As you are aware, traditional channel managers are like a standard drip coffee machine – they get the job done but can be slow, outdated, and involve multiple steps to brew the perfect cup. Now, imagine if you had a sleek, modern espresso machine that’s quick, efficient, and blends smoothly into your morning routine – that’s where Su, the Private Label Channel Manager, comes in.
Su is your PMS’ espresso machine, delivering faster, more reliable connections to online travel agencies (OTAs) directly from your PMS. It simplifies the process, giving you more control, less waiting, and a perfectly balanced result every time.
Su is not just another channel manager. It has been coined as a Private Label Channel Manager because it works differently than the traditional white-label channel managers that you may be familiar with. This blog will delve into what sets Su apart from the conventional channel manager systems.
What is a Private Label Channel Manager?
Su defines itself as a Private Label Channel Manager because it integrates smoothly with your existing Property Management System (PMS), rather than being an entirely separate platform. In contrast to white-label channel managers, which are separate solutions branded for your property, Su’s API-driven technology operates within your PMS. This makes managing bookings, rates, and inventory more efficient, without the need for multiple platforms or constant back-and-forth between systems.
Traditional Channel Manager vs. Su: Key Differences
To truly understand why Su stands out, it’s important to explore the differences between it and a traditional channel manager. Let’s dive deeper into some key points:
1) Direct API Connection vs. Two-Way Connection
A traditional channel manager acts as a middleman between the property’s PMS and OTAs. The rates and inventory are updated on the PMS, which then sends this information to the channel manager, which in turn sends it to OTAs. This process can introduce delays and potential points of failure.
Su, however, eliminates the need for this middle step. It uses direct API connections to link your PMS to OTAs, meaning the communication between a property and the OTAs is faster, more reliable, and more transparent. This direct connection ensures that you have full control and real-time visibility into the property’s bookings connected with your PMS and their distribution.
2) Transparency and Error Handling
One of the biggest frustrations for PMS’ using traditional channel managers is handling errors that occur while updating rates or managing bookings. A conventional channel manager typically requires manual checks through extensive logs to identify and fix issues. This can be incredibly time-consuming and prone to oversight.
Su, on the other hand, offers detailed error logging that is delivered either via its API or through an extranet, allowing issues to be identified and addressed quickly and efficiently. By directly accessing these logs, tech providers no longer need to engage in the “ping pong effect” – a back-and-forth exchange of discussions between multiple providers when trying to resolve issues. With Su, they can independently resolve problems, saving valuable time and providing solid arguments to the PMS, thereby improving response times and reducing frustrations. This level of transparency and ease of error handling is a huge advantage.
3) Simplified OTA Mapping
Mapping OTAs with a traditional channel manager can be a tedious process, often requiring manual mapping of each property to each OTA during the initial setup. This opens the door for human errors and can lead to further complications in managing bookings or updating inventory.
Su simplifies this process by using an iFrame or a mapping widget that allows properties to map OTAs directly from their PMS, CRS, or VR platforms. It’s faster, and easier, and significantly reduces the risk of errors during the mapping process.
In addition, it has been designed to let the property itself perform the mapping, which results in a substantial time saver for the PMS provider.
4) Faster Channel Updates
Speed is a critical factor in managing availability and rates, especially when it comes to large, high-traffic properties or during peak seasons. A traditional channel manager might take longer to update channels due to the extra steps involved in relaying information through a middle platform.
Thanks to Su’s API-based connection, it updates channels much faster than a traditional hotel channel manager. The reduced lag time means that you’re better equipped to capitalize on bookings and ensure your inventory is always up to date across all your OTAs.
5) No Need for a Separate Platform
One of the main distinctions that sets Su apart is that it is not a separate platform. Traditional channel managers typically require properties to manage their bookings, rates, and inventory through the channel manager’s platform. This means that property managers often have to switch between their PMS and the channel manager to keep everything in sync. At best you may have a tab to access it in your PMS but this may require double log-ins and using a separate UI.
Su integrates directly into your existing PMS via API, meaning there’s no need for a separate platform. This provides ultimate control, allowing you to manage everything from one system without the hassle of platform-hopping.
6) A Tailored Solution
Su is a tailored solution that adapts to your PMS’ needs, whether you are using a Central Reservation System (CRS), or Vacation Rentals (VR) platform. It directly connects these systems to OTAs, ensuring smooth distribution without needing to involve a traditional channel manager.
A Comparison: Su vs. Traditional Channel Managers
To make the differences even clearer, here’s a side-by-side comparison of Su and a traditional channel manager:
The Advantages of Su Over Traditional Channel Managers
To summarize, the advantages of Su as a Private Label Channel Manager over traditional channel managers are clear:
- Real-Time Control: Su’s API-driven connection ensures real-time updates, giving you ultimate control over your rates and inventory.
- Efficiency: By removing the middleman and integrating directly into your PMS, Su eliminates unnecessary steps and reduces the risk of errors.
- Faster Updates: The direct connection enables faster communication between your connected properties and OTAs, ensuring your rates and availability are always accurate.
- Transparency: Detailed error logs and simplified mapping ensure that managing your OTAs is both quick and transparent.
- No Platform Switching: You can manage everything from your PMS without needing to use a separate platform.
Is Su Right for Your Property?
Su is designed for PMS that want more control, transparency, and efficiency for their connected properties in managing their bookings and distribution channels. If you’re tired of the limitations of a traditional channel manager and want a solution that integrates smoothly with your PMS, Su might be the perfect fit for your PMS.
Get Started with Su Today!
Contact the Su team for a free demo and see how this Private Label Channel Manager can help streamline your operations, reduce errors, and enhance your booking management process.
