IJet Creates Security Benchmarks, Allowing Program Self-Assessment

IJet Intelligent Risk Systems has developed a travel risk management benchmarking tool that provides buyers a self-assessment platform to measure safety and security programs.

While 50 to 60 companies already have loaded data into the Travel Risk Management Maturity Model, or TRM3, database, according to IJet CEO Bruce McIndoe, the company is looking to bolster participation in its system through a partnership with the National Business Travel Association in a deal the parties plan to complete next week. Under the terms of the agreement, NBTA would distribute TRM3 with the association's Managed Travel Index, according to Eric Casey, senior director, marketing, membership and communications for NBTA.

TRM3 provides a framework for comparing travel security programs for similarly sized corporate travel programs in terms of spending volume and industry sector.

With security being a key focus in the industry, companies "don't want to look negligent and want to be able to benchmark against peers and others in the industry," IJet CEO Bruce McIndoe said.

IJet customer Richard Wooten, director of corporate travel services for Lockheed Martin, said that comparing a company's travel security program to others in the industry could be useful.

"It is very helpful both to travelers and companies in that it provides a gathering of intelligence for companies to have," Wooten said.

Carlson Wagonlit Travel, which previously has partnered with IJet, introduced the tool to its clients in November. Kathie Lia, Carlson Wagonlit Travel global product director of safety and security, said TRM3 is valuable for measuring travel program safety and as an aid for crisis preparation.

"You don't think about the risk of travel until something happens," Lia said. "There is a need for knowledge, but also the need for being prepared beforehand to make the best response when something happens."

While benchmarking tools, such as TRM3, can be useful in the security sector of travel management, International SOS COO Tim Daniel said that such data is not an end-all solution in meeting a company's security need.

"There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution," Daniel said. "Every company has a unique situation and each traveler has their own programs."