Tag: relocation technology

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Global Relocation Trends Relocation Technology Talent Mobility

Talent Mobility Technology for 2023 and Beyond

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Learn what the industry leaders are using for international relocation services

Technology trends continue to shape the 2023 workplace and workforce. Companies need to rethink their talent mobility strategies to respond effectively within the new parameters of workplaces. Companies can more easily expand their organizations to meet market demands without restrictions or needs for solely geographically-limited talent.

Opening a division in a new location requires knowledgeable employees to be at the site to ensure processes are followed, and procedures are in place to match corporate requirements. A visual meeting platform like Zoom might work for meeting purposes. Still, it could be logistically challenging for an employee to conduct a factory tour or examine manufacturing processes in detail over a Zoom call.

This is why companies providing international relocation services instantly broaden their hiring pool. If you can hire the best candidate, no matter where they are currently located, you are more likely to get the right person in the right seat. 

But moving employees internationally is a challenging process. There are lots of moving parts that have to be kept in mind. With that said, companies that offer international relocation programs should utilize up-to-date technology to keep all of these moving parts in one central database. With increases in global assignments, companies should examine the following three trends that impact talent mobility:

Cloud-Based Systems

The estimated increase in talent mobility highlights the need for companies to surround employees with the proper technological infrastructure to maintain productivity. Cloud-based systems may increase talent agility and flexibility since employees can access corporate information quickly with an established Wi-Fi connection. Relocation technology for transferees should reflect the most modern technology trends in providing service and solutions anytime, anywhere.

Having a cloud-based system allows all involved with the relocation process to have clear insight into how the move is going. Everyone means the employee, the employer providing the talent mobility benefits, and the company that is providing the international relocation services.

Relocation Technology Trends Attract Top Talent

Global assignments require a set of leadership competencies, including cultural awareness, open-mindedness, and flexibility. There is strong interest among employees of all levels for international assignments as technology trends provide more extraordinary learning experiences. Companies should examine their employee relocation needs with pre-decision services to ensure candidates will likely succeed.

Communication and Collaboration

Video conferencing is common in business as teams expand globally and the need for visual and verbal communication increases to replace the limitations of emails and texts. Employees drive the demand for easy solutions, so businesses must respond with practical tools and training to ensure security is not compromised as communication flourishes. Communication trends will improve with robotic process automation, which speeds up business processes, so employees have the information they need much faster than through manual processing.

GMS Provides the Best Relocation Technology

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) created MyRelocation to make the relocation process seamless. Our cloud-based system acts as central insight for each employee’s relocation. 

From bookkeeping on receipts and payout orders to pointing out key dates, such as when movers are supposed to arrive, MyRelocation keeps all involved in the know. 

GMS believes that its award-winning MyRelocation technology and our expert team make us the US’s best international relocation service provider. We would love for you to set up a free consultation with us so that one of our relocation experts can walk you through why GMS is the best in the industry.

Our cloud-based relocation technology is designed to help you streamline your company’s relocation management.

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Global Relocation Global Relocation Tips Global Relocation Trends Relocation Best Practices Relocation Programs

What Are The Benefits of Outsourcing Global Relocation Programs?

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Woman and dog flooring in new home

learn why your company should work with a relocation management company for talent mobility

What are the benefits of outsourcing global relocation programs? For companies that have steady moving needs, there are many benefits to outsourcing this strategic function. Most learn they need to gain the knowledge and experience to manage talent mobility with in-house resources effectively. Outsourcing this critical activity provides them access to the industry’s best practices and thought leadership that will help their company’s international relocation program achieve success with virtually all relocation assignments.

There are five distinct benefits clients can gain from outsourcing their global relocation services with a trusted relocation management company (RMC):

Cost Management

For most clients, managing relocation costs is one of the most important reasons driving their choice to outsource relocation. 71% of companies working on relocation in-house need to be made aware of their total internal operating expenses. A lack of knowledge of the actual costs of relocation prevents the company from understanding how to utilize resources efficiently. They also cannot gain the most benefit from their global relocation program. A solution that provides full expense tracking and reporting is one of the top features clients seek as they consider outsourcing their global relocation program so that costs can be fully identified and reviewed for budgetary impact and program performance.

Savings With Outsourcing Global Relocation Programs

Outsourcing global relocation services should allow clients to obtain more significant cost savings. Some RMCs are not independent. As a result, they often do not seek multiple bids for household goods shipments and other services. An independent RMC provides clients with several opportunities to receive and review bids on services, and this helps keep costs lower than other RMCs that don’t seek competitive bids.

