Appointment Scheduling Design (Generate open slots or not?)

gompol · #1 (**permalink**) 04-03-08, 13:29

Hi,

I'm starting a new project that involves scheduling appointments for services.
I'm currently brainstorming for efficient ways and here are some thoughts.
I've seen the threads in here with similar cases, but I'm more interested in which method people are choosing and why and what roadblocks they encountered?

FYI - The 2hr block will need to be configurable, and there's actually a zipcode table involved where the service will be done, but I'm trying to make things simple in my examples.

Thanks much!

Given the schedule for servicers for Tues and Weds

Code:

SCHEDULE (2hr blocks)
=====================
Servicer1 TUE 08-10 
Servicer1 TUE 10-12 
Servicer1 TUE 13-15 
Servicer1 TUE 15-17 

Servicer1 WED 08-10 
Servicer1 WED 10-12 
Servicer1 WED 13-15 
Servicer1 WED 15-17 

Servicer2 TUE 08-10 
Servicer2 TUE 10-12 
Servicer2 TUE 13-15 
Servicer2 TUE 15-17 

Servicer2 WED 08-10 
Servicer2 WED 10-12 
Servicer2 WED 13-15 
Servicer2 WED 15-17

METHOD 1 - generate "open slots" records with specific dates every X period based on servicer's schedule and fill the slots with appointments as the client schedules it.

Code:

APPOINTMENTS
============
TUE 04/01/08 08-10 Servicer1 OPEN
TUE 04/01/08 10-12 Servicer1 OPEN
TUE 04/01/08 13-15 Servicer1 OPEN
TUE 04/01/08 15-17 Servicer1 Client1

TUE 04/01/08 08-10 Servicer2 Client2
TUE 04/01/08 10-12 Servicer2 Client3
TUE 04/01/08 13-15 Servicer2 OPEN
TUE 04/01/08 15-17 Servicer2 Client4

WED 04/02/08 08-10 Servicer1 Client5
WED 04/02/08 10-12 Servicer1 OPEN
WED 04/02/08 13-15 Servicer1 OPEN
WED 04/02/08 15-17 Servicer1 OPEN

WED 04/02/08 08-10 Servicer2 OPEN
WED 04/02/08 10-12 Servicer2 OPEN
WED 04/02/08 13-15 Servicer2 OPEN
WED 04/02/08 15-17 Servicer2 OPEN

METHOD 2 - do not generate "open slots" records but simply track appointments as the client schedules it

Code:

APPOINTMENTS
============
TUE 04/01/08 15-17 Servicer1 Client1
TUE 04/01/08 08-10 Servicer2 Client2
TUE 04/01/08 10-12 Servicer2 Client3
TUE 04/01/08 15-17 Servicer2 Client4
WED 04/02/08 08-10 Servicer1 Client5