FCM Consulting has launched a new assessment tool that is says will help travel managers evaluate and communicate the value of their travel programs.
The Travel Impact Index tool walks travel managers through questions around how their travel programs support their organization's priorities, influence travel behavior and enable business outcomes, according to the consultancy. Their responses let travel managers assess their programs' strength in governance, risk management, supplier strategy, data visibility and engaging stakeholders.
For example, the tool assesses where a program has removed traveler friction, what risk and corporate liabilities it is helping to avoid and where it is changing traveler behavior, the consultancy said.
The idea is to give travel buyers "practical tools and language" help them "present their program in terms that senior decision-makers recognize," according to FCM global head of customer management and consulting Jo Lloyd. That way, they can move conversations with senior leaders beyond just savings.
"Automation and accessible data can give the impression that managed travel is straightforward and easily reduced to price," Lloyd said in a statement. "The real value lies in the oversight, risk management and judgments that sit behind the transactions."
FCM Consulting has made the Travel Impact Index tool available globally, the consultancy said.