Compliance

Transferees and their families often have questions about tax issues, visa applications, and other reporting requirements related to their global relocation assignment. To avoid putting the client’s company at risk for providing incorrect or insufficient guidance and advice, outsourcing global mobility management can provide expert guidance on unique relocation needs to help transferees find the right solution and help clients avoid any risks related to transferee requests.

Program Enhancements Through Outsourcing Global Relocation Programs

In-house programs only sometimes provide enhancements such as pre-decision tools, candidate assessments, auto lease programs, home purchase programs, and other value-added services. Choosing to outsource relocation services provides access to these services. Transferees and their families highly value these relocation program enhancements. Additional valued services include community tours, language training, outplacement services, school reports, and moving cost estimates.

Focus on Their Core Competencies

Working with an RMC lets human resources, compensation, benefits, and recruiting professionals focus on their core competencies. As a result, they can provide the best service in these business areas. In turn, experts at an RMC give the client’s international relocation program the best service. Choosing an RMC with the knowledge and experience to manage their entire program provides peace of mind and assurance that costs will be managed effectively, relocations will be successful, and transferees and their families will be satisfied with their experiences.

Work with the Best Global Relocation Service Provider

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) has been helping customers get their employees from point A to point B since 1987. Our wide range of services and expert relocation specialists give your company the opportunity to get the package they need. GMS will assist your company put together a global relocation plan that makes sense for your company and employees, all while staying within a realistic budget. If you are ready to discuss more about our offerings, please set up a free consultation with one of our business development managers, by filling out this form. We look forward to working with you!

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Are you ready to talk to a Mobility Pro? Learn how GMS can optimize your mobility program, enhance your policies to meet today’s unique challenges, receive an in-depth industry benchmark, or simply ask us a question. Your Mobility Pro will be in touch within 1 business day for a no-pressure, courtesy consultation.

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Choosing a Relocation Company Relocation Management Relocation Policy Review Relocation Programs Relocation Technology

Performing a Security Assessment on Your Relocation Management Company

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There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to the relocation process. Many vendors and suppliers are involved in getting the transferee from point A to point B. With that being said, there is a great deal of information and personal info that has to be shared across all parties. But what are relocation management companies (RMC) doing to keep transferee’s info safe? 

Most companies understand the importance of performing a security assessment on their data and operational systems. In many industries, specific standards require a security assessment on a regular basis to maintain compliance. Often these standards require the company perform a security assessment on any supplier that may receive company data. Specific control areas in a security assessment may include:

  • Information Security Management
  • Physical Security
  • Network Security Management
  • Platform Security
  • Remote and Mobile Access
  • Change Control
  • Identity and Access Management
  • Application Security

A security assessment will often include a request to receive a copy of the company’s Business Continuity Plan (BCP). A company’s BCP should cover several elements related to security issues surrounding a company’s data and operational systems. In the event of an unplanned disruption or other emergency situation, the BCP will indicate how the company’s operations will recover and proceed.

Different Types of Regulations and Requirements

Sarbanes-Oxley Act

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act came into effect in 2002. Sarbanes-Oxley is a United States federal law. This law set new or expanded requirements for all U.S. public company boards, management, and public accounting firms. As a result, the law requires that a company’s top management must individually certify the accuracy of financial information. Much of a company’s financial information is heavily dependent on technology and associated data security controls that must be part of a compliance review as noted in Section 404 of the Act. The law provides for harsher penalties for fraudulent financial activity. Also, Sarbanes-Oxley requires a stronger oversight role for boards of directors, and greater independence of outside financial statement auditors.

International Organization for Standardization

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) creates and publishes International Standards that provide guidance and clear specifications to ensure a company’s products, materials, processes, and services are appropriate for their purposes. ISO publications include standards for Quality Management, Environmental Sustainability and Protection, and Management Performance.

General Data Protection Regulation

The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation governs the processing of an EU resident’s personal data by an individual, a company, or an organization of personal data. This pertains to entities that do business within the region, or that provide services to individuals in the region. The rule provides people with more control over their personal data. For example, websites that collect data on visitors must let visitors know this. These websites must give visitors the option to opt out of such collection. Many additional laws have been passed in response to this new regulation, to provide local guidance on compliance. For example, in the United Kingdom, the Data Protection Act 2018 is a national law that complements the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation.

