Do you have these 9 pieces in play to optimize efficiency and reduce cost?
Streamlining operations, improving productivity, and maintaining consistent quality are all key to success in the manufacturing industry.
Yet it’s somewhat of a paradox. Despite a desire to adopt cutting-edge technology to gain a competitive edge, manufacturing companies often overlook an area that’s ripe for improved efficiencies: their business travel program.
Partnering with a proven travel management company (TMC) that invests in both smart automation and expert support – instead of defaulting to one or the other — can yield substantial advantages for modern manufacturing companies. Read on for nine of them:
1. Optimized Operations
In manufacturing, precision and efficiency are paramount. A robust travel policy isn’t just a guideline; it’s a critical tool for operational optimization and sustainable growth.
A well-managed travel program in manufacturing should guide travelers toward decisions that align with the company’s values, requirements, and objectives — while flagging those that don’t — to empower travelers to make informed and cost-effective decisions during the booking process.
2. Cost Savings Automation
Strong TMCs integrate various cost-saving measures into their services, helping manufacturing companies optimize travel spend without adding additional operational burdens.
Large TMCs, for instance, wield significant force with travel service providers, enabling them to negotiate favorable rates and benefits that they can then pass on to their clients when booking travel.
Advanced technology can play a big role in driving savings too, with tools that continually scan for lower rates even after booking, resulting in significant incremental savings without requiring any time consuming action from the traveler.
3. Proactively Deal with Disruption (to Minimize Downtime)
Time is a critical element in manufacturing. Any disruption to the production line can lead to lost revenue and frustrated customers. Which is why it’s so crucial for engineers and technicians to be able to reach a plant or work site when needed in an emergency.
And the first step is to book their business travel. Yet not all online booking platforms are created equal. Allowing employees to book through disparate sites can jeopardize traveler safety and duty of care, as there’s no centralized means of locating them in case of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.
When travelers book their business trips through a unified platform, managers gain real-time visibility into their whereabouts, which means managers can respond promptly to any unexpected disruptions.
4. Automated Agility
Artificial intelligence (AI) and ML algorithms are pivotal in smart manufacturing, enabling machines to learn from data, adapt to changing conditions, and continually enhance performance.
Advanced automation in business travel optimizes search results, factoring in variables such as layover durations, baggage costs, and even traveler preferences gleaned from past choices for an enhanced customer experience. Presenting favorable options upfront translates to significant time savings for both travelers and travel coordinators.
5. Data-Driven Decision-Making
Consolidating business travel within a single platform unlocks a wealth of actionable data. Just as top leaders in the manufacturing industry rely on data to optimize processes, reduce costs, and enhance quality, data plays a critical role in travel too.
Without a consolidated travel program, this data remains untapped. But with all travel transactions flowing through a unified travel management system, managers gain instant access to actionable insights. Consolidated travel data not only fuels cost-efficiency but also fosters a traveler-centric approach, enhancing both customer experience and productivity.
6. Streamlined Processes
Smart technologies are boosting productivity and efficiency by streamlining production and introducing new work methods for manufacturing companies. The same is true for modern tech in travel management companies.
A strong TMC with smart technology can play a big role in optimizing efficiencies of behind-the-scenes and backend tasks, freeing up valuable employee hours each week that can be redirected towards more productive tasks.
For instance, an advanced TMC can simplify and streamline travel expense management, automate approval processes for quick and easy trip approvals on any device, automatically adjust per diem rate caps based on a travel market, and more.
7. Bridging the Skills Gap
Managed travel plays a pivotal role in helping manufacturing companies effectively manage contractors. By implementing a centralized travel program, manufacturers gain transparency and management of contractor travel needs, aligning project-related expenses with budgetary constraints and corporate travel policies.
A well-structured travel program can also be a tool for attracting and retaining talent in the highly competitive manufacturing sector. When business travel is easy instead of a hassle because of user-friendly booking tools and traveler support, employees enjoy their jobs more. And when the travel policy reflects that employees’ needs are heard – with things like getting point credits for their flights and hotel stays, and upgrades on long-haul flights — it demonstrates a commitment that can go a long way in retaining valuable talent.
8. Empowering Travelers on the Road
The right travel management company goes beyond booking tools and empowers travelers in real-time throughout their journey, whether on a desktop, laptop, or mobile device.
Employees can use virtual chat on their mobile app to get trip-related questions answered instantly, from breakfast options to departure gate details.
Additionally, this sort of app provides real-time information about ground transportation options upon arrival, including ride shares, car rentals, and public transit. Travelers can also compare costs, schedules, travel times, and book right from the app. This seamless and comprehensive approach makes business travelers feel well-informed and in control throughout their journey.
9. Experienced Support Network
Leading travel management companies offer robust, easily accessible live support, which is vital for manufacturing firms, from top floor to shop floor. Because regardless of how efficient technology becomes, there are instances when travelers seek the reassurance of speaking with a real person. This is particularly important for helping key players deal with travel disruptions and giving peace of mind to travelers who may not be as technologically inclined.
From operational efficiency and enhanced agility to real-time visibility and cost savings, a managed travel program equips manufacturing companies with the tools and insights necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
Embracing the potential of a well-managed corporate travel program — and the right TMC — is not just an option, but a strategic imperative for those aiming to stay at the forefront of the manufacturing industry.
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