FAQ: What is the difference between a RESOURCE and SERVICE?

FAQ: What is the difference between a RESOURCE and SERVICE?

What is a RESOURCE?

A resource is something the community owns.  Resources are managed by the administrator.  When a resource is used by a service or event, it is no longer available to be used by another person, service, or event at the same time.  Resources can be objects, physical spaces, or virtual.  
Examples of resources are party rooms, pavilions, tennis courts, fitness rooms, fire pits, grills, gymnasiums, umbrellas, etc. 
What is a SERVICE?

A service is something offered to patrons.  Patrons will select and book the service.  Services are managed by the administrator or service owner.  
Examples of services are a pool party, a tennis court reservation, a tennis lesson with a specific instructor, pavilion rental, etc.

What is a BOOKING?

A booking is a reservation of a service.   A booking is added to the calendar.  If a resource is associated, it uses the resource, blocking it from being reserved by someone else at that time.  
Examples
  • Beth reserves tennis court A from 10am to 11am
    • "Court Reservation" is the service.
    • "Tennis Court A" is a resource.
  • Jeff has a tennis lesson with Wendy at 2pm on tennis court B
    • "Tennis Lesson with Wendy" is the service.
    • "Tennis court B" is a resource.
  • A pool party on July 15th at 4pm.
    • "Pool Party" is the service.  
    • No resource is used in this example.

Why would I use resources?    

To prevent double bookings. 
If more than one service or event uses the same physical object or space.  For example, you only have one tennis court but have multiple tennis instructors and have open play pickleball.  Add the tennis court as a resource.  If instructor Steve is having a lesson at 2pm, then nobody else can book the tennis court at 2pm.  Your single tennis court will not get double booked.    

To simplify your services.  
If you have multiple of the same resource.  For example, you have six tennis courts.  You allow tennis court reservations during open play.  Create six resources called: Tennis Court 1, Tennis Court 2, etc.  Then create one service called: Tennis Court Reservation.  Your members can reserve any of the six courts until they are all used up.  

Can I book a resource?  

No.  If you have an object you reserve, rent, or signup for that is not used for anything else, make it a Service.  For example, you have a BBQ grill.  Simply make a service called "BBQ Grill Reservation"

Do I have to use resources?    

No.  You are allowed to create a service without a resource.