AfricaOSAfricaOS

Bookings Module

Resource booking, scheduling, availability, and pricing

Bookings Module

Manage bookings for any bookable resource: rooms, equipment, vehicles, courts, tables, or staff time.

Overview

The Bookings module handles:

  • Resources - Anything bookable (rooms, assets, people)
  • Availability - Schedules, exceptions, blackouts
  • Bookings - Reservations, confirmations, check-in
  • Pricing - Rates, discounts, packages, memberships
  • Payments - Deposits, full payment, invoicing
  • Communications - Confirmations, reminders, changes

Quick Start

  1. Install Module - Settings → Modules → Bookings → Install
  2. Create Resources - Define what's bookable
  3. Set Availability - When resources can be booked
  4. Configure Pricing - Rates by time, duration, user type
  5. Set Up Notifications - Email/SMS templates
  6. Test Booking - Make a test reservation

Configuration

Resources

Resource Types:

TypeExamplesFeatures
SpaceRooms, courts, fields, desksCapacity, layout, equipment
AssetEquipment, vehicles, toolsSerial tracking, maintenance
PersonStaff, trainers, consultantsCalendar sync, skills
VirtualZoom rooms, streaming linksAuto-generate meeting links

Resource Fields:

  • Name, code, description, images
  • Type, category, tags
  • Location (warehouse, branch, floor)
  • Capacity (min/max)
  • Features (projector, AC, WiFi, etc.)
  • Availability Schedule - Linked schedule
  • Pricing - Linked rate card
  • Buffer - Setup/teardown time
  • Approval - Auto-confirm or require approval

Availability Schedules

Recurring Patterns:

  • Weekly (Mon-Fri 9-17, Sat 10-14)
  • Custom (every Tue/Thu, 1st/3rd Saturday)
  • Seasonal (summer hours, holiday hours)

Exceptions:

  • Holidays (closed, reduced hours)
  • Maintenance (resource unavailable)
  • Private events (blocked for booking)
  • Overrides (special extended hours)

Rules:

  • Min Advance - Book at least X hours/days ahead
  • Max Advance - Book at most X days ahead
  • Min Duration - Shortest booking (30 min)
  • Max Duration - Longest booking (8 hours)
  • Slot Interval - 15, 30, 60 min increments
  • Buffer - Gap between bookings

Pricing

Rate Cards:

  • Time-Based - Hourly, half-day, full-day
  • Duration Tiers - 1hr $50, 4hr $180, 8hr $300
  • Peak/Off-Peak - Weekday vs weekend, morning vs evening
  • User Types - Member, non-member, corporate, VIP
  • Packages - 10-session pack, monthly unlimited

Discounts:

  • Early bird (book 7+ days ahead)
  • Multi-booking (3+ in one transaction)
  • Loyalty (10th booking free)
  • Promo codes

Taxes & Fees:

  • Tax on booking fee
  • Cleaning fee (fixed or %)
  • Security deposit (refundable)
  • Cancellation fee

Notifications

Templates:

  • Booking confirmed
  • Booking reminder (24h, 2h, 30min)
  • Booking changed/canceled
  • Check-in reminder
  • Review request (post-booking)

Channels:

  • Email (HTML + text)
  • SMS/WhatsApp
  • Push notification
  • Calendar invite (.ics)

Core Features

Making Bookings

Customer Portal:

  1. Browse resources (filter by type, date, capacity)
  2. View real-time availability calendar
  3. Select slot, duration
  4. Enter details (guests, notes, requirements)
  5. Choose payment (deposit/full)
  6. Confirm → Receive confirmation

Staff Booking (Admin):

  • Override availability
  • Book on behalf of customers
  • Block time for maintenance
  • Manage waitlist

Booking Management

Statuses:

  • Pending → Confirmed → Checked In → Completed
  • Canceled → No-Show → Refunded

Actions:

  • Reschedule (drag-drop calendar)
  • Change resource
  • Add/remove services
  • Apply discount
  • Process refund
  • Print badge/ticket

Calendar Views

  • Day/Week/Month - Standard calendar
  • Resource View - Columns per resource
  • Timeline - Gantt-style
  • Availability Heatmap - Utilization %

Check-In

  • Kiosk Mode - Self-service tablet
  • QR Code - Scan on mobile
  • Staff App - Manual check-in
  • Auto Check-In - Geofence/beacon (Enterprise)

Waitlist

  • Join waitlist for full slots
  • Auto-promote when spot opens
  • Notify via SMS/email
  • Time limit to confirm

Recurring Bookings

  • Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly
  • Custom patterns (every Mon/Wed/Fri)
  • End date or occurrences
  • Exception handling (skip holidays)
  • Bulk modify/cancel series

Reporting

  • Utilization - % booked by resource, time, day
  • Revenue - Booking revenue, deposits, refunds
  • Occupancy - Peak hours, average duration
  • Customer - Repeat rate, LTV, no-show rate
  • Resource Performance - Revenue per resource
  • Forecasting - Projected bookings, capacity

Use Cases

IndustryResourcesExample
CoworkingDesks, meeting rooms, phone boothsHot desks, dedicated desks, day passes
SportsCourts, fields, pools, gymsTennis courts, soccer fields, lane swimming
EventsVenues, AV equipment, stagesConference rooms, wedding venues, PA systems
HealthcareConsultation rooms, MRI, therapy roomsDoctor rooms, imaging, physio
EducationClassrooms, labs, studiosLecture halls, computer labs, art studios
RentalCameras, bikes, tools, party gearEquipment rental, party supplies
BeautyChairs, rooms, specialistsHair stations, nail bars, treatment rooms

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