Embracing the Future: Unlocking the New Concur Travel Experience
As corporate travel continues to evolve, organizations are under growing pressure to streamline operations, drive compliance, and enhance traveler satisfaction. The shift from Legacy Concur Travel to the new Concur Travel (nCT) platform reflects SAP Concur’s commitment to powerful, user-friendly travel management. This guide recaps the major points from a recent Lyndon Group webinar and delivers actionable step-by-step instructions for administrators seeking to maximize value and ensure a smooth transition.
Whether you’re preparing for migration or looking to optimize your current nCT setup, use this as your roadmap to success.
Understanding Why to Move from Legacy to New Concur Travel
The new Concur Travel platform isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade. Its foundation offers:
A Modern, Intuitive Interface: Designed for today’s workforce, the nCT platform reduces clicks and delivers a booking experience that mirrors modern consumer sites.
Future-Ready Infrastructure: The platform’s backend supports rapid technology updates and improved integrations, especially as new industry standards (like New Distribution Capability/NDC) emerge.
Improved User Experience: Enhanced search, filtering, and booking processes address long-standing feedback, empowering travelers to self-serve efficiently and in compliance with policy.
Step 1: Prepare for the Migration
Review Key Dates and Rollout Plans
Check Your TMC Relationship: Migration windows depend on your company’s travel management company (TMC) and which global distribution system (GDS) is used (e.g., Sabre, Amadeus, Travelport).
Confirm Your “Verticals”: Air, car, and hotel content may migrate together or separately. Document your configuration and reach out to your TMC or Concur contact for specific timelines.
Communicate Early: Inform all stakeholders—including travel arrangers, travelers, and finance teams—about the upcoming changes.
Step 2: Configure the New Platform Settings
Update the Lowest Logical Fare (LLF) Rules
Access Travel System Settings: Log into the Travel System Administration page.
Decide on LLF Enforcement:
Option 1: By Time Window - LLF is determined based on configured time windows (e.g., +/- 2 hours of desired departure). Instruct end users to input time preferences for more relevant options.
Option 2: By Chosen Fare (“Delayed LLF”) - LLF applies after users select flights. This can prevent confusion from seeing out-of-policy options in search results.
Communicate Choice to Users: Provide training or guides based on the selected enforcement method.
Adjust Flight Sorting and Recommendations
Set Default Sort Logic: nCT introduces a “Recommended” sort, highlighting fares likely to align with user preferences and company policy.
Customize if Needed: If you require a different sorting method (e.g., lowest price or earliest departure), update the settings in the admin area or request support from Concur or your TMC.
Refine Compliance Rules and Messages
“Show but Do Not Allow”: Flight rules that previously hid fares now appear with a restriction. Update all compliance rules with clear, user-friendly “matched messages” to prevent confusion.
Audit Rules for Other Verticals: For cars and hotels, ensure policy rules are explicit, as legacy hiding options may no longer apply.
Review Payment Methods
Validate Ghost/Lodge Cards: Unsupported ghost cards are automatically omitted from Travel Fusion booking flows. Audit and update all cards to ensure compliance and seamless payments.
Allow User Entry Where Appropriate: Enable personal or T&E cards if your business rules permit.
Enable and Configure NDC Content
Coordinate with Your TMC: Only TMCs can enable NDC content on their side—for full benefit, collaborate closely and document requirements.
Train End Users: Highlight the differences between NDC and GDS-sourced booking, and ensure travelers know how to recognize NDC fares in search.
Step 3: Optimize for Your Organization
Build Supporting Administration Processes
Testing: Before full rollout, perform user acceptance testing (UAT) to validate policy enforcement and workflow accuracy.
Travel Policy Documentation: Update internal resources and travel policy documents to reflect new booking flows, terminology, and compliance expectations.
Proactive End-User Support
Develop Help Guides: Create step-by-step guides or short videos showing how to search, filter, and book compliant travel using the new interface.
Feedback Channels: Establish a quick method for users to report issues, especially during initial rollout.
Ongoing Training and Resources
Leverage Concur’s Support Portal: Register your admins with appropriate permissions to access documentation, case logs, and release notes.
Participate in the Community: Encourage your team to join SAP Concur’s online community to exchange knowledge and access real-time updates.
Step 4: Monitor, Iterate, and Improve
Audit Travel Behavior and Compliance
Reporting: Use built-in and custom reports to monitor booking behavior, compliance rates, and user feedback.
Transparent Communication: Share outcomes and quick wins with stakeholders to build support for the platform.
Stay Current
Monitor Feature Releases: SAP Concur continues to enhance nCT. Regularly review release notes and adapt your configuration as new capabilities become available.
Engage with Experts: For complex situations, consult with the Lyndon Group or your chosen SAP Concur partner for advanced optimization and best practices.
Example Checklist for Administrators
Review migration emails from SAP Concur and/or your TMC
Document current GDS, TMC, and policy verticals
Update LLF settings and communicate changes to travelers
Edit or create compliance rules with clear end-user messages
Audit stored payment options
Connect with your TMC about NDC content activation
Refresh travel policy resources and training materials
Set up feedback and support channels
Run initial UAT with selected end users
Register for Concur Community and Support Portal
Final Thoughts
Migrating to the new Concur Travel platform is not just about technology—it's about supporting your organization’s travel needs better than ever before. By following these steps, you’ll not only ensure a smoother transition but also empower your travelers and drive greater value from your travel program.
For personalized support or a comprehensive review, reach out to the Lyndon Group. Leverage their expertise to make the most of SAP Concur’s powerful platform, positioning your travel program for ongoing success.