FAQ - Using External RM Systems with Visual Matrix (Duetto & BestRev)
Integration Setup & Control Scope
Can I use Visual Matrix rate level restrictions if I use BestRev or Duetto for pricing?
Visual Matrix treats rate control and restriction control separately, and the behavior depends on whether you’re using rate levels in combination with an external RMS.
If you are using rate levels with an external RMS (such as Duetto), the external system can manage rates, but it cannot control restrictions in Visual Matrix. In this setup, Visual Matrix must remain responsible for restrictions such as Closed to Arrival (CTA), Closed to Departure (CTD), and rate-level closures.
If you are not using rate levels, some external systems (e.g., Duetto) are capable of sending restrictions for individual rate plans to Visual Matrix. In this case, Visual Matrix will apply the restrictions received from the external RMS.
This distinction helps ensure that:
- Pricing strategy and restrictions do not conflict
- Visual Matrix maintains clarity over which system controls which aspect of rate and availability behavior
If BestRev is controlling rates, what should I do in the tiering configuration?
Set all tiering configurations to Base, so that no actual tier-based rate changes occur. Visual Matrix will pass through all rates from BestRev while still allowing you to control rate level availability and restrictions (like opening/closing certain rate levels).
Why would I use Visual Matrix for restrictions if an external RMS is managing rates?
Some external Revenue Management Systems focus primarily on rate generation and may not support automated restrictions such as Closed to Arrival (CTA) or rate-level closures.
By using Visual Matrix for availability and restriction controls, hotels can pair externally managed pricing with Visual Matrix’s automation tools to create a more complete revenue strategy.
(For example, BestRev manages rates but does not support automatic restriction logic.)
What’s the required setup if I only want to use Visual Matrix for rate level restrictions?
Turn on Auto-Tiering (required for any RM features).
Set all tiers to "Base" to avoid triggering pricing charges.
Use the Rate Level Open/Close grid to configure which rate plans (A–H) should be open or closed at each trigger level.
What happens if I don’t turn on Auto-Tiering while using BestRev or Duetto?
None of the rate-level restrictions or occupancy-based triggers will activate. Visual Matrix requires Auto-Tiering to be enabled to access any of its Revenue Management functionalities, even if you're not using it to control pricing.
Can I use Visual Matrix to apply restrictions for special events that an external RMS does not account for?
Yes. External RMS platforms may control pricing only within a defined booking window or may not recognize future high-demand events.
Visual Matrix allows hotels to proactively configure restrictions, higher tiers, or availability controls for events such as concerts or conventions, even when those dates fall outside the RMS pricing window.
This ensures demand is protected in advance while maintaining externally managed pricing where applicable.
Does Duetto need to match the Channel Manager's Room Types directly?
No. Duetto must match VM, and VM handles translation to the Channel Manager.
Who sets up the initial configurations for Duetto?
The Channel Manager shares the packet with the property/brand, who distributes it to VM and Duetto.
Rate Control Windows & Hybrid Scenarios
What’s the benefit of using Visual Matrix beyond BestRev’s 90-day pricing window?
BestRev only pushes rates for the next 90 days. You can use Visual Matrix to manage pricing or restrictions beyond 90 days, such as setting Tier 9 rates far in advance or preparing for high-demand events not yet recognized by BestRev. Visual Matrix can keep higher rates active beyond BestRev’s forecasting window.
What if I only want to use Visual Matrix for rates after a certain date?
You can configure the system so that:
- Visual Matrix controls pricing or restrictions before BestRev kicks in (e.g., 180+ days out).
- Set Tier 9 or custom tiers for dates outside BestRev’s active window, then let BestRev take over inside the 90-day window.
Can I set custom booking windows when working with an external RMS?
Yes — you can create an unlimited number of booking windows in Visual Matrix (e.g., 90, 120, 180 days) and assign restrictions or placeholders as needed to work around the limitations of your external RMS.
Can I mix and match tiers and restrictions based on booking windows even with an external RMS?
Yes. You can assign Tier 9 for dates 180+ days out, Tier Base for 90–179 days, and allow BestRev to take over for the last 90. This lets you fully customize hybrid control across the booking horizon.
Best Practices & Advanced Options
What’s the best practice for configuring Visual Matrix alongside BestRev?
Set all tier levels to Base to prevent rate overrides, then use the Rate Level Open/Close feature to manage restrictions. This setup allows BestRev to control pricing while Visual Matrix controls availability rules.
Can I still configure Tier Rates in Visual Matrix if BestRev is active?
Yes, but it’s recommended to assign Tier Base across all occupancy triggers so Visual Matrix does not interfere with rate control. The tier setup becomes structural for allowing restrictions, not pricing.
What if BestRev updates the rate but I still want to control discount levels?
You can use Rate Level Open/Close to control which rate plans (e.g., discounts) are visible — even if BestRev sets the rate. This allows you to accept BestRev’s price while limiting lower-value offerings during high demand.
Sync & Distribution Behavior
If I use Visual Matrix to manage post-90-day pricing, do those rates sync with my Channel Manager?
Yes. Any rate change triggered by Visual Matrix’s auto-tiering (outside of BestRev’s window) is automatically pushed to the Channel Manager, ensuring consistency across all OTA and direct booking platforms.
Does Duetto work the same way as BestRev with Visual Matrix?
Not exactly. Duetto typically manages a 365-day pricing window, so hotels using Duetto generally do not need to use Visual Matrix’s tiering or restriction tools. Duetto handles both pricing and restrictions across a full year.
Rate Hierarchy & Visual Matrix Behavior
How does Visual Matrix apply rates received from an external Revenue Management System?
Visual Matrix applies rates received from an external RMS using its existing rate hierarchy. External RMS rates are applied at the highest override level to ensure pricing strategies take priority over base rates, seasons, and other internal configurations.
Where are external RMS rates stored in Visual Matrix?
Rates received from an external RMS are stored as Peak Dates in Visual Matrix. Peak Dates override all other rate sources and are used to ensure externally managed pricing is applied correctly.
(For example, Duetto sends pricing decisions that appear in Visual Matrix as Peak Dates.)
What happens if Peak Dates are removed or modified?
Removing or modifying Peak Dates removes the highest-level rate override. When this occurs, Visual Matrix may fall back to seasonal rates, base rates, or other lower-level pricing rules, which can cause externally managed rates to appear missing or incorrect.
Why do rates sometimes appear as $0 after a season change?
If a new rate season is created in Visual Matrix with room rates set to $0, this can override externally managed pricing. Even when an RMS is sending valid rates, a $0 season may prevent those rates from applying as expected.
Can manual rate changes in Visual Matrix override external RMS pricing?
Yes. Manual changes made directly in Visual Matrix can override externally managed pricing depending on where they fall in the rate hierarchy. When using an external RMS, pricing changes should generally be made in the RMS rather than directly in Visual Matrix.
Does this behavior mean the RMS is not syncing correctly?
Not necessarily. In many cases, rates are syncing correctly but are being overridden by internal rate hierarchy rules or manual changes. Understanding how Visual Matrix applies rate overrides can help prevent these situations.
What is the recommended approach when using an external RMS with Visual Matrix?
When an external RMS is actively controlling pricing:
- Use the RMS for rate changes
- Avoid modifying Peak Dates manually
- Ensure seasons and base rates are configured appropriately
- Use Visual Matrix primarily for inventory, reservations, and distribution
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