Agresso OpenBook
Agresso OpenBook
Module Overview
As described above, OpenBook is delivered in a modular format. These modules, when used properly, give the agency the power to help their customers manage every aspect of their travel budget.
Electronic Data Submission
Openbook captures data from any GDS in real-time using the OpenBook Datafeeder. This application works in the background in the agency’s travel back-office parser folder. When the Datafeeder “sees” an IUR message from the GDS, it automatically creates a copy and transmits it to the OpenBook database for update. If the IUR message is an update from a previous transmission, the OpenBook parser updates the PNR in the database and stores the original IUR message for later review if necessary.
Front End Booking Folder
In OpenBook, each IUR message is stored in the database to facilitate data inquiries, review and corrections. Each IUR message is attached to a front end booking folder that gives the user the access to see each PNR in a detailed graphical view. The booking folder also has a link to the decoded and raw view of the IUR message. This folder enables the user to find information quickly in a format they are familiar with and the associated it with the database field for use in reporting.
Reporting
OpenBook is the only reporting solution available in the industry today that allows users to create or modify reports without detailed SQL language knowledge. This unique approach uses a fully integrated report builder that uses database structure and fields in such a way as to allow even a novice user to update or create reports. This report builder also allows the user to view their work in progress to ensure the look and feel of a report is what they expect.
CO2 Emission Calculation
OpenBook uses real-time PNR data for CO2 emission calculations and is based upon academic research undertaken for the UK government and also research commissioned by our company from Manchester University.
The system accepts a PNR at the DIN or DIT entry and transmits the data to the calculator which looks at origin, destination, routing, class of service, known lift, age and type of aircraft.
The base of the advanced emissions/aircraft type calculations is the FAST1 model and this in turn employs the PIANO2 model for engine types per aircraft type. We are using airline specific data to update the PIANO model and link engine performance to individual aircraft. Our passenger capacity input per aircraft is based upon individual airline seating configurations.
Once the calculation is made, the traveler is emailed in real-time to alert them to the amount of CO2 their trip is generating. At the same time, if the trip is less than 1000KM the system will also prepare a comparison of Auto and rail CO2 emissions if available.
Most calculations available on the internet are based upon basic DEFRA reporting guidelines with some including a radiative forcing component to reflect the increased effect of CO2emissions at altitude. The ratio for radiative forcing ranges from 1.9-4.0 and is not fixed but more subjective so we do not include it.
User Access
OpenBook employs user groups, company and agency setup to manage control over specific features and functions. Users, with permission, can have access to as much or as little of the functionality as the agency wants them to have.
Agency Profiles
Each agency is defined in the system and uses their IATA locations, Branches, PCC to identify data associated with it. Agents can be loaded for detailed productivity reporting and attached to a hierarchy for roll-up. Currency, mileage, locations (global) and class matrixes can also be attached to an agency profile.
Customer Profile
Customer profiles are defined in OpenBook to associate the corporate customer with their Branch and account number(s) (DK). References or company specific information can be defined for reporting purposes, cost center or department number using GDS UDID fields are part of this set up. TravelSpend.com customers are also identified through the customer profile.
Supplier Profiles
Most suppliers such as Airlines, Car Rental Companies and Hotel Chains come identified in the system. Supplier profiles also allow the agency to define their own set of vendors for reporting and sorting purposes.
On-Line Corporate Reporting
In addition to OpenBook, access to travel reporting is available via a browser based corporate reporting portal, TravelSpend.com. Through this portal, corporate customers have access to published reports that have been scheduled by the agency.
Also, with permission, the corporate customer can have access to reports that have been set up for them by the agency that they can run when they need them. In this portal, the corporate customer would be able to manipulate dates, sort orders and individual report criteria such as traveler name or cost center. Download Brochure
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