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Why TMCs Are Moving Away from Legacy Platforms Like Lanyon in 2025

For years, Travel Management Companies (TMCs) have depended on legacy platforms like Lanyon and Sabre RFP to manage hotel sourcing for their corporate clients. These tools once defined the industry standard for handling the annual RFP cycle, but in 2025, that standard no longer fits the realities of modern travel procurement. The rise of automation, data intelligence, and API-driven integrations has exposed the limitations of outdated systems - leading a growing wave of TMCs to migrate toward cloud-based hotel sourcing software and enterprise-grade RFP automation tools like ReadyBid.

ReadyBid’s advanced hotel contract management platform has become the preferred replacement for legacy systems because it solves the pain points that have long frustrated TMCs: manual workflows, slow interfaces, rigid pricing models, and lack of data transparency. The modern TMC requires agility, scalability, and seamless collaboration - all of which ReadyBid delivers through real-time automation and integrated analytics.

Let’s explore why 2025 marks a definitive shift from legacy RFP platforms to smarter, faster, and more transparent systems built for the next decade of hotel sourcing.

1. Legacy Platforms Were Built for Yesterday’s RFP Process

Platforms like Lanyon were developed when the RFP process was entirely seasonal and paper-heavy. They were designed around annual, static hotel sourcing - an approach that no longer works in today’s dynamic markets.

Modern TMCs now manage continuous sourcing, midyear re-bids, and multiple client RFPs simultaneously. ReadyBid’s hotel RFP management system was engineered specifically for this environment. It enables year-round sourcing cycles, automated re-bidding, and real-time contract updates without restarting from scratch.

Legacy systems simply weren’t built for that flexibility. In 2025, agility has become non-negotiable.

2. Manual Processes Slow Down TMC Performance

Traditional tools require TMCs to manually upload hotel lists, send bids, chase responses, and verify rates. These tasks drain hours of productivity and introduce risk through human error.

ReadyBid automates every step of the process using its Automated hotel RFP solution. Bids are distributed automatically, supplier responses are tracked in real time, and reminders are sent without user intervention. The system even validates loaded rates for accuracy.

The result? TMCs complete sourcing cycles up to 60-70% faster than they could using legacy systems - and with greater accuracy.

3. Lack of Integration Is No Longer Tolerated

Legacy systems are isolated silos. They don’t integrate easily with GDSs, expense systems, or data visualization tools - leaving procurement teams to copy-paste data between platforms.

ReadyBid’s Corporate hotel RFP platform eliminates those barriers. Built on an API-first framework, it integrates seamlessly with booking tools, ERP systems, and reporting dashboards. Every data point - from rate verification to traveler feedback - flows through a single interface.

For TMCs managing dozens of clients, this level of integration creates a unified view of performance and compliance across every account.

4. Outdated User Interfaces Limit Adoption

Let’s face it: the user experience in legacy tools hasn’t changed much in a decade. Clunky navigation, outdated dashboards, and steep learning curves discourage adoption among travel consultants and corporate clients.

ReadyBid’s intuitive Hotel RFP management platform offers a clean, modern interface that simplifies every function. Whether it’s sending bids, comparing responses, or generating reports, users can complete tasks in fewer clicks and less time.

With built-in tooltips, video tutorials, and client onboarding support, ReadyBid ensures that both new and seasoned users adopt the system quickly and effectively.

5. Limited Visibility and Data Analytics

Legacy tools offer limited insight into performance. Reports are static, exports are clunky, and real-time visibility is virtually nonexistent.

ReadyBid’s Hotel RFP reporting solution revolutionizes how TMCs and corporate clients view their data. It offers:

  • Real-time dashboards showing bid progress and response rates

  • Automated cost avoidance and savings calculations

  • Benchmarking analytics for market comparison

  • Custom visualizations for executive reporting

This live intelligence empowers TMCs to act proactively - spotting trends, identifying rate leakage, and advising clients with data-backed precision.

6. ReadyBid Supports Continuous and Global Sourcing

Unlike legacy systems, which were built for fixed RFP windows, ReadyBid enables continuous, multi-region sourcing. Its Global hotel sourcing solution supports unlimited destinations, currencies, and languages, making it ideal for global TMCs with multinational clients.

The platform also ensures that every RFP follows standardized templates while allowing localized customization for regional variations - ensuring compliance across all markets without restricting flexibility.

7. TMCs Can Manage Multiple Clients Seamlessly

In legacy systems, managing multiple client RFPs often means switching accounts, exporting data, and logging in separately. ReadyBid’s Corporate travel RFP platform solves this with centralized visibility.

TMCs can manage all clients from one dashboard - tracking timelines, hotel responses, and rate verifications simultaneously. Each client program operates independently while sharing consistent reporting and audit logic.

This centralized model gives TMCs unprecedented efficiency and scalability.

8. AI and Predictive Analytics Redefine the Game

Legacy tools rely on human input for decision-making. ReadyBid introduces automation intelligence through predictive analytics and machine learning.

Its Strategic hotel sourcing technology automatically identifies underperforming hotels, recommends negotiation timing, and predicts when rate adjustments will yield the best savings.

AI also improves supplier scoring by analyzing past responsiveness, traveler feedback, and cost performance - helping TMCs focus on high-value partnerships.

9. Cost Efficiency and Transparent Pricing

One of the most common complaints about legacy platforms like Lanyon is their rigid, expensive pricing structure. TMCs often pay high licensing fees for limited functionality, without scalability.

ReadyBid offers transparent, flexible pricing tailored to the size and activity of each client program. Because it’s cloud-based, there’s no need for local installations or costly upgrades - making it ideal for TMCs looking to optimize operational expenses while maximizing productivity.

10. Real-Time Collaboration and Support

Legacy platforms typically lack responsive support or collaborative tools. ReadyBid changes that paradigm entirely. The system allows for in-platform chat, comment threads on bids, and automated task assignments between account managers, hotels, and corporate clients.

Meanwhile, ReadyBid’s dedicated client support team ensures quick responses and proactive training. The Enterprise hotel contracting tool enables users to onboard clients faster, duplicate previous RFPs, and complete sourcing cycles with guided assistance every step of the way.

The Strategic Value for TMCs

ReadyBid isn’t just a software upgrade - it’s a strategic transformation. TMCs that switch from Lanyon or Sabre RFP report measurable results:

  • 50% faster bid turnaround times

  • 25-30% improvement in supplier response rates

  • Consistent data visibility across all clients

  • Reduced administrative workload by 60%

  • Enhanced profitability through automation efficiency

This isn’t about replacing technology - it’s about redefining how travel management companies operate in the digital sourcing era.

Additional Resources

Explore related ReadyBid articles to understand how automation is transforming hotel procurement:

Conclusion

The message from the market is clear: legacy RFP systems can no longer keep up with modern corporate travel demands. TMCs require automation, intelligence, and adaptability - and ReadyBid delivers on all three fronts.

By transitioning to ReadyBid, travel management companies gain a unified, data-driven sourcing ecosystem that enhances efficiency, transparency, and savings potential. The result is not just better technology but a smarter, faster way to deliver value to clients.

Legacy systems had their era. ReadyBid defines the next one.

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