Intelligent technology already helps in many places in the world, even in small everyday situations. But there are many indications that it will get to it even more in the future.
The large business travel agency, BCD Travel, is now focusing on this in a new report, which gives examples of how business travelers can both save money and get even better travel solutions when they let intelligent technology help them.
Practical examples abound: When booking a business trip, a chatbot can respond to the traveler's query and suggest the best travel options within the company's travel policy. A traveler can also book their trip using a virtual personal assistant. A smart contract stored on the blockchain can also trigger an alert to a travel manager when a traveler books outside the policy. Travel tips and information about travel irregularities can be delivered to the traveler at the right time using location-based technology. After the trip, the traveler's virtual assistant can also send a reminder to submit an expense report in accordance with the requirements for it.
But of course, you have to know that. Technology can help individuals and companies with this kind of thing, and you have to know how.
"A corporate travel policy must ensure that a company's employees travel in accordance with the rules that have been set. Sometimes the employees are not fully aware of the existing rules, and other times you might be 'overpowered' by clever marketing moves from suppliers. It is important for companies that these pitfalls are minimized, and this must be done through both human and technological assistance so that the two things complement each other, but the technical assistance is so sophisticated now and in the years to come that it really pays to use it ”, says Thomas Friis Rasmussen, Director Client Management Nordic.
Is BCD Travel has just published a new report entitled 'Communication, Emerging Technology, and Travel Management, and it is primarily aimed at professional business travelers who may benefit from knowing more about:
• Using machine learning to communicate directly with the travelers as individuals, - and thus also base messages to them on their travel patterns, booking behavior, and personal preferences.
• Leveraging a blockchain-based data storage system to keep travel data secure, increasing travelers' willingness to share personal information necessary for the personal touch.
• Use of chatbot technology to enable voice-controlled digital assistants to make travel bookings and further automate correspondence about more routine travel inquiries, incl. answers to more basic questions in the company's travel policy.
• Use of augmented and virtual reality technology to improve interaction with travelers, - and in some cases replace travel.
• Use the Internet of Things (IoT) and location-based technology to keep travelers informed of current and relevant messages during the journey itself, including warnings about flight cancellations and other irregularities.
The report also includes useful tips and a checklist for corporate travel managers who want to delve deeper into the topic.