Phase 1 Limitations
Features and capabilities not available in the initial release.
Out of Scope Features
1. VAT Calculation on Commission
❌ Not Supported:
- VAT is not calculated on commission amounts
- Commission treated as net value only
- No VAT accounting on commission
✅ Future Support:
- System designed to support this
- Will be added in later versions
- Agent Commission Account ready for VAT
Workaround:
- Manual VAT calculation if required
- External accounting adjustment
- Track separately in spreadsheet
2. In-System Agent Payout
❌ Not Supported:
- No automated payment to agents
- No payout scheduling
- No payment tracking in system
- No payment history
✅ Current Process:
- All payments handled externally
- Settlement between agent and company
- Manual reconciliation required
System Records:
- Booking totals ✓
- Commission amounts ✓
- Accounting postings ✓
- Payment settlement ❌
3. Agent Invoicing Module
❌ Not Supported:
- No commission invoices generated
- No invoice templates
- No invoice tracking
- No invoice history
✅ Workaround:
- External invoicing system
- Manual invoice creation
- Email invoices separately
- Track in separate system
4. Agent Editing of Bookings
❌ Not Supported:
- Cannot edit confirmed bookings
- Cannot modify passenger details
- Cannot change services
- Cannot update pricing
✅ Current Process:
- Contact support for changes
- Email modification requests
- Phone support available
- Changes made by staff
Why:
- Data integrity
- Accounting accuracy
- Payment tracking
- Audit trail
5. Passenger Access for Agent Bookings
❌ Not Supported:
- End customers cannot log in
- No customer portal access
- No self-service options
- No customer password
✅ Current Process:
- Agent manages all customer communication
- Agent handles all inquiries
- Agent provides updates
- Agent shares booking details
Implications:
- Agents responsible for customer service
- Agents must provide booking confirmations
- Agents handle all modifications
- Agents communicate changes
Payment Handling
What's Not Included
❌ Agent payment gateway integration
❌ Commission payout automation
❌ Payment reconciliation tools
❌ Payment history tracking
❌ Payment notifications
Current Process
External Settlement:
- Booking total recorded in system
- Commission amount calculated
- Agent invoices company (external)
- Payment handled outside system
- Manual reconciliation
Example:
Booking Total: £1,200
Commission: £150
Payment Flow (External):
1. Customer pays agent: £1,200
2. Agent pays company: £1,050
3. Agent keeps commission: £150
4. Settlement recorded manually
Reporting Limitations
Available in Phase 1
✅ Booking list
✅ Commission amounts
✅ Sales report with agent column
✅ Accounting entries
Not Available in Phase 1
❌ Commission invoice reports
❌ Payment settlement reports
❌ Agent performance analytics
❌ Commission aging reports
❌ Payment reconciliation reports
Modification Limitations
Cannot Be Modified by Agent
After Booking Confirmation:
- ❌ Passenger names
- ❌ Contact information
- ❌ Service selections
- ❌ Transport options
- ❌ Accommodation type
- ❌ Add-ons
- ❌ Pricing
- ❌ Booking dates
Must Contact Support: All modifications require support request via:
- Phone
- Support ticket
Processing Time:
- Standard requests: 1-2 business days
- Urgent requests: Same day (if possible)
Communication Limitations
Automated Emails
Not Sent to Customers:
- ❌ Booking confirmations
- ❌ Payment reminders
- ❌ Pre-departure information
- ❌ Portal access credentials
- ❌ Booking updates
- ❌ Cancellation notices
Agent Responsibility: Agents must manually:
- Send booking confirmations
- Provide trip information
- Communicate updates
- Handle cancellations
- Answer customer questions
Workarounds & Alternatives
For Payment Tracking
Recommended:
- Use external accounting software
- Maintain payment spreadsheet
- Monthly reconciliation process
- Regular communication with accounting
For Customer Communication
Recommended:
- Create email templates
- Use CRM system
- Standard communication procedures
- Customer service scripts
For Invoicing
Recommended:
- Use invoicing software
- Create invoice templates
- Regular invoicing schedule
- Track in separate system
For Reporting
Recommended:
- Export data from system
- Create custom Excel reports
- Use BI tools if available
- Manual data compilation
Future Enhancements
Planned for Phase 2
🚀 Planned Features:
- VAT calculation on commission
- Agent payment module
- Commission invoicing
- Enhanced reporting
- Agent booking editing
- Payment reconciliation
⏰ Timeline:
- Phase 2: Q3 2024
- Phase 3: Q1 2025
📋 Priority Order:
- VAT on commission (High)
- Payment module (High)
- Invoicing (Medium)
- Booking editing (Medium)
- Advanced reporting (Low)
Mitigation Strategies
For Current Limitations
Communication:
- Clear documentation provided
- Training for agent users
- Support team available
- FAQ and help guides
Process:
- Defined workflows
- Standard procedures
- Escalation paths
- Regular reviews
Support:
- Dedicated support team
- Quick response times
- Phone and email support
- Regular check-ins
Impact Assessment
Low Impact
✅ VAT on commission
✅ Advanced reporting
✅ Payment automation
Reason: Manageable with external processes
Medium Impact
⚠️ Agent invoicing
⚠️ Booking editing
⚠️ Payment tracking
Reason: Requires manual work but achievable
High Impact
❌ Passenger portal access
❌ Commission payout
Reason: Agent handles all customer interaction anyway
Summary
Phase 1 Delivers
✅ Agent booking creation
✅ Commission calculation
✅ Accounting integration
✅ Agent portal access
✅ Read-only booking view
✅ Email control
Phase 1 Does NOT Deliver
❌ VAT on commission
❌ Payment automation
❌ Agent invoicing
❌ Booking editing
❌ Customer portal access
❌ Payment reconciliation
Recommendation
Phase 1 is suitable for:
- Agents with external payment processes
- Agents willing to handle customer communication
- Agents comfortable with read-only access
- Agents with manual invoicing capability
Wait for Phase 2 if you need:
- Automated payment processing
- Customer self-service
- Booking modification capability
- Integrated invoicing
Questions?
For clarification on limitations or workarounds:
📧 Email: support@moresailing.co.uk
📞 Phone: +44 (0) 20 1234 5678
📄 Docs: Agent Feature Documentation