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This flow can only be started from a distribution channel that books from allotment
This flow can only be started from a distribution channel that has the linear setting enabled. This can be done for a touroperator or CSE distribution channel. See https://maxxton.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/TP/pages/edit-v2/1210482714?draftShareId=8f69a08f-5544-476a-b87e-923dc2810a50#Configuration-of-a-linear-channel-(first-time-use)
Access
There are several permissions required to be able to configure a new distribution channel for a linear agreement:
Channel Manager permission
Channel Manager - Distribution Channels permission
Conceptual flow
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With each linear agreement that you make with a channel, you will need to go through the allotment flow. In case the distribution channel is configured to be a linear distribution channel, the flow for the allotment will work slightly different compared to the normal allotment flow. However, the allotment still plays an important role.
In the flow diagram above you can see the different steps that need to be taken. The blue steps are user actions and the yellow steps are the automatic (behind-the-scenes) actions that follow from this action.
Important to realise is that in a linear agreement there are three different types of reservations that play an important role:
linear contracted rate reservation; this type of reservation is used to store the financial agreement, the amount that the channel will pay for keeping the inventory available to the channel (regardless the usage of these periods). It is also the starting point for the invoice generation. It does not hold availability and does overlap with the allotment reservation or guest reservation. It will not show in the planning chart.
Allotment reservation; this type of reservation is used to allocate the actual units/types for the distribution channel. An allotment reservation is visible in the planning chart but does not hold any financial information. It is holding the availability until a guest reservation is made, then it will go away (partially).
(guest) reservation; this is actually a normal reservation that holds the guest stay. Important for guest registration, arrivals, departure and housekeeping. Could also be used to charge the additional costs to the customer (if any, like linen). It will show on the planning chart and will replace the allotment reservation.
Creating a new agreement from start
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