Compare the operating models
In this fictional example, Consultations may start within open adviser availability. Yoga-Y is already published for 18:30 with an instructor and six places. A customer choosing 18:30 does not create a second yoga session.
| Business requirement | Appointment | Published session |
|---|---|---|
| Time source | Available service start times | Existing session timetable |
| Customer action | Choose service and available time | Choose a place in Yoga-Y |
| Staff record | New appointment with assigned adviser | Registration linked to Yoga-Y |
Work through the chosen model
Appointments store customer, service, start/end and assignment. Sessions store event identity, published time, instructor and capacity; registrations point to them. Do not duplicate event resources per registrant.
- Offer open times or published sessions
- Create appointment or registration
- Show the matching staff agenda or roster
Appointments offer flexible starts; sessions coordinate groups and reusable rosters. Calendar display choice comes after this model choice, and does not determine it.
One consultation creates one appointment. Two Yoga-Y customers create two registrations under one six-place session, leaving four places.
When the other model fits
Yoga is sold as a private lesson at a customer-selected time. Still use the fixed session?
Show the worked answer
No. That offer behaves as an appointment unless the business prepublishes private sessions.