FCM Consulting has launched a new assessment tool that is says will help travel managers evaluate and communicate the value of their travel programmes.
The Travel Impact Index tool walks travel managers through questions around how their travel programmes support their organisation's priorities, influence travel behaviour and enable business outcomes, according to the consultancy.
Responses then allow travel managers to assess their programme’s strength in governance, risk management, supplier strategy, data visibility and stakeholder engagement.
For example, the tool assesses where a programme has removed traveller friction, what risk and corporate liabilities it is helping to avoid and where it is changing traveler behaviour, the consultancy said.
The idea is to give travel buyers "practical tools and language" help them "present their programme in terms that senior decision-makers recognise," 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.