Group Blocks with the SynXis Channel Manager (Cloud)
Group blocks often require coordination between internal inventory management and external booking access. When using the SynXis Channel Manager with Visual Matrix Cloud PMS, group blocks are created and controlled directly in Visual Matrix, while SynXis supports online group booking through a dedicated group code and booking link. Understanding this workflow helps ensure group allocations, pickup, and availability remain aligned across both systems.
Overview
With the SynXis Channel Manager, Visual Matrix Cloud remains the system of record for group blocks. All group details — including dates, room types, allocations, and rates — are created and managed in the PMS. Once the group is synced, SynXis generates a group code that can be used to support online bookings through the SynXis booking engine. Reservations booked through SynXis are automatically returned to Visual Matrix and attached to the original group.
Activating SynXis for Group Blocks
Before group blocks can be used with SynXis, the following must be in place:
- The SynXis channel manager Groups add-on must be enabled for the property. Learn more...
- Room types and rate plans must be properly mapped.
- The group block must be created in Visual Matrix Cloud.
Group blocks must exist in Visual Matrix before they can be associated with SynXis.
Creating and Syncing a Group Block
Group blocks are created entirely within Visual Matrix Cloud, including:
- Stay dates
- Room types
- Total room allocations
- Group rates.
Once the group is created and synced, SynXis generates a group code. This code identifies the group within the SynXis environment and is required for online booking access.
Online Booking Link
If the property wants to provide an online booking link to the group contact or attendees:
- The booking link must be generated directly from the SynXis portal.
- Visual Matrix does not generate or distribute the external booking URL.
- The group code provided by SynXis is used to associate bookings with the correct group.
This link allows guests to book directly into the group allocation using SynXis’s booking engine.
Reservation Pickup and Group Association
When reservations are booked through the SynXis group link:
- Reservations are sent automatically to Visual Matrix.
- Bookings are automatically associated with the correct group.
- Reservations follow standard PMS behavior for folios, posting, and room assignment.
No manual reassignment is required once reservations are received.
Although you can upload a rooming list in the SynXis portal, that information is not shared through the channel interface and will not flow into Visual Matrix.
Managing Allocations and Drop Dates
Group inventory control remains in Visual Matrix Cloud:
- Total room allocations are managed in the PMS.
- The group drop date is controlled in Visual Matrix.
- Pickup reduces availability based on reservations received.
Visual Matrix remains the authoritative source for group inventory and control.
Allocation Changes After Group Link Creation
Once a group booking link has been created in SynXis, any new room type allocations added in Visual Matrix are not automatically synced to SynXis. If additional room types or allocations are introduced after the original sync, those changes must be manually added or updated in the SynXis portal.
This step is required to keep online group availability aligned with the allocations defined in Visual Matrix Cloud.
Visual Matrix Groups vs. SynXis Booking Access
While SynXis supports group booking access, Visual Matrix Cloud remains the system of record for the group block itself.
- Visual Matrix: group creation, allocations, rates, and drop dates.
- SynXis: group code generation and online booking link.
Understanding this separation helps prevent inventory discrepancies and sync issues.
Tips and Best Practices
- Finalize group allocations in Visual Matrix before syncing
- Generate booking links directly from the SynXis portal
- Review allocations in SynXis if changes are made after sync
- Test a sample reservation before distributing the booking link
Still Need Help With This Topic?
Ask Yourself:
- Was the group created and finalized in Visual Matrix before syncing?
- Were allocations changed after the original sync?
- Was the booking link generated in the SynXis portal?
Support May Ask You:
- Group name and stay dates
- SynXis group code
- Example reservation affected by the issue
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