February 10, 2012 - 01:10 PM ET
Runzheimer International plans next week to begin beta-testing a web-based gamification system for benchmarking business travel costs. The concept rewards clients' employees "for booking the lowest-cost travel, while giving businesses the infrastructure needed to better manage travel related expenses and enforce corporate travel policies," according to a spokeswoman. After entering trip details, travelers receive an estimated cost based on Runzheimer's benchmarks. Employees are challenged to "beat" that benchmark when searching for itinerary options in whatever booking channel they opt to use. The Runzheimer system, called SmartTrip, highlights the difference. "If they remain at or under the benchmark cost, the employee is rewarded (gift cards, cash, points toward upgrades for next trip, etc., employer customizes the rewards) and the company saves," the official wrote in an email. "Companies can customize benchmarks to meet their needs and all costs are tracked through their expense management solution." Not the first to incorporate gamification, the system is reminiscent of Google's per-diem based travel program.
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