Corporate travel management is a critical aspect of many businesses, ensuring that employees can travel efficiently and cost-effectively while maintaining productivity and safety. The right tools and software can streamline the travel process, reduce costs, and enhance the overall travel experience for employees. In this article, we will explore some of the essential tools and software that can greatly benefit corporate travel management.
Travel Booking Tools
Online Booking Tools (OBTs)
Online Booking Tools (OBTs) are indispensable for corporate travel management services. These platforms allow employees to book flights, hotels, and rental cars through a centralized system. Popular OBTs like Concur, Egencia, and TripActions offer a wide range of features, including policy compliance, cost control, and real-time reporting. These tools integrate with company policies to ensure that bookings are within budget and adhere to travel guidelines.
Global Distribution Systems (GDS)
Global Distribution Systems (GDS) like Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport are the backbone of the travel industry. They aggregate inventory from airlines, hotels, and car rental companies, providing a comprehensive view of available options. Travel managers can use GDS to access real-time availability, compare prices, and make bookings efficiently. GDS platforms also offer advanced reporting and analytics to help companies optimize their travel spend.
Expense Management Software
Concur Expense
Concur Expense is one of the most widely used expense management tools in corporate travel. It simplifies the expense reporting process by allowing employees to capture receipts, track expenses, and submit reports through a mobile app. Concur integrates with various OBTs and corporate credit cards, ensuring that expense data is automatically imported. This tool also provides robust reporting and analytics to help companies monitor and control travel expenses.
Expensify
Expensify is another popular expense management tool that offers a user-friendly interface and powerful features. Employees can snap photos of receipts, categorize expenses, and generate expense reports with ease. Expensify’s SmartScan technology automatically extracts relevant information from receipts, reducing the time spent on manual data entry. The tool also integrates with accounting software, making it easy to reconcile expenses and manage reimbursements.
Travel Risk Management Tools
International SOS
International SOS is a leading provider of travel risk management services. Their platform offers real-time information on travel risks, medical assistance, and security services. Companies can use International SOS to monitor the safety of their employees, receive alerts about potential risks, and access emergency assistance when needed. The platform also provides pre-travel advice and training to help employees prepare for trips to high-risk areas.
Anvil Group
The Anvil Group offers comprehensive travel risk management solutions that help companies protect their employees while traveling. Their platform includes risk intelligence, traveler tracking, and emergency response services. Anvil’s Riskmatics system provides real-time updates on travel risks and allows companies to monitor the location of their employees. In case of an emergency, the Anvil Group can coordinate medical evacuations and provide crisis management support.
Travel Policy Compliance Tools
TripActions
TripActions is a travel management platform that focuses on policy compliance and cost control. The platform uses AI-driven technology to provide personalized travel recommendations that align with company policies. Travel managers can set up policy rules and approval workflows to ensure that bookings are compliant. TripActions also offers real-time reporting and analytics to help companies track travel spend and identify cost-saving opportunities.
SAP Concur Travel
SAP Concur Travel is a comprehensive travel management solution that integrates with Concur Expense to provide end-to-end travel and expense management. The platform allows companies to enforce travel policies, manage approvals, and capture travel data in real time. SAP Concur Travel also offers a mobile app that enables employees to book travel, manage itineraries, and submit expenses on the go. The platform’s reporting and analytics capabilities help companies gain insights into travel spend and optimize their travel programs.
Communication and Collaboration Tools
Slack
Slack is a powerful communication tool that can enhance collaboration among teams, especially when employees are traveling. Slack allows team members to create channels for different projects, share files, and communicate in real time. The platform also integrates with various travel management tools, enabling employees to receive travel updates and alerts directly within Slack. This can help streamline communication and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is another excellent communication and collaboration tool for corporate travel management. The platform offers features like chat, video conferencing, and file sharing, making it easy for teams to stay connected while on the road. Microsoft Teams integrates with Office 365, allowing employees to access documents and collaborate on projects from anywhere. The platform also supports third-party app integrations, enabling companies to connect their travel management tools and streamline workflows.
Conclusion
Effective corporate travel management requires the right combination of tools and software. By leveraging travel booking tools, expense management software, travel risk management solutions, travel policy compliance tools, and communication and collaboration platforms, companies can streamline their travel processes, reduce costs, and ensure the safety and productivity of their employees. Investing in these essential tools and software can lead to more efficient travel management and a better overall travel experience for everyone involved.
Published by: Martin De Juan