TRUSTe Privacy Certification Standards

TRUSTe Privacy Certification Standards assist companies in establishing and maintaining strong privacy management practices. Compliance with TRUSTe demonstrates a company’s commitment to privacy protection in their online properties, customer and employee data management practices, and/or applicable regulatory frameworks.

For these and many other national, international, and industry regulations or requirements, a security assessment is necessary to ensure compliance. Companies that work with a Relocation Management Company (RMC) need to perform a security assessment of the RMC’s data and operational systems. Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts believe the following 5 tips are essential to ensure an RMC’s compliance to a company’s security assessment.

5 Helpful Tips for Performing a Security Assessment on your RMC

1. Be Sure to Review the RMC’s Risk Rating and Access to Data During the Security Assessment

Your RMC should have a risk rating. The rating depends upon the likelihood of an event occurring. It also depends on the impact severity that might arise if the event does occur. You should determine whether the RMC has limited or full access to data. Important data fields to review for risk during a security assessment include:

  • Employee Name and Home Address
  • Employee Phone Numbers and Email Address
  • Family Member Contact Information
  • Social Security Numbers
  • Bank Name and Account Numbers
  • Logistic Information Related to Relocations
  • Travel Information Including Dates and Locations

2. Questionnaire Submission to RMC

Your company should have a document with several questions that will indicate the RMC’s compliance to important points in a security assessment. Provide sufficient time for the RMC to complete the questionnaire. The RMC will need to work with their Information Technology department to provide answers to many of these questions. Provide a contact from your company that can answer any questions the RMC may have related to the document’s specific points.

3. Share Results of the Initial Security Assessment

Once the initial security assessment is complete, share the results with your RMC. Offer to work with the RMC to remediate any areas that require attention to ensure compliance. Partnering with the RMC helps ensure the solution fully addresses your company’s requirements. Note the specific regulatory requirements that your company must meet to help the RMC understand how they might reach compliance.

4. Share Results of the Final Security Assessment

Be sure to indicate all control gaps. Note all categories that require submission of a formal remediation plan. Include specific dates and timelines critical for maintaining your company’s compliance to specific regulations. Provide guidance to the RMC on how to create and submit a remediation plan that will meet your company’s requirements.

5. Set Periodic Reviews for the Security Assessment

Working with the RMC, set a timeline for periodic reviews. Depending on your company’s specific regulatory compliance requirements, a security assessment may need to occur by date or by change in activity level. For example, if your company requests the RMC perform an additional service that requires sharing additional employee data, a review should be set to confirm the most recent security assessment is still valid.

GMS is the Industry Leader for Relocation Technology and Security

Global Mobility Solutions’ (GMS) team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to conduct an effective security assessment on an RMC. We can help your company create and implement a security assessment to ensure compliance to all of your organization’s regulatory requirements.

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.

New SafeRelo™ COVID-19 Knowledge Portal

GMS recently launched its new SafeRelo™ COVID-19 Knowledge Portal featuring a number of helpful resources including:

  • Curated selection of news and articles specific to managing relocation programs and issues relating to COVID-19
  • Comprehensive guide to national, international, and local online sources for current data
  • Program/Policy Evaluation (PPE) Tool for instant relocation policy reviews

Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

Are you ready to talk to a Mobility Pro? Learn how GMS can optimize your mobility program, enhance your policies to meet today’s unique challenges, receive an in-depth industry benchmark, or simply ask us a question. Your Mobility Pro will be in touch within 1 business day for a no-pressure, courtesy consultation.

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Relocation Technology

Industry-Leading Relocation Technology: How it Helps Your Company’s Relocation Program

One of the best things you can do for your company’s relocation program is to choose an industry-leading relocation technology. GMS’ award-winning MyRelocation® Technology offers advanced integration, extensive reporting features, and superior performance. These features make your relocation program management easy and seamless. Instead of focusing on figuring out complex problems such as year-end relocation expense reconciliation and reporting for each destination, your company can focus on reaching important corporate initiatives.

Industry-Leading Relocation Technology Provides Solutions

Many companies are unaware just how much the right technology can do for their relocation program. Far beyond the ability to track data, industry-leading relocation technology provides actionable information. As a result, the technology can help companies better manage the entire relocation process, from talent acquisition to global assignment and repatriation.

Top 7 Ways Industry-Leading Relocation Technology Helps Your Company’s Relocation Program

1. Budgeting and cost estimating are fully integrated into the technology. All aspects of the relocation program are identified and accounted for, providing the highest degree of accuracy for budgeting purposes. The technology provides answers and helps you determine the best method to budget for any relocation issue.

