Companies should expect a number of relocation technology features when they consider working with a Relocation Management Company (RMC). Some of the most useful features may seem similar among such programs, but their execution in the various technologies may vary widely. Companies should request a full demonstration to ensure the technology will provide transferees as well as the organization the best possible experience.
Review of Relocation Technology Features
The preference for specific relocation technology features will depend on the user’s role in the organization. Transferees have different needs than Human Resource Department employees or Accounting Department team members. Robust technology solutions should be easy to use and designed to process each function’s tasks quickly and seamlessly.
Relocation Technology Features for Transferees
- Access Relocation Benefit Details
- Access Relocation Calculators and Tools
- Connect with Relocation Coach
- Download Helpful Relocation Guides
- Easy to Access Training Videos
- Expense Submission and Reimbursement
- Interactive Map
- Intuitive User Interface (important for all relocation technology features)
- Seamless Relocation Experience
- Simple to Navigate Menus
- Track Payment History
- Universal Access on Any Device, Any Time, Anywhere
- View and Track Initiated Services
- View Initiated Service Progress
DETAIL on #4: “Download Helpful Relocation Guides”
Some RMCs provide a limited amount of information about a specific destination, often published by a local organization. This type of information may not include some of the most helpful resources, such as the cost of living, schools in the local area, or exciting places to visit in the area.
Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) creates detailed Destination Spotlight documents for both Domestic and Global locations that employers can share with transferees. These documents include information about the city or town, cultural highlights, shopping venues, and local restaurants. GMS can also produce these Spotlights in video format. Video Destination Spotlights are professionally created. As a result, they help transferees and their family members visualize what it will be like to live in their new location.
Relocation Technology Features for Organizational Team Members
- Cloud-Based Proprietary Technology
- Flexible and Customizable Reporting Options
- Helpful Resources
- Relocation APIs
- Secure and Continually Updated Technology Platform
- Streamlined Relocation Program Management
- Universal Access on Any Device, Any Time, Anywhere
DETAIL on #4: “Relocation APIs”
Some RMCs may provide solutions to share data between their relocation technology features and the client’s data systems. Often these solutions may require transferring files on a regular basis, using FTP, or File Transfer Protocol. FTP is a way to share files from one user who uploads them to a server, so that another user can download these files to their own server. FTP is simple, and works reasonably well provided all aspects of the software and process are correctly initiated, each and every time.
GMS’ team of developers has extensive experience building Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). An API provides a framework for different computer systems to communicate and share information. It lists operations that software developers can use as they design data systems. Also, an API includes descriptions for what they actually do.
A relocation API is specifically designed to facilitate the communication of information that an RMC uses for initiations and other relocation-related functions. Clients can save time and increase the accuracy of transferee initiations in their relocation program by using a relocation API.
What Should Companies do when Comparing Relocation Technology Features?
Companies should work with a qualified Relocation Management Company (RMC) that can provide access to a robust relocation technology. This will help ensure they have access to relocation technology features that support successful transferee relocations, and that help the company effectively manage their relocation program. MyRelocation™ from Global Mobility Solutions is a single-platform, online relocation management suite that provides clients and their transferees an array of decision-making, tracking, and expense management tools.
Conclusion
GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to identify the relocation technology features most helpful for their transferees and organization. Our team can help your company design a relocation policy that uses industry-leading relocation technology solutions to provide the best experience for transferees and employees.
GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com. The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.
Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Contact our experts online to discuss how your company can learn more about relocation technology features and industry-leading solutions, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.
John Fernandez | CRP, GMS, SSB
Executive Vice President John oversees global operations, marketing, business development as well as reporting and analytics. John’s 23 years of mobility experience include excellence in varied positions such as Relocation Counselor, International Assignment Manager, Manager of Latin American Operations, Director of International Operations, Global Account Executive, Vice President of Sales and Vice President of Global Services. The depth of John’s mobility experience also includes multiple assignments and domestic relocations of his own. He has lived and conducted business around the globe and speaks multiple languages.
