2024.08 Release Notes

Default Remarks in Product and Groups NEXT

Summary

We're excited to introduce the Default Remarks feature in our Next software, similar to the one in Net. This enhancement will significantly improve efficiency for our customers when building their products.

Details

We are adding a new process to the Product and Groups areas in Next, enabling users to add default remarks efficiently. This development includes the following changes:

1. New Menu Option:

   • A new option, "Add Default Remarks," will be added below the "Add Remark" menu option in both the Product and Groups areas.

2. Popup Modal:

   • When users select the "Add Default Remarks" option, a modal will appear with a list of checkboxes.

   • The modal will display three fields: Description, On Day, and On Time, pulling data from CodeGroup = DEFAULTCUSTREMARKS.

3. Default Values:

   • If the Description field does not contain the "^" character, the default values will be:

     • Remark Description = CodeList.Description

     • On Day = 1

     • On Time = 8:00

4. Multiple Selections:

   • Users can select multiple options at once, adding the selected remarks to the Product Detail screen.

5. Difference from Net:

   • Unlike in Net, where users could change the Description, On Day, and On Time directly in the popup, these changes will need to be made in the Product Detail grid after adding them in Next.

Benefits

This feature will streamline the process of adding default remarks, saving time and reducing errors. By allowing multiple selections and providing default values, it ensures a more efficient and user-friendly experience.

Acceptance Criteria

• Product System:

  • A new menu option for "Add Default Remarks" will be visible.

• Groups System:

  • A new menu option for "Add Default Remarks" will be visible.

• Add Default Remarks Menu Option:

  • Clicking this option will display a grid with defaulted Description, On Day, and On Time values.

• Add Default Remarks Popup Modal:

  • Selecting remarks in the modal will add them to the Product Detail grids.

This development aims to provide a seamless and efficient user experience, aligning with the functionality previously available in Net while introducing enhancements in Next.

Delete function in Product Services

Who it affects:

• Anyone who uses the Product Services Screen.

Why we care:

• Better usability for users on the screen

• Ability to delete service(s) across multiple products

Release Notes: Product Services Screen Update

Overview:
We have restored the Delete functionality on the Product Services screen, allowing users to delete services from multiple products at once. This update aims to enhance efficiency and streamline your workflow.

New Features:

• Delete Functionality Restored: The trash can icon is now available at the top of the grid, enabling multi-delete operations.

• Menu Option for Deletion: A dedicated menu option for deletion is now included within the grid.

Workflow:

1. Log in to Backroads Production.

2. Navigate to Product → Products / Tours → Product Services.

3. Search for products using your preferred parameters.

4. Use the delete icon or menu option to remove services from selected products.

Pros:

• Improved Efficiency: The ability to delete multiple services simultaneously saves time.

• Enhanced Usability: A familiar and critical functionality is restored, improving user experience.

• Accurate History Tracking: Product History records are created for deleted services, ensuring accurate tracking and the ability to run mass updates.

Cruise Inventory on Tour Series Screen

Who it affects:

• Operators selling cruises

Why we care:

• Provides users with the ability to create custom inventory for cruises

Summary

The Groups custom inventory screen now displays cabin-specific inventory, enabling users to create custom tour inventory from these records more efficiently.

New Features:

• Cabin-Specific Inventory Display: The top grid shows multiple rows per service per cabin number, excluding those held by the parent reservation. The bottom grid displays rows for services held by the parent reservation.

• "Take" and "Return" Actions: Setting "Take" creates a record to hold the cabin number, while "Return" deletes the record, freeing the cabin number.

Workflow:

1. Navigate to Product → Product/Tours → Products.

2. Enter search parameters (e.g., Product Code = 155157).

3. Click Search, right-click on the product, and select "Manage Product."

4. In the Group Summary, go to Operations → Manage Group.

5. Navigate to Inventory → Tour Series Inventory.

Pros:

• Enhanced Inventory Management: Simplifies managing and customizing tour inventory based on cabin-specific data.

• Improved Usability: Clearly displays cabin assignments for efficient booking and management.

• Accurate Data Handling: Automatically creates and deletes records, ensuring precise cabin usage tracking.

Updates to the FIT Group Landing Page

Who it affects:

• FIT Groups

• Individuals who are using the out of the box landing page template

Why we care:

• Provides external users with clarity on inventory

Summary

We are updating the FIT Groups landing page to address several challenges users and customers face. These updates aim to improve clarity and accuracy on both desktop and mobile versions of the page.

Benefits to the User

• Improved Clarity: Clearer labels help users understand the booking options, particularly regarding pre- and post-night stays.

• Accurate Information: Removes potentially misleading information about room availability.

• Consistent Experience: Ensures a consistent user experience across both desktop and mobile platforms.

Key Features

1. Updated Headers:

   • Change the “Available Dates” header to “Group’s Held Dates.”

   • Change the “Available Nights” header to “# of Held Nights.”

2. Remove Inaccurate Column:

   • Remove the “Max Rooms Avail” column, which only reflects availability for the first night and can be misleading.

3. Enhanced Date Customization:

   • Change “Select My Dates” to “Customize My Dates.”

   • Include a new text near the “Customize My Dates” field:

     You may be able to request additional nights before and/or after the group’s held dates. Click to customize your dates.

4. Rule-Based Customization:

   • A new booking rule, PKGPAGEDATENOTE, will allow the additional text to be customized per Brand/Product.

Implementation Details

• Desktop and Mobile View:

  • All changes will be reflected in both desktop and mobile versions of the FIT Group package landing page.

  • On mobile, the “Available Dates” header will be consistent with the desktop view.

Additional Notes

• These changes aim to provide a clearer, more accurate representation of booking options, enhancing the overall user experience.

By implementing these updates, Softrip will resolve existing issues and provide a more user-friendly and accurate booking experience on the FIT Groups landing page.

Additional Columns on Bank Accounts Screen

Who it affects:

• Accounting teams

Why we care:

• Exposes additional information to users

Summary

Release Notes: Bank Accounts Screen Update

Overview:
The Bank Accounts screen in Accounting now includes additional columns in the grid, providing users with a comprehensive view of all available fields for setting up accounts.

New Features:

• Additional Columns Added: The following columns have been added to the end of the current grid:

  • GL

  • Currency

  • EFT Auth ID

  • EFT Sort Code

  • Contact

  • Phone

  • Notes

  • WhoStamp

  • DateStamp

• Customizable Grid Settings: Users can now choose which fields to display in the grid, enhancing customization and usability.

Workflow:

1. Navigate to the Bank Accounts screen in Accounting.

2. View the grid to see the new columns added at the end.

3. Customize the grid settings to select which fields to display.

Pros:

• Enhanced Data Visibility: All necessary fields for account setup are now visible in the grid.

  • Improved Customization: Users can tailor the grid display to their preferences.

Invite Guests on Groups Summary Screen

Who it affects:

• Individuals using groups next

Why we care:

• Easier navigation

• Better visibility so that operators can easily share group information with other guests

• Helps generate more bookings

Overview:
The Invite Guests link on the Group Summary screen is now more prominent, making it easier to find and use for both internal and external users.

New Features:

• Relocated Invite Guests Link: The Invite Guests link has been moved from the Passenger Information section to the top navigation menu.

• New Navigation Menu Option: A new "Invite Guests" button has been added between "Options" and "Preview & Book."

Workflow:

1. Navigate to the Group Summary screen.

2. Use the new "Invite Guests" button in the top navigation menu to invite guests.

Pros:

• Enhanced Visibility: The Invite Guests option is now easier to find, improving user experience.

• Streamlined Access: Quick access from the top navigation menu enhances efficiency.