SAP Concur announces six Innovation Award winners at Fusion: Siemens, Vodafone, CAF America, Bishop-Wisecarver, Serco, and Keppel Corporation, recognizing their innovation and business transformation using SAP Concur solutions.
EY, through SAP Concur, offers an end-to-end travel management solution to help corporations manage business travel risks. The article identifies three key risk areas: trade risks (rising protectionism is the biggest risk, with US-China business travel suppressed), tax risks (129 countries pledged to implement BEPS, tax authorities may demand permanent establishment), and talent risks (countries protect domestic workers, such as EU posted-worker regulations). EY's service provides real-time assessments of travelers' tax, immigration, and EU posted-worker obligations.
A SAP Concur blog post notes that business travel has long faced challenges including logistics, expense compliance decisions, and expense report submission. It introduces how SAP Concur solutions use AI to simplify travel and expense experiences, citing a Forbes article showing how AI assistants help business travelers plan trips and offload financial decision-makers' busywork. Using fictional VP of Procurement Judy as an example, it shows AI can automatically develop itineraries, recommend hotels, provide built-in compliance policy queries, and AI-assisted auditing of 100% of expenses to speed up reimbursement.
SAP Concur experts note that although business travel has largely returned, budget cuts have reduced face-to-face meetings, requiring companies to maintain client relationships virtually in a hybrid work world. They recommend turning on cameras, reading body language and social cues, and adapting the pace of interaction to each client's state.
SAP Concur released its 2019 Business Traveler Report based on responses from 7,850 business travelers in 19 global markets. The survey found that more than three in four female business travelers have experienced harassment, and 58% of respondents changed travel arrangements because they felt unsafe. Among LGBTQ+ travelers, 95% have hidden their sexual orientation. Additionally, 43% of respondents forfeited expenses in 2018, averaging $893.
An SAP Concur blog post notes that COVID-19 has caused unprecedented disruption to the travel and hospitality industries: eight in 10 hotel rooms are empty, and 2020 is projected to be the worst year on record for hotel occupancy; ARC reported that airline ticket sales for the week ending April 5, 2020 fell 95.7% year-over-year. The article advises travel managers to take action to stabilize T&E programs, including adjusting T&E programs to support the changing business environment, ensuring reporting transparency, breaking down silos, preparing for the next disruption, and building stronger internal and external partnerships.
A SAP Concur blog post advises UK SMBs to prepare for Brexit, whatever the outcome. It notes that businesses trading with or traveling to the EU may need to adjust travel, expense, and invoice processes. Specific recommendations include updating travel policies, considering prepaid currency cards, and preparing for changes to VAT refund processes.
A SAP Concur blog post notes that at the Business Travel Show, the rising importance of adequate duty of care controls in business was a frequent topic. It says every time a member of staff travels for work, the company has a legal duty of care to predict the risks they face and be able to respond. It cites data that 77% of UK finance leaders said they weren't confident their business could quickly and accurately locate business travelers in an emergency. It offers five tips: have a plan, communicate and educate, encourage responsibility, take a team approach, and harness technology. It mentions Concur Locate helps businesses know where employees are and proactively monitor risk.
SAP Concur's 2021 Global Business Traveler and Global Travel Manager reports found that virtually all respondents desired to travel again, with nearly two-thirds 'very willing.' Budgets are expected to rise but not to pre-pandemic levels. More than two in three travelers say they are driving the return to travel, not their companies. Travelers value flexibility (72%), and 68% oppose a return to pre-COVID policies.
SAP Concur Fusion panel discussions highlight trust as key to travel and AI adoption. An SAP Concur study fielded May-June 2020 found 55% of business travelers' top concern is family health and safety. Travelers need information on global restrictions. AI adoption accelerated but requires trust. Experts recommend starting small, collecting feedback continuously, and strictly monitoring AI models.
A SAP Concur blog post offers advice for handling unexpected events on business trips, covering natural disasters, political unrest, flight delays and cancellations, and lost luggage. It recommends using Concur Locate to receive safety alerts and request assistance, sharing itineraries via TripIt, and registering with local embassies abroad (U.S. citizens can use the STEP program). TripIt Pro provides delay and cancellation alerts and alternate flight searches. It also advises avoiding checked luggage when possible and knowing airline baggage compensation rules.
A SAP Concur blog post notes that business travel decisions are typically optimized for cost and time efficiency, not environmental sustainability, and many organizations still use paper-based booking and expense processes. IOFM found the average business receives 63% of invoices as paper, and 62% manually handle over 75% of paper invoices. APQC research shows finance workers spend 49% of their time processing transactions. The article recommends digitalization and automation to reduce environmental impact, citing NEC's case: reduced T&E management time by 40% and saved about $1.8 million annually with SAP Concur.
SAP Concur blog post emphasizes that with global business travel spending expected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2020, organizations must strengthen duty of care and travel risk management. It notes that even organizations with good track records have gaps that could be seen as negligent. Risks include geopolitical, health, and environmental incidents, as well as common commuting accidents. Companies should embrace ethical responsibility beyond legal obligations and adopt consistent policies, training, communication, and data management.
