TillBiz uses to reconcile the drawer
    when you close.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the shift">
    Confirm. Your shift is now open and you can start selling.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What a shift tracks

While your shift is open, TillBiz automatically tallies:

* **Total sales**, broken down by payment method (cash, M-Pesa, card).
* **Cash in / cash out** movements from the [cash drawer](/guides/point-of-sale/cash-drawer).
* **Expenses** paid from the till.

You'll use these figures when you [close the shift](/guides/point-of-sale/closing-a-shift).

<Tip>
  Only one shift can be open per cashier at a time. If you can't open a shift,
  check whether you (or the terminal) already have one open.
</Tip>