document invoices – which save resources on reclaiming VAT – and more powerful data. “You can go into your management information system and see who’s not refuelling their hire cars. I do that quite a lot, I’m afraid – I’m always running
few times a year. But I don’t think the world is ready to get rid of all its plastic and have everyone checking out with an iPhone. Technology has to advance, and so do people.” The Airplus MD says travel buyers’ requirements from their
The last few years have been pretty tough,
and it’s been more about how can we save and track compliance, and save process costs
late and don’t have time to refuel. It’s expensive on a large scale. Now you’ll be able to catch and address the culprits – like myself.”
SMART SOLUTIONS Likewise, the roll-out of the new Airplus smartphone app offers benefits to corporates and their travellers, but Klein doesn’t think it will completely replace plastic any time soon. “The app is great if you’ve lost your card abroad, and we can issue a card number instantly to your phone. It will also be a great help for those who only travel a
data are changing. “Originally they wanted the data for negotiating rates, but this doesn’t seem to be so much at the forefront of their minds at the moment. The last few years have been pretty tough, and it’s been more about how can we save and track compliance, and save process costs by making that process slicker. “It’s also been more about security and tracking, knowing where someone is in case of a crisis. Of course, some people are still negotiating, but many are spot buying instead.”
OPTIMISING PROCESSES She adds: “Very often customers come to us with an issue and they won’t know whether they need a card – it will be about achieving certain end goals. “Cards are just a means to help them do that, part of a payment system that helps them optimise processes. So, for example, nobody has to type in whatever they spend – you have automatic reconciliation from the purchase order to the actual flight or product, a no-touch work stream that goes straight into the general ledgers. And on the other side it gives them the data to keep them updated on whether they’re on-track with budgets or policies.” Encouragingly for those in
the travel industry, Klein says businesses are thinking differently in this latest chapter of the recession. “It’s interesting: the first time round, people simply stopped travelling – the corporates stopped dead. But they’ve learned from this that it’s not helpful for their business, and instead, to optimise their data to save money and travel more effectively.” ■