Top 5 Things to Consider Before Engaging a TMC

There’s a lot to consider, beyond supplier buying power, when looking to upgrade your travel management provider or implement your first managed travel programme through a Travel Management Company (TMC); from technology solutions, service and accessibility of support teams to speed of implementation.

Below we outline the top things companies should consider before engaging a new Travel Management Company (TMC).

1. Technology and innovation is invaluable

When it comes to engaging or changing TMCs, the primary focus for most businesses is on finding market-leading technology that is the best fit for their systems, while still improving efficiency, cost savings and duty of care across their travel programme.

With the ever-increasing array of corporate travel technology solutions on offer from TMCs, from online booking tools to duty of care solutions, it’s important to remember that not all technology is created equal. The technology solutions you are considering should be customisable for your business needs and easily demonstrated by the TMC in a LIVE working environment.

“Before signing on the dotted line, it’s important to ensure you have seen LIVE demonstrations of the technology on offer to see how it can be tailored to fit your business needs and the way you work.”

Through our continuous feedback loops and CTM UserLabs, we understand businesses are looking for a streamlined, intuitive and positive end-user experience for their travellers and bookers. At CTM, we have developed proprietary travel technology and work with technology solutions that offer just that, by integrating easily with existing systems.

Our solutions also provide relevant information at the user’s fingertips, such as fare forecasting, on-time performance data and dynamic reporting allowing businesses to make more make informed travel and policy decisions. By owning our technology, our agile development process and ability to support multiple technology solutions, CTM customers benefit from our ability to develop or work with the solutions our customers are asking for now; meaning our customers are never stuck with outdated systems.

2. TMCs should offer more than just ‘cheap’ travel

Businesses of all sizes should be looking for greater transparency and an identifiable Return on Investment (ROI) when engaging a TMC.

A TMC should always understand the overall business objectives of the organisation and look to help the customer align their travel programme and policies to these objectives.

For example, at CTM we ask questions and consider factors such as: “Is the organisation in a cost-cutting focus stage or are they looking at expansion and employee satisfaction to retain and attract high-quality employees?” This information not only helps us to assist in developing a tailored travel policy, but it also demonstrates our ability to deliver the services our customers need in line with their specific objectives.

CTM also offers ongoing support through our Strategic Business Managers (Account Managers). These BMs proactively offer strategic advice and analysis to identify opportunities in travel programmes where cost savings and process efficiencies can be made. This ensures CTM is always the best value for money.

3. Service is key

Customer service always should be of utmost importance to companies who are looking to engage or change TMCs. It is vital to select a TMC who can deliver highly personalised service at all times, particularly in regard to VIPs and Executives.

While offering the benefits of a global network, at CTM, we believe local teams servicing local clients provides the highest level of service and support to our customers. Our locally based teams from General Managers and strategic account managers, to travel consultants and 24/7 after-hours support, understand each customer’s needs and provide personalised and timely account, travel and booking support.

CTM’s personalised service begins at implementation. To assist this process, we offer fully tailored training sessions for each customer – either face-to-face or virtual – based on size and internal travel management processes. The service and support do not end once implementation is complete. We also offer ongoing support for our customers post “go-live” through follow-up refresher training sessions in line with their requirements.

4. Robust implementation capabilities

Knowing that the implementation process will be as seamless and painless as possible is front of mind for businesses.

Before engaging a new TMC it’s important to fully understand the implementation process and to work closely together to devise a suitable and feasible implementation process and timeframe for your business. Implementation should be a customised, mutually agreed process.

New customers work with our dedicated implementation team, who focus solely on delivering an efficient process. They work on all aspects of implementation including developing a transition-out plan to assist them in moving from an incumbent TMC.

A typical CTM implementation usually takes approximately six to eight weeks, however, we can expedite this process if required. Where possible we will work with our customer’s timelines and tailor our plan around them. It is all part of CTM’s commitment to service.

See our Implementation Case Study

5. Nothing should be behind closed doors

At CTM we believe you should understand exactly how your TMC’s consultants and account managers are financially remunerated or incentivised. This will ensure their behaviours and recommendations are driven by your best interests. They should also be able to reference past customers and provide examples, not only on what the TMC has delivered but also how this was achieved.

CTM’s travel consultants do not work on commission-based incentives, and are instead motivated to meet and exceed customer-centric Service Level Agreements. This ensures our customers’ best interests are at the forefront of our booking solutions.

Our CTM team is also happy to provide real examples and case studies to demonstrate a range of personalised solutions we have offered and the results we have achieved.

 

SHARE THIS PAGE:

: