Capacity vs Resource Planning

These two terms are often used interchangeably but they are not the same. Capacity planning is forecasting how many resources will be needed during the course of the project. It is a demand of number of people and the skill set needed within them. Capacity planning is even more relevant when running many project together and having even more in the pipeline.

 

Capacity planning does not specify who in the organization will do what in the project, it is merely a sketch of resource and skills demand.

Resource planning on the other hand is the process of actual resource allocation and putting faces to positions. A person might be allocated to two projects at the same time due to a certain skill set he possess. This kind of situation is handled via resource planning and not via capacity planning. 

Capacity planning is usually an activity performed by Project Manager while resource planning is performed by a Line manager in consultation with project manager. 

Capacity planning vs. resource planning comparison

Reference:

(1). https://www.kelloo.com/single-post-2017-09-06-difference-between-resource-planning-and-capacity-planning/