From complexity to simplicity: How tech revolutionizes RFPs
The relocation process is never a completely stress-free experience for employees – and it often proves equally straining for relocation professionals.
Sourcing the best suppliers
There’s no getting around the fact that RFPs are complex undertakings. Relocation professionals must identify the specific needs of their employees, research suppliers who can meet those needs, prepare and distribute the RFPs, compare and select the best proposals, negotiate terms, and – eventually – finalize the contract. But, without the right tools, this multi-step process can be protracted for even the most seasoned professionals.Access to a comprehensive supplier database, which includes their capabilities and performance history, significantly streamlines the process. For example, 3Sixty utilizes a global network of over 1 million accommodations across 60 countries. This effectively means relocation professionals don’t need to start from scratch with every RFP, enabling them to swiftly pick and choose the best options for their employees from a vast range of options.Integrating a tech solution like 3Sixty can also help managers by automating tasks, centralizing data and providing advanced tools for better decision-making, ultimately saving time and avoiding costly errors. Our platform, for instance, offers features such as automated RFP distribution, real-time tracking, and analytics that highlight the most suitable suppliers based on historical data and requirements. This supports managers in efficiently identifying suitable proposals.With the right tools and a sufficient volume of available accommodations, relocation professionals can accelerate the completion of their RFPs – while also realizing substantial cost savings.Faster and more efficient RFPs
Relocation professionals juggle multiple priorities when handling RFPs. They must navigate a diverse range of needs, communicate with a long list of vendors, manage tight deadlines, and ensure compliance — all while remaining within budget. Balancing these tasks demands a robust, intuitive and agile approach that effectively navigates the complexities of the RFP process.Client-specific portals, tailored to a business's unique relocation needs, offer real-time booking and compliance tracking, simplifying the management of travel and relocation programs. By consolidating all relevant information into a single and easily accessible platform, these portals enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability. Leveraging powerful technology, they support custom fields and include a company's preferred suppliers, negotiated rates, and rate caps. This significantly streamlines the traditionally lengthy RFP process, making it more efficient for relocation professionals.For instance, 3Sixty’s own comprehensive reporting – powered by Microsoft Power BI – enables dynamic data sharing and insights, facilitating data-driven decisions. Travel managers can quickly generate detailed reports that highlight compliance rates and other critical metrics, enabling them to make informed decisions that align with their organization’s goals and budget constraints.Read related articles
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Keeping employees safe
The ultimate objective of RFPs should always loop back to safeguarding the well-being of employees. Employees, quite rightly, have exceptionally high expectations when it comes to finding safe and secure accommodations. Moving can cause a lot of anxiety, especially if it is to a new place or a location that is perceived to be unsafe. So, when reviewing RFPs, it is crucial that relocation professionals go above and beyond to ensure employees feel safe and secure.The ability to quickly assess the safety of numerous accommodations is vital for relocation professionals tasked with ensuring employee well-being and efficiently evaluating potential suppliers. For instance, 3Sixty’s extensive network of over one million accommodations across 60 countries offers managers a wide variety of vetted options. Our strategic partnership with Dun & Bradstreet Risk Analytics further guarantees these properties' safety and security. This AI-driven service enables us to monitor our supply chain weekly, identifying any red flags related to safety, security, financial health, and business practices.Moreover, our partnership with GeoSure provides real-time, hyper-local safety ratings for locations around the world. It assesses a huge number of parameters that can have a real impact on an employee’s overall well-being, measuring everything from potential health risks and risk of violent crime to LGBTQ+ safety and political risks. This incredibly granular approach ensures that employees are placed in safe and secure environments while assuring travel managers they have reliable, comprehensive data to make informed decisions.Ensuring satisfaction
In today's climate of economic and geopolitical instability, the need for more efficient RFP processes has never been greater. Relocation professionals have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, from navigating unexpected travel restrictions due to COVID-19 to managing the impact of inflation on travel costs. Such an unpredictable and, at times, volatile landscape is why it’s so important that relocation professionals use all the tools at their disposal to remain agile and responsive to these changing conditions.By integrating advanced technology for global mobility and travel management, they can streamline the cumbersome RFP process and provide best-in-class travel and relocation experiences for their employees. Embracing these innovations not only enhances efficiency but also ensures that employees feel secure and satisfied throughout their relocations and travels. Ultimately, leveraging modern solutions leads to better outcomes, making the relocation process smoother and more successful for everyone involved.Carrie Hartman, CCHP, is President at 3Sixty, helping companies better manage the global employee relocation experience via over one million quality, cost-effective rooms and properties around the world.
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