In this article, we’ll introduce the core logic behind one of our key modules — the Instant Book Module.
As the name suggests, the Instant Book Module allows students or parents to book activities and events with immediate confirmation. Schools can choose whether an event has a capacity limit, whether it has a fee, and if so, whether the payment is required upfront. The process is simple for parents to understand and complete, and there is no post-signup allocation required.
While many schools use the Preference Module for After-School Activities, Instant Book is equally suitable for school trips or similar programmes, depending on the structure of the signup.
This module is ideal if:
You want activities or events to operate on a first-come, first-served basis
You allow rolling signups, where families can book at any time during the term without admin involvement
You want to collect payment upfront (If you have the Micro Billing module and a payment gateway integrated)
In contrast to the Preference-Based Module, where admins allocate students to activities after the selection period ends, students' activities/events are instantly confirmed in the Instant Book Module as soon as they complete their bookings.
Below is a comparison between the Preference Module and the Instant Book Module:
| Feature / Consideration | Preference Module | Instant Book Module |
|---|---|---|
| Booking Method | Students select preferences; allocation happens later | Students book directly; confirmation is immediate |
| Allocation Control | Admins can review and adjust before confirming | No allocation step; bookings are final unless manually cancelled |
| Fairness | Random allocation ensures fairness when activities are oversubscribed | First come, first served — earlier submissions get priority |
| Use Case Suitability | Best for managing limited spots fairly across a large group | Best for open sign-ups with clear availability |
| Ease for Parents/Students | Requires understanding of preference submission and waiting for results | Simple and fast — book and confirm instantly |
| Common Use Cases | After-School Activities, Enrichment Programs, Trips | After-School Activities, Sports Tryout, Trips, Optional Workshops, Open Enrolment Events |
| Pros |
- Fair allocation - Admin control - Suits limited-capacity activities |
- Instant confirmation - Simple user experience - Suitable for FCFS scenarios |
| Cons |
- Delayed confirmation - More admin work |
- No fairness in oversubscription - No admin review before booking |
To see more comparisons between the two modules, see this article
To start using the Instant Book Module, see this article for the flow of activity creation.
If you would like to know more about the Preference Module, see this article.