5 Takeaways for Making Smarter Travel Technology Decisions

Is your travel technology keeping up with your business?

As organizations grow, the technology supporting their travel programs needs to evolve with them. But with more booking platforms, integrations and technology options available than ever, determining what actually matters can be challenging.

During our recent BTN Group webinar, “How Growing Companies Can Make Smarter Travel Technology Decisions,” Adelman Travel brought together perspectives from travel management, technology and the corporate buyer community to explore how organizations can make more informed technology decisions—and build travel programs that are ready for what’s next.

Here are five key takeaways from the conversation.

1. Start With Your Business Needs—Not the Technology

It can be tempting to begin with features, functionality and product comparisons. But the most effective technology decisions start with a different question: What are we trying to solve?

Consider the challenges within your current travel program, the needs of your travelers and travel managers, and where your organization is headed. Clearly defining your priorities makes it easier to determine which capabilities will actually deliver value.

Technology should support your travel strategy—not define it.

2. Put the Traveler Experience at the Center

A travel platform can offer impressive capabilities, but those features only create value when travelers actually use them.

Ease of use, intuitive booking, relevant content and a seamless experience all influence adoption. When evaluating technology, organizations should consider not only what a platform can do, but also whether the experience will encourage travelers to use it.

Better experiences can lead to stronger adoption, improved compliance and greater visibility across the travel program.

3. Look Beyond the Booking Tool

The booking experience is important, but it’s only one piece of the travel technology ecosystem.

Organizations should also consider how technology connects with other parts of their program, including expense, traveler profiles, reporting, preferred supplier content, negotiated rates and other business systems.

The goal isn’t simply to find a booking tool. It’s to create a connected travel experience that gives travelers what they need while providing travel managers with the visibility and control they need to manage the program effectively.

4. Technology and Service Should Work Together

Great technology doesn’t eliminate the need for great service.

Travelers may be able to manage many aspects of their trips independently, but disruptions, complex itineraries and unexpected situations can still require expert assistance.

The strongest travel programs bring technology and human support together—giving travelers intuitive self-service capabilities while ensuring knowledgeable help is available when they need it.

When evaluating a technology solution, consider the entire experience, not just the platform.

5. Choose Technology That Can Grow With You

Your organization’s travel needs today may look very different a few years from now.

As companies expand, travel programs often become more complex. New travelers, markets, policies, integrations and reporting requirements can quickly change what an organization needs from its technology.

Instead of focusing solely on today’s requirements, consider whether a solution can evolve alongside your business.

The right technology should help solve today’s challenges while providing the flexibility to support what’s next.

Watch the Conversation On Demand

Making smarter travel technology decisions isn’t about finding the platform with the longest list of features. It’s about finding the right combination of technology, traveler experience, content, service and support for your organization.

Want to dive deeper?

Watch the full BTN Group webinar, “How Growing Companies Can Make Smarter Travel Technology Decisions,” featuring perspectives from the corporate buyer, travel management and travel technology communities.

Featured speakers:

• Jocelyn Smith – Travel & Expense Manager
• Jeff Ochaita – VP of Sales & Customer Success, GetGoing by BCD
• Melinda Kirkham – VP of Corporate Sales, Adelman Travel
• Sarah McClain – Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications, BCD Travel Midmarket

WATCH THE WEBINAR ON DEMAND

https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1771670&tp_key=78b6e52fbf