Travel Allowance Upgrade AMA

MatthewZ · ‎Jul 22, 2024

The new Travel Allowance Service is directly connected to the DTMO site to import U.S. rates any time a rate update is triggered. These updates typically are done once a year for domestic rates and once a month for overseas/international rates.

kbates79 · ‎Jul 22, 2024

So our domestic rates are already configured at a company level, so we don't need to know what each individual rates are domestically. Will this new feature still allow us to override whatever may be programmed in the system? For example, our per diem rate for domestic trips is $60 per day. Will we still be able to keep this configuration with the new Travel Configuration?

marketa_c · ‎Jul 22, 2024

Yes, it's still possible to configure this type of changes in Travel allowances services as well.

MitchellW · ‎Jul 22, 2024

Another question via DM:

"Will we be notified once the rate update is done?"

BlankaH · ‎Jul 22, 2024

There is no automated notification to customers, however, the updates are posted through SAPs regulatory change manager:

https://app.main.regulatory-change-manager.cloud.sap/index.html#

When accessing the tool, click "All Regulatory Changes" and filter Product by "Concur Expense"

bill_creech · ‎Jul 22, 2024

Does hotel itemization work in the new system work the same as in the old system? We disable itemization because end users found it confusing, but I'm concerned that it may be keeping the system for validating hotel expenses against GSA rates and wondering if it's something we should look at again. Also, would it be possible to not require itemization for conference designated lodging but still require it for non-designated lodging?

MartinGregory · ‎Jul 22, 2024

Hotel Itemization in relation to tracking actuals v limits for Lodging (reimbursable travel allowance) against the US statutory rate bundle works the same with the TA Service as with legacy. There are some improvements in the user experience when viewing the reimbursable allowances summary after actuals have been marked for tracking against the allowance limits. With regards whether hotel itemization is required for certain types of travel, this is not specifically related to travel allowance, although it is possible to do this with a separate Hotel/Lodging expense type.

MitchellW · ‎Jul 22, 2024

Another question via DM:

"What if we need assistance for an existing Travel Allowance configuration?"

kelseygordon01 · ‎Jul 22, 2024

If you need assistance with an existing TA configuration (i.e. not one that you are upgrading at this time), you'll want to follow the normal steps you take to receive assistance. Example - this might be for rate updates or some other scenarios. If you want to set up a new TA configuration, please speak with your SAP Concur account team. Thank you!

austinpjones · ‎Jul 22, 2024

Is there any indication on when this will become a mandatory change?

MatthewZ · ‎Jul 22, 2024

There is no set deadline at this time, but it will eventually be required. Our legacy TA feature remains supported until it is fully decommissioned, which will be announced well in advance.

MitchellW · ‎Jul 22, 2024

Another question via DM:

"How can we test the Travel Allowance functionality?"

kelseygordon01 · ‎Jul 22, 2024

If you have a Product Sandbox Environment (PSE), you can conduct the upgrade in your PSE before you do so in your production environment. If you’re pursuing self-service, you can ask for the user role permissions for both environments. If you do not have a PSE, you can either contract for one by contacting your SAP Concur account team OR you can use the Preview Mode functionality within Travel Allowance. The Preview Mode allows you to test all pre-delivered country templates. You can add a configuration for any supported country and view the details of the rates and rules. Please note - the Preview Mode is not meant for productive use.

drakewinfrey · ‎Jul 22, 2024

Our company provides full day per diem on the first and last day of travel. Is it possible to assign a Client Rate Bundle, to apply an Adjustment Factor of 1.0 instead of .75, along with a Statutory Rate Bundle so that all the rates are automated, or is this considered a custom implementation and I'll need to work with Concur to configure?

MatthewZ · ‎Jul 22, 2024

That specific configuration change currently cannot be implemented via self-service upgrades but can be done via an assisted upgrade, wherein the customer is guided through the configuration changes and cut-over activities by contracting with either SAP Concur or a Service Partner.

If you prefer to not engage in an assisted upgrade at this time, there are plans to eventually make self-service options for some of these configuration deviations available.