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Resources & Teams

Resources and teams represent the people and assets that perform work.

They define who does the work, what they use, and how work is grouped for scheduling and dispatch.

What Is a Resource?​

A resource is anything that can be assigned to work.

Common examples include:

  • Individual people
  • Field crews
  • Equipment
  • Vehicles
  • Specialized assets

Resources are shared across projects and can be scheduled as needed.

How Resources Fit Into the System​

Resources connect directly to:

  • Scheduling and dispatch
  • Tasks and assignments
  • Projects and locations

They allow the system to plan and execute work realistically.

Individual Resources​

Individual resources usually represent people.

They may include:

  • Engineers
  • Designers
  • Field staff
  • Inspectors
  • Administrative support

Individual resources can be:

  • Assigned tasks
  • Scheduled for work
  • Grouped into teams

Teams and Crews​

Teams (or crews) group multiple resources together.

Teams are useful when:

  • Work is always performed by the same group
  • Assignments should move together
  • Scheduling is done at a group level

A team may include:

  • Multiple people
  • Equipment
  • Vehicles

Teams simplify scheduling without losing individual accountability.

Equipment as Resources​

Equipment can also be treated as resources.

Examples:

  • Survey equipment
  • Drilling rigs
  • Vehicles
  • Specialized tools

This helps prevent:

  • Double-booking
  • Availability conflicts
  • Resource shortages

Assigning Resources​

Resources can be assigned to:

  • Tasks (responsibility)
  • Scheduled work (time commitment)
  • Projects (association)

Assignment clarifies:

  • Who is responsible
  • When they are needed
  • Where they are working

Availability & Conflicts​

Resources can only be in one place at a time.

The system helps identify:

  • Overlapping assignments
  • Scheduling conflicts
  • Overutilization

This allows teams to adjust plans before problems occur.

Global vs. Project-Specific​

Resources are typically global, meaning:

  • They can work on multiple projects
  • Their availability spans the entire system

Assignments, however, are project-specific.

This balance allows flexibility without losing context.

Resources vs. Tasks​

Resources perform tasks.
Tasks describe work.

A task may exist before a resource is assigned, and resources may move between tasks over time.

Resources vs. Scheduling​

Resources are who.
Scheduling is when.

Dispatch brings these together.

What Resources & Teams Do Not Do​

Resources and teams:

  • ❌ Do not define scope
  • ❌ Do not replace project ownership
  • ❌ Do not automatically create tasks
  • ❌ Do not represent deliverables

They exist to support execution.

Why Resources & Teams Matter​

Clear resource management helps teams:

  • Plan realistically
  • Avoid overload
  • Coordinate field and office work
  • Respond quickly to change
  • Understand capacity

They are essential for turning plans into reality.

What’s Next​

Now that people and assets are defined, the next section explains where work happens:

➡️ Locations & Mapping

Locations connect projects and schedules to the real world.