Overview of Categories, Resources, and Services
In EMS Desktop Client, categories, resources, and services are different concepts and should not be used interchangeably.
Categories
A category represents something that can be added to a booking. Examples include catering, audio visual equipment, furniture, security, notes, attendee names, and agendas.
When you configure a category, you must select one of the following category types:
- Activities
- Attendees
- Catering
- Notes
- Resources with Service Orders
- Resources without Service Orders
The category type determines how EMS manages the category when users add it to a booking.
Categories configured as Activities, Attendees, or Notesdo not require resources to be configured, but Catering, Resources with Service Orders, or Resources without Service Orders do.
Resources
Resources are the individual items that users select from a category.
Examples of resources include:
- Flip chart
- Whiteboard
- Coffee
- Soda
- Projector
Resources are available only within categories that support resource items.
The following category types support production items:
- Catering
- Resources with Service Orders
- Resources without Service Orders
Services
A service defines how a resource is delivered, prepared, or provided.
Examples of services include:
- Delivery and setup
- Cleanup
- Plated
- Buffet
For Cateringand Resources with Service Orders categories, services determine how EMS processes and fulfills resource requests.
Using states
You can configure a category to use states.
When a category uses states, EMS routes service requests through a review and approval process that users manage through Manage Services in EMS Desktop Client.