SAP Concur executives at an industry summit emphasize the transformative power of travel, despite the pandemic's impact, business travel will recover, with projected global spending of $1.7 trillion by 2022.
An SAP Concur blog post highlights the complexity of U.S. state tax laws and compliance for employees traveling across state lines. It details the varying rules for employer withholding of non-resident state income tax and lists states that impose tax from day one, states with thresholds, and states with no income tax. The article recommends adopting integrated technology solutions to track employee travel footprints and manage multi-state tax compliance.
SAP Concur hosted a sustainable corporate travel roundtable with representatives from BNP Paribas, Facebook, Lufthansa, and EY. A survey of 2,450 travel decision-makers and 2,000 business travelers found 85% felt they had control over arrangements, but 46% lacked information to assess sustainability. 39% said sustainability of their corporate travel had never occurred to them.
A SAP Concur blog post summarizes insights from a CDC expert at the Concur Fusion session, emphasizing doing homework before travel, especially overseas. The CDC's Traveler's Health site provides latest testing requirements, COVID-19 risk levels and recommendations, disease directory, and the CDC Yellowbook. The expert advises checking the U.S. Department of State or consular affairs website for destination entry requirements. The CDC recommends vaccinated travelers get tested 3-5 days after returning to the U.S.; unvaccinated travelers should test 1-3 days before departure and after return. All international travelers returning to the U.S. must provide a negative test within 72 hours befor…
This SAP Concur blog post predicts post-pandemic business travel changes: higher airfares and fewer non-stop flights in the short term, decreased international travel, increased car travel and rentals, and a greater focus on duty of care. It advises travel managers to secure refunds, review policies, update travel profiles, renegotiate supplier agreements, and streamline processes.
SAP Concur podcast with EY discusses remote work challenges. EY surveyed 16,000 employees in 16 countries: 65% believe hybrid work will increase productivity, 65% say it supports creativity, 54% say it positively impacts problem-solving. 9 in 10 want flexibility in where/when they work; 54% likely to quit if not offered flexibility. Nearly two-thirds want to continue business travel.
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted global business travel, forcing TMCs to rethink pricing models, such as shifting from transaction fees to management fees. Travel costs are expected to rise due to supplier consolidation and health safety costs passed to consumers. Expense transparency becomes crucial, and travel budgets may be reduced.
A survey of 1,000 U.S. business travelers commissioned by SAP Concur shows that 78% are satisfied with their company's pace of returning to pre-pandemic travel habits, but 55% are unhappy with their current amount of business travel. Flexibility remains a top priority, with 83% feeling more empowered to make travel requests than before the pandemic. Additionally, 88% are willing to take steps to reduce their environmental impact, such as choosing greener hotels or transportation. The survey also highlights the prevalence of discrimination during travel.
SAP Concur notes that October and November are historically the busiest months for business travel, with November 15 and 16 being the busiest days last year, showing 58% more business travelers than an average weekday. Infrequent travelers taking only one to three trips per year significantly contribute to this surge. Given the increasingly unpredictable environment, companies need to ensure employee safety and are advised to have a data-powered risk management program. SAP Concur released Concur Locate, an integrated traveler risk management solution with 24/7 monitoring, to help companies quickly locate and assist employees during health crises or natural disasters.
A survey commissioned by SAP Concur reveals that 95% of LGBTQ+ business travelers have hidden their sexual orientation on business trips, and 85% changed travel arrangements as a result. Over 77% of female travelers experienced harassment or mistreatment. Nearly 60% of travelers changed plans due to feeling unsafe. Companies need to strengthen duty of care with inclusive policies, safety training, and risk tools.
Wakefield Research surveyed 4,850 business travelers. 41% expect temperature screenings to be routine, 29% prioritize shortest routes, 21% hope to skip major hubs, 37% will limit public transportation, and 29% will use personal vehicles. 96% want safety measures in place, and 94% want company-provided training.
SAP Concur blog reminds that starting in 2023, non-European citizens, including Americans, will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization to visit Schengen Area countries. ETIAS is a visa waiver program created by the EU to enhance security. The authorization is valid for three years and allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Application requires personal information and a fee, with most approvals in minutes. The article lists Schengen countries.
According to SAP Concur's Global Travel Manager Report 2021, 60% of travel managers in the Americas and 58% in Europe anticipate government regulation changes, and 99% expect additional challenges in the next 12 months. Travel managers must handle last-minute changes, unused tickets, regulatory shifts, and reshape travel programs. The report emphasizes flexibility and technology support.
A SAP Concur blog post cites an EY/SAP Concur whitepaper on the return to corporate travel after the pandemic. The 2021 Global Business Traveler Study found that 38% of travelers worried that not traveling would make it difficult to build new client relationships, 45% were concerned about maintaining business connections, and 54% wanted to travel to make personal connections. The whitepaper suggests companies need to provide more pre-trip details, safety protocols, and consider sustainability.
SAP Concur published an article citing World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) data that the global travel and tourism sector contributed a record US$8.8 trillion and 319 million jobs. The article notes that business travel in Asia is growing at double the pace of the rest of the world, China has become the world's largest business travel market, and ASEAN business travel spend has grown 35.2% since 2014. It also discusses mobile-first culture, bleisure travel trends, and duty of care.
