Product Spotlight: Resource Booking

by AdvaNova

June 8, 2026

Managing shared spaces and resources efficiently has become increasingly important for organisations of all sizes. Whether it’s meeting rooms, desks, collaboration spaces, training rooms or specialist facilities, users expect a fast and convenient way to find and reserve available resources. At the same time, organisations need greater visibility over usage, occupancy and demand in order to improve operational efficiency and make better use of available space.

AdvaNova’s Sentry Resource Booking solution has been developed to simplify the management of shared resources through intelligent booking technology, real-time availability and secure access control integration. When paired with AdvaNova’s RB2 hardware, Sentry goes beyond booking management to deliver fully automated, secure room access without the need for staff involvement.

Designed for modern workplaces, education environments and public sector organisations, Sentry helps create a seamless experience for

What Is Resource Booking?

Resource booking is a digital system that allows users to reserve shared spaces, rooms or equipment in advance.

This could include:

Meeting rooms
Hot desks
Study rooms
Collaboration spaces
Training rooms
IT suites

Instead of relying on manual booking processes or staff administration, resource booking software gives users a simple self-service way to check availability and make reservations instantly.

For organisations, resource booking software improves visibility, streamlines operations and helps ensure that valuable resources are being used effectively.

How Resource Booking Works

Sentry Resource Booking allows users to quickly search for available resources and make bookings through an intuitive web portal or mobile app.

Users can:

View real-time availability
Reserve spaces in advance
Make instant bookings
Extend or cancel reservations
Access booked spaces securely

The platform can also integrate directly with access control systems, ensuring that only authorised users can enter a booked room or area during their allocated booking period.

This creates a fully connected booking experience that improves convenience while maintaining security and reducing the need for manual management.

Secure Access With RB2 Hardware

What sets Sentry apart is its integration with AdvaNova RB2 hardware, enabling fully automated secure room access.

When a room is booked, the system automatically issues a secure access method to the authorised user – such as a PIN code or credential linked to their booking. The RB2 unit installed at the door validates this access in real time, allowing entry only during the valid booking period.

This removes the need for staff to manually unlock or lock rooms, while ensuring complete control over who can access each space.

Key advantages include:

Automated access control linked directly to bookings
No staff intervention required for room entry or release
Secure, time-bound access for authorised users only
Protection of people, property and equipment within rooms
Reduced risk of unauthorised entry or misuse

By combining booking software with intelligent door hardware, Sentry and RB2 create a fully self-managed and secure environment for shared spaces.

The Benefits of Resource Booking Software

Improved User Experience

Modern users expect flexibility and convenience. Resource booking software enables users to quickly find and reserve available spaces without staff assistance, improving accessibility and reducing frustration.

Better Space Utilisation

Understanding how spaces are being used is essential for improving operational efficiency. Sentry provides valuable reporting and analytics that help organisations identify occupancy trends, underused areas and peak demand periods.

Reduced Administrative Workload

Automating bookings, cancellations and access permissions reduces the pressure on staff and removes the need for time-consuming manual booking processes.

Enhanced Security

By integrating with access control systems, Sentry helps ensure that only authorised users can access booked spaces, helping organisations maintain security and manage resources effectively.

Flexible And Scalable

Sentry Resource Booking can be configured to suit different environments and operational requirements, from small office spaces to large multi-site organisations.