2. Planning and program management are easy tasks with a full range of online tools and resources provided by an industry-leading relocation technology. You can easily determine the impact of a new relocation initiation throughout the range of your program.

Advanced Financial Reporting Dashboard

3. An advanced financial reporting dashboard will allow you to create over 200 custom reports on demand. Service and financial reporting are available on demand and are fully customizable to meet your company’s specifications.

4. Online relocation initiation is simple, quick, and easy to perform. It is also customizable to meet company requirements and to reflect all approval processes. Employees will appreciate the ease and the speed of the technology, eliminating the need for paper copies of signed approval forms.

5. Talent acquisition programs benefit from industry-leading relocation technology and its focus on pre-hire and pre-decision A number of useful tools and analytics help talent acquisition managers to find and hire the right employees.

6. Data dashboards are easily customized to display whatever is most important for the specific user. Each department that interacts with the relocation program can view the data they need to see, upfront and at their fingertips.

Performance Measurements

7. A full range of comprehensive performance measurements through MyRelocation® Analytics is a hallmark of industry-leading relocation technology. Critical metrics are easily shown, and service level agreements are easily accessible for quick reference.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop their relocation programs and leverage industry-leading relocation technology.  We can help your company determine why you should choose to implement GMS’ MyRelocation® Technology. As a result, your company will gain all of the performance this robust solution provides.

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.

Powered by GMS’ 2020 Mobility Benchmark, the innovative GMS Program/Policy Evaluation (PPE) Tool provides instant relocation policy reviews. It also helps users gain insight into how their company’s relocation program compares to their industry peers.

Contact our experts online to discuss how your company can learn more about industry-leading relocation technology like GMS’ MyRelocation® Technology, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

 

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Our cloud-based MyRelocation® relocation technology is designed to help you streamline your company’s relocation management. Schedule a demo with a Mobility Pro for a no-pressure look at how our technology can help you.

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Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends Relocation Policy Review Relocation Programs

Remote Worker Expenses: What is the Expectation?

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Shot of a young businesswoman using a laptop while working in her home office

Employers and employees are grappling with the quandary of how to handle remote worker expenses. Simply put, there are many questions that remain outstanding relating to “who” is going to pay for “what.” With the world continuing to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the work from anywhere movement is further clouding some of these expense issues. As a result, understanding the issue is vitally important. Clear communication is critical to ensure the employer/employee relationship remains positive and supportive.

In some cases, the cost of telecommuting is simple to compute. An employee who lives within a few miles of a workplace might need to purchase some equipment to create a functional office in their home. While this sounds reasonable, there are other indirect expenses that may accompany creation of a home workspace. Often neither the employer nor the employee realize these indirect expenses until after they arise.

What are Remote Worker Expenses?

Compiling a list of remote worker expenses may sound like an easy task. And in reality, looking at the direct expenses is easy. These are the immediate out-of-pocket expenses involved in creating a workplace in the home.

Direct Expenses May Include:

What about the indirect expenses? These are the expenses that accumulate behind the scenes, often relating to the direct expenses. However, they are often not recognized as remote worker expenses.

Indirect Expenses May Include:

It is not always clear that companies have an obligation to pay for direct or indirect remote worker expenses. Some states require reimbursement for business expenses, while others do not. Employers should understand their obligations with respect to paying for remote worker expenses. However, they should also consider issues of fairness and equity for workers in these situations.

Work from Anywhere Policies may Impact Remote Worker Expenses

Beyond expenses relating to a home workspace, there are other considerations for remote worker expenses. Many companies now allow their employees to work from anywhere. As a result, some employees have moved from very expensive areas such as San Francisco, California to less expensive areas such as Missoula, Montana.

According to Salary.com, it costs 92.2% more to live in San Francisco than in Missoula. What is the issue for employers? Companies need to examine whether pay should be adjusted for remote workers who move from expensive cities to less expensive cities. Such worker pay adjustments would be subject to several complex issues. Pay varies by geography not just because of the cost of living, but by other factors including supply, demand, and productivity.

Thoughtful Consideration on Remote Worker Expenses is Important

It is easy to see how the issue of remote worker expenses may require employers to pursue some thoughtful consideration. While a few remote workers may save on costs relating to commuting or wardrobe, not all share the same level of savings. The cost burden of working from a home workspace is not always equal from one employee to the next. Fairness and equity should be top of mind for any company when looking at these issues.

It is also important for companies to examine their compensation policies. Changes may be in line for employees working from home workspaces, as well as for employees that move to lower-cost locations.

What Should Companies do?

