Business trips enhance everyday working life and, according to a recent study by SAP Concur, are essential for the professional development of many German-speaking travelers (65%). However, both companies and their employees frequently face significant administrative burdens.
SAP Concur's sixth Global Business Travel Survey indicates that 84% of travelers in German-speaking countries need prior approval for at least some of their business trips. Additionally, 70% of respondents have noticed that their companies are monitoring travel more closely this year. Fortunately, AI technology provides new ways to plan and approve trips quickly and efficiently.
Travel Planning in a Few Clicks
When planning a business trip, travelers typically spend several hours researching various factors, including hotel selection, transportation options, and personal preferences. AI-powered assistants can alleviate this time-consuming task by creating detailed travel plans tailored to individual needs. These assistants consider everything from flight class and the number of stopovers to hotel categories. The more frequently they are trained with personal data, the quicker and more successful the travel booking process becomes.
Fast Approval Procedure
In the past, employees often needed to revise their travel plans multiple times to comply with budget and policy requirements. Artificial intelligence can streamline this process by considering the available budget and company guidelines when planning business trips, accelerating approval. As a result, travelers can promptly book their trips and avoid higher prices that can occur due to long waiting times. There is a significant demand for these solutions: 96% of travelers in German-speaking countries are open to AI-supported booking options, according to the Global Business Travel Survey. However, the majority (92%) would appreciate support from their company in utilizing these intelligent solutions, as they are still uncertain about how to use them effectively.
Simplified Expense Management
Recent advancements in AI technology allow for precise calculation and documentation of travel expenses. Tasks such as recording receipts, categorizing expenses, and generating invoices, which once required substantial time and effort, are now largely automated. This automation simplifies the billing process and accelerates the reimbursement of employees' travel expenses.
AI is fundamentally changing the way companies handle business trips. Future advancements will increasingly focus on individual user data and industry metrics, allowing for more accurate cost predictions and personalized travel recommendations. Companies leveraging intelligent automation will give themselves and their employees a significant advantage in organizing business trips efficiently.