An SAP Concur blog post argues that expense data is the true single source for travel spend truth, as it captures all spend not going onto corporate credit cards and all supplier-direct spend, and is tied back to the company's General Ledger data. GL information is used by the CFO for monthly and quarterly earnings reporting, making expense data more credible than TMC or supplier data. The article advises travel managers to work closely with expense management teams, understand how expense data can be dissected, align with finance analysts on GL spend categories, and restructure travel reports to align with GL categories.
SAP Concur blog discusses challenges in modern business travel management. It cites GBTA predicting global business travel spend will reach $1.7 trillion by 2022. A 2018 GBTA report shows travel managers spend as much as 66% more time on data analysis, evaluating technology, and traveler safety. The article says traditional travel solutions cannot keep up with modern demands and recommends connecting data from suppliers, corporate cards, ERP, GDS, and TMC partners for near-real-time sharing.
SAP Concur announced it has terminated its relationship with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) at national and international levels, citing allegations of misogyny in its workplace, incendiary comments by its CEO, and reports of a hostile work environment. SAP Concur also announced it will host its inaugural SAP Concur Travel Industry Summit on September 17, 2020, free to attend.
The article explores the rise of bleisure travel (business + leisure), with a market size of $692.7 billion and projected CAGR of 17.8%. 83% of workers have taken bleisure trips, and 22% would decline a business trip without extension options. Companies need policies to manage costs, compliance, and employee well-being.
SAP Concur and TripIt provide a guide for travelers attending conferences in Orlando or on bleisure trips. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the top-15 busiest U.S. airports, with one main terminal and four airside concourses. Orlando is the world's largest rental car market, with major agencies on-airport and off-airport options via complimentary shuttle. Public transit includes SunRail commuter rail and LYNX bus, with a single ride at $2.00 and an all-day pass at $4.50. Recommended accommodations include Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa near the Orange County Convention Center, Marriott Orlando Downtown, and Hyatt Regency inside MCO.
In an SAP Concur podcast conversation, Marchelle Klippenstein, VP of the Value Experience Group at SAP Concur, and Katheryn Nolfo, Consulting Director at Huron, discussed the recovery of business travel post-pandemic. Experts emphasized that communication is key, requiring employees to understand travel requirements and vaccination requirements; duty of care has become a central element of travel approval; organizations should develop contingency plans and leverage pandemic data to prepare for the next disruption; pre-approvals are seen as the 'secret sauce' to an innovative hybrid program, simplifying processes and improving efficiency.
In a SAP Concur podcast conversation, Danny Smout, Principal Solution Consultant at SAP Concur, and Hansini Sharma, Practice Lead for Corporate Travel at Acquis Consulting Group, discussed how business travel is changing after the pandemic. Sharma said virtual meetings heightened appreciation for in-person interaction and that she is seeing the most personalization of travel ever, with employees given more choices. She noted that pre-pandemic compliance was the priority, while companies now value duty of care most, asking whether employees are safe when they travel.
SAP Concur's blog emphasizes the importance of sustainability in business travel, suggesting companies start with supplier selection, traveler guidance, and progress tracking. It notes airlines are increasingly using sustainable aviation fuel, and businesses should craft policies making sustainable choices the default.
A SAP Concur blog post notes that the sharing economy continues to grow, with U.S. users projected to reach 86.5 million by 2021 and revenues more than doubling to $40.2 billion by 2022, according to Juniper Research. The sharing economy makes travel more affordable and convenient but brings three risks: regulatory uncertainty, lack of government oversight, and data privacy leaks. The article recommends proactive duty of care measures, including gathering pre-travel reports, sending real-time travel alerts, establishing two-way communication, protecting employee PII, and ensuring T&E management solutions collect minimum PII and follow ISO 27001 standards. SAP Concur can consolidate travel d…
SAP Concur blog gathers expert panel insights on managing travel costs. 96% of employees are willing to travel in the next 12 months. 45% feel unable to develop business connections completely virtually. 89% will add personal vacation time to business trips in the next 12 months. 40% would prefer to sit next to a crying toddler rather than relinquish control over how they travel. Experts recommend AI/ML auditing and corporate card programs.
The article addresses safety risks for female business travelers and offers mobile phone tips. These include setting up emergency alerts, connecting to embassies, using translation apps, and researching TripWhistle. It also advises locking devices, updating software, deleting unused apps, setting a PIN, turning off Wi-Fi and location tracking, and enabling Find My Phone and remote wiping. SAP Concur's TripIt app provides safety scores and embassy info.
Lyft Business integrates with SAP Concur's Concur Expense to help travel managers reduce ground transportation costs and improve traveler satisfaction. The integration automates expense reporting, and travelers can earn rewards with Lyft's airline and hospitality partners. Currently available only in the U.S., it has already enabled over 20,000 end-users. Lyft Business can result in 30% savings on company-wide travel spend, and travelers earn $5 in personal ride credit for every 5 business rides.