Companies should work with a Relocation Management Company (RMC) that has knowledge and experience in managing relocation and group moves. Qualified RMCs will help companies understand the issues and gain access to useful resources to guide policy decisions and follow industry best practices.

Companies should understand how to address issues relating to remote worker expenses. The transition from working in an office to working from a home workspace is similar to arranging for a corporate group move. There may be some expenses that the company chooses to reimburse. The GMS expense management program provides a quick and easy reimbursement process for employees, wherever they are located.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with their relocation programs and group moves.  As a result, our team can help your company understand the issues relating to remote worker expenses. We can also help your company consider the impact of work from anywhere policies on compensation issues.

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.

New SafeRelo™ COVID-19 Knowledge Portal

GMS recently launched its new SafeRelo™ COVID-19 Knowledge Portal featuring a number of helpful resources including:

  • Curated selection of news and articles specific to managing relocation programs and issues relating to COVID-19
  • Comprehensive guide to national, international, and local online sources for current data
  • Program/Policy Evaluation (PPE) Tool for instant relocation policy reviews

Contact our experts online to learn more about how your company might address the issue of remote worker expenses, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

GMS is sharing public knowledge and can help companies more clearly understand how to address remote worker expenses. However, GMS is not a CPA firm, and is not giving financial advice. Everyone’s financial situation is different; individuals and employers should consult their financial advisors prior to making any decisions.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

Are you ready to talk to a Mobility Pro? Learn how GMS can optimize your mobility program, enhance your policies to meet today’s unique challenges, receive an in-depth industry benchmark, or simply ask us a question. Your Mobility Pro will be in touch within 1 business day for a no-pressure, courtesy consultation.

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Relocation Technology

Winning with Relocation Integration

Corporate relocation integration technology

Relocation integration helps Human Resource Departments reduce risk while increasing operational efficiencies. Many HR professionals seek greater productivity from their Human Resource Information System (HRIS) and Payroll software programs. HRIS may encompass a number of basic functionalities to allow for HR management including:

  • Recruitment
  • Talent Acquisition
  • Talent Management
  • Performance
  • Training/Learning
  • Employee Development
  • Reporting

Companies use HRIS programs to gain a number of benefits. These benefits may include detailed record keeping and support for strategic initiatives. Ultimately, a company’s HRIS is usually in place to increase data accuracy and efficiency.

Relocation Integration: a Winning Strategy

Relocation programs often require employee data to effectively facilitate the relocation process. New hires and transferees may need household goods moves, business travel, expense tracking, temporary housing, and home sale/purchase benefits. The path to greatest efficiency between HRIS, Payroll, and relocation programs is through relocation integration.

Addressing Operational Demands of Relocation and Reducing Company and Employee Risk

The demand for operational HRIS and Payroll efficiency is at an all-time high. There are hundreds of blogs, white papers, and other content produced by Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) describing technology innovation and their capabilities. However, only a few RMCs truly have the capability and resources to provide cloud-based relocation integration solutions that effectively and efficiently help HR and Payroll stakeholders.

Road Map to Relocation Integration

A successful cloud-based relocation integration solution starts with a road map or project plan that supports the accurate and timely transmission of data between the RMC’s operating system and the client company’s HRIS and Payroll software programs. The relocation integration road map should be designed to foster collaborative engagement with stakeholders to execute on 5 key steps. These 5 steps cover the implementation of relocation integration solutions designed around the company’s needs and specific system requirements.

5 Steps to Cloud-Based Relocation Integration

  1. Project Planning: Participants collaborate and implement goals, objectives, milestones, and deliverables for the project plan.
  2. Integration Design: Stakeholders establish FTP and/or API integration types, establish data elements for transmission, parameters, and business rules.
  3. Configuration: Programmers begin configuration development for data conversion.
  4. Integration Testing: User training and data transmission testing begins.
  5. Project Completion: Launch with ongoing monitoring and management.

A proven relocation integration process for data transmissions will provide the company’s relocation program with a number of significant benefits:

  • Measurable process efficiencies
  • Reduced human error due to data entry, duplications, typos
  • Data insights and analytics
  • Increased compliance confidence
  • Improved year-end process
  • Accuracy guarantees no need for W-2 C (corrected wage and tax statements)

What Should Employers do?

Employers looking to increase the efficiency of their HRIS and Payroll software programs with a relocation integration should work with an experienced and knowledgeable Relocation Management Company (RMC). RMCs with proven cloud-based technology solutions will help HR and Payroll stakeholders achieve greater effectiveness and significant efficiencies.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped many of our clients determine how to achieve greater program efficiencies and productivity with relocation integration. Our team can help your company understand how to follow the 5 steps to cloud-based relocation integration following a collaborative approach with all stakeholders.

