I recently received a seemingly mundane request to add a picklist value to the Resource Type picklist on the Service Resource object. The request departed the world of the mundane when I found that I am seemingly unable to add or remove values from said picklist.
After a very brief research session, I have found that "You can't add additional resource types" (ref: https://developer.salesforce.com/docs/atlas.en-us.field_service_dev.meta/field_service_dev/sforce_api_objects_serviceresource.htm?search_text=resource%20type [developer.salesforce.com] ) and I am befuddled. Have any of my fellow trailblazers run up against this problem with this field? If so, had you found any traction for a solution?
The best solution depends on the purpose and intended use. Our organization uses FS scheduling for both Reactive and Long-Term Proactive Scheduling. We defined a few custom fields for different types of Service Resources. Custom fields examples include:
1) GanttLabel (text) used for manual long-term scheduling Resources to identify the title or function of the Resource. This shows in the Gantt from the Appointment, Resource Details.
2) ResourceSubType (dependent Picklist) used to identify the method of work performed by the Resource such as On Site (travel), Remote (no travel), Hybrid (remote&travel). This can be used to filter Resource for scheduling in the Gantt.
3) ResourceCategory (Picklist) used for automated scheduling of Reactive Service Resources in lieu of GanttLabel to differentiate Direct Employees and Service/Scheduling Role and those that are Contractor/Third Party Employees and Service/Scheduling Role. Examples include: Employee - Field Service Technician; Contractor - Field Service Technician; Employee - FS Lead; Contractor - Implementation Analyst, etc.
Good luck with finding the best solution!
