In this article, we'll walk through how to set up the following features for your bookings:
Minimum time interval for bookings
Booking attributes configuration
Preparation time after bookings
These settings allow you to control the timing and availability of your bookings, helping you to manage your rooms effectively, including adding a buffer time for cleaning.
Step 1: Setting Your Minimum Time Interval
To set the minimum time interval for your bookings:
Navigate to Settings / General.
Scroll down to the Language & Time section.
Under Minimum Time Interval, select either 15 minutes or 30 minutes.
Click the Save button at the bottom-right corner of the screen to apply changes.
This setting controls the smallest possible time increment customers can use when booking.
Step 2: Configuring Booking Attributes
Once your time interval is set, you can adjust the booking attributes for each item under your inventory.
Navigate to Settings/Inventory/Workspaces.
Open the item (room) you'd like to modify.
Scroll to the Booking section, where you can set the following:
Minimum Booking Period: This is the shortest amount of time the room can be booked for. Values are entered as fractions of an hour (e.g., 15 minutes = 0.25, 30 minutes = 0.5, 45 minutes = 0.75). The value must align with your minimum time interval.
Maximum Booking Period: The longest amount of time the room can be booked. Set this to "0" for no limit.
Interval Booking: This determines the increments available for bookings. If set to 0.25 (15 minutes), customers can book in multiples of 15 minutes, such as 45 or 60 minutes.
Step 3: Setting Preparation Time After Bookings
To add a preparation time (buffer) after a booking:
In the same item configuration screen, scroll down to the Preparation Time section.
Enter the time (in minutes) that should be blocked after a booking ends. This value must be a multiple of your minimum time interval (e.g., 15 or 30 minutes).
This feature is particularly useful to ensure that a room is cleaned or prepared for the next customer. The preparation time will automatically block that period, preventing others from booking the room during that time.
Archie Tip: You can also apply these settings to desk groups if you are using the desk booking system. After opening the desk group you'd like to modify, scroll to the 'Hot Desk/Dedicated Desk' section, click the three dots next to the total desk count, select 'Edit All Desks,' and follow the steps mentioned above