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Not only have mobile devices transformed the way we live and work, workforces themselves are more mobile today. Companies are continuing to expand globally, more employees are working virtually, and business travel activity is continuing to grow at a rapid pace around the world. Perhaps more than any other department, corporate travel is being impacted by mobility.

Technology has always had a major impact on how work gets done.

Starting in the 1960’s technology began playing a more major role in the office. From the copy machine, fax machine, to personal computers, these new technologies were developed for the office. Large organizations were often the only companies able to buy and implement these “emerging” technologies due to their complexity and high costs. Over time with scale and new innovations costs came down and technologies like these moved into personal and home use.

Starting in the mid-1990’s and continuing to today that has all changed. Very rarely are new innovations developed only for the office to then move into the consumer market. This does still happen absolutely, but today it is actually much more common to see the reverse. Consumer technology is actually having a huge impact on how work gets done in the office. As new technological innovations hit the consumer market, companies are faced with having to adapt and determine if they are applicable for business. Good companies see this as an opportunity and find ways to take advantage of these advancements. Others may want to maintain the status quo and are cautiously watching to see if the new technologies are applicable for their business.

Mobile is creating new challenges and opportunities.

Mobile represents one of the most influential consumer technologies having this impact. While no longer a new and emerging technology, mobile is still creating new challenges, but also opportunities for companies. This includes corporate travel programs. Mobile is creating new questions, challenges, and opportunities that travel managers need to think through assess. What should my policy be regarding binging their own device? How do I provide better service during the course of their trip? What new concerns should I be addressing regarding data security? These are just a few of the questions corporate travel managers are wrestling with when it comes to mobile and their travel program.

While it can be stressful, there are partners you can turn to that will help you through this process. At Sabre we have been dedicated to bringing innovative mobile solutions to corporate travel managers and their travelers. Check out one of our latest resources designed to help you implement mobile into your travel program.

Travel Manager 2020 Research Report

Sabre recently partnered with the GBTA Research Foundation to better understand the key trends and forces impacting the travel industry. The result? Groundbreaking research that takes the most comprehensive look to date at the areas impacting the role of the travel manager today and in the future.

To help you stay one step ahead of the technology evolution, we’ve created a dedicated microsite for everything you need to grow strategic influence within your organization, including information on the emerging area of mobile technology. You’ll get exclusive access to the Travel Manager 2020 research report, TripCase Corporate infographic, as well the most recent article, Mobile and the Continually Connected Traveler.