Service Availability Modes

Service availability modes determine how the system calculates when a service can be booked. This page explains each mode and when to use it.

Linked Resources

The service's availability is based on linked resource availability. This is the most common mode for services that require physical resources (rooms, staff, equipment).

How it works:

• Service is available when linked resources are available
• Can require "any" resource (default) or "all" resources
• Optionally add service-specific hour constraints

Use this for:

• Standard consultations (need a room and/or pharmacist)
• Services requiring specific equipment
• Services delivered by staff members

Example: General consultations need a consultation room. The service is bookable whenever at least one consultation room is available.

Linked Resource Mode

When a service is linked to multiple resources, you can choose:

• Any - Service is available when at least one linked resource is available (default)
• All - Service is available only when all linked resources are available simultaneously

See Linking Resources for details.

With Service-Specific Hours

You can add hour constraints on top of resource availability. The service is only available when:

• A linked resource is available, AND
• Within the service-specific hours

Example: Vaccinations use consultation rooms (available Mon-Fri 9-5), but you only administer them Wed 9 AM - 12 PM. Add service-specific hours of Wed 9-12 to constrain availability.

This is useful for services with scheduling policies that don't match resource availability.

Virtual

The service has its own availability schedule, independent of any resources. No resources are assigned to bookings.

How it works:

• Define weekly hours for the service
• No resource capacity limits
• Unlimited concurrent bookings (within the schedule)

Use this for:

• Group classes or sessions
• Virtual/telehealth consultations (when not tied to specific staff)
• Information sessions

Example: A weekly health information session runs Tuesdays 6-7 PM. Any number of customers can book the same time slot.

Virtual services can be opted out of site hour constraints if you want to offer them outside normal trading hours.

Dynamic

The service defines resource requirements, and the system automatically finds matching resources for each timeslot.

How it works:

• Define one or more requirements (e.g., "1 Room", "1 full-scope-pharmacist")
• Each requirement matches resources by resource kind or tag
• System finds all valid resource combinations for each timeslot
• Optionally constrain matching to linked resources only

Use this for:

• Services requiring combinations of resource types (e.g., a room and a pharmacist)
• Services where any qualified staff member can provide the service (match by tag)
• Growing teams where new resources automatically become available when tagged

Example: A vaccination service requires 1 Room (by kind) and 1 full-scope-pharmacist (by tag). Any room and any pharmacist tagged "full-scope-pharmacist" are eligible. When a new pharmacist gets that tag, they're automatically included in availability.

See Dynamic Availability for full configuration details.

Changing Modes

You can change a service's availability mode:

1. Go to the service offering detail page
2. Click Edit
3. Change the availability mode
4. Configure mode-specific settings (linked resources or custom hours)
5. Save

Existing bookings are not affected, but future availability updates immediately.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Linked Resources if:

• Service requires physical resources (rooms, staff, equipment)
• Resource capacity limits apply
• Most pharmacy services fit this category

Choose Virtual if:

• No resource capacity limits
• Group sessions where multiple customers can book the same time
• Service doesn't require physical resource assignment

Choose Dynamic if:

• Service needs specific combinations of resource types or capabilities
• You want new resources to automatically become eligible when tagged
• You prefer defining "what's needed" rather than linking specific resources

Typically, Linked Resources or Dynamic will suit most pharmacy services.