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.

Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online to learn more about how your company can achieve operational efficiencies and productivity through relocation integration, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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Relocation Best Practices Relocation Management Relocation Policy Review Relocation Programs Relocation Technology

Centralization Advantages: What You Should Know

Companies benchmarking their relocation policies often learn about many centralization advantages that can be obtained by moving away from a decentralized business model for their relocation program. Often a company’s decentralized relocation program develops over time through business mergers and acquisitions. Challenges come to light when a transferee from one location moves to a new location that has different relocation policies.

What are the Challenges of Decentralization?

There are many challenges for companies that follow a decentralized business model for their relocation program. Reporting systems are often inconsistent. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain accurate information on the full scope of the relocation program. Costs are often excessive due to a high number of policy exceptions, use of multiple vendors for the same processes, and in-house costs related to maintaining multiple relocation programs. Since business units, HR teams, and other departments operate independently, lack of ownership hampers progress.

Impact on Employees

These challenges impact the satisfaction of new hires and transferees who are subject to decentralized relocation programs. There may be confusion for employees with currencies, visas and documentation, and reporting requirements. Ultimately, these challenges may reflect back on the company’s reputation among job seekers and other employees approached for relocation opportunities.

What are the Centralization Advantages for Relocation Programs?

Companies that develop a centralized business model for their relocation program gain in many ways. These centralization advantages cover all aspects of relocation, and include:

  • Consistency in operating platforms with robust integration options
  • Cost containment to reduce variation and increase forecasting and predictability
  • Customized billing processes that meet the company’s needs
  • Defined ownership across local, regional, and global entities
  • Global access to courtesy mobility consulting 24/7/365
  • Greater discounts across a streamlined network of vendors along with dual bid savings
  • Reporting capabilities across multiple platforms, anytime, anywhere

What Should Companies do to Obtain Centralization Advantages?

Companies should work with a qualified Relocation Management Company (RMC) that has extensive experience in helping companies obtain centralization advantages for relocation programs. GMS has published a Case Study on Decentralization that describes how a client was able to obtain centralization advantages that led to significant cost savings and greater employee satisfaction.

Companies should ask their RMC a wide range of critical questions to address all of their main concerns. The RMC will help them understand how to obtain centralization advantages for their relocation program. Also, the RMC will help them design their relocation program. As a result, this will help gain the most benefits for the company, new hires, and transferees.

Industry Benchmarking Studies Highlight Centralization Advantages

GMS has also recently published several Industry Benchmarking Studies that will help companies learn whether their relocation program is designed following industry-specific best practices. There are many benefits to a corporate relocation policy benchmarking. For example, employers can learn how they can ensure their competitiveness in their industry to attract and retain talent with the highest level of skills and experience.

Industry best practice is to schedule a relocation program and policy review every 12 to 18 months to ensure your company maintains its competitive position. This review will also help your company learn about how the relocation industry is evolving to meet increased employee demands.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients benchmark their relocation program and obtain significant savings and process improvements through centralization advantages. Our team can help your company understand how to obtain centralization advantages for its relocation program. As a result, your company will be positioned to make a number of improvements to its relocation program as it works to obtain centralization advantages.

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.

Learn more about the centralization advantages your company can obtain for its relocation program. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

Are you ready to talk to a Mobility Pro? Learn how GMS can optimize your mobility program, enhance your policies to meet today’s unique challenges, receive an in-depth industry benchmark, or simply ask us a question. Your Mobility Pro will be in touch within 1 business day for a no-pressure, courtesy consultation.

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Domestic Relocation Trends Relocation Technology

Relocation Artificial Intelligence: What is on the Industry Horizon?

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GMS clients in the technology sector recognize the positive aspects that relocation artificial intelligence can provide to their organizations. These clients operate on the cusp of technological innovation. As a result, many are actively working on innovative solutions that use computers to perform tasks that usually require human interaction. Their industry experiences provide real world examples that the relocation industry can leverage to improve many processes.

What is Relocation Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) can represent many different concepts and approaches. Ultimately, AI is the process whereby a machine can:

  1. Learn from what it experiences on its own
  2. Make adjustments based on its receipt of new inputs
  3. Perform tasks that mirror those performed by humans

These AI-capable machines often must process natural language patterns and utilize “deep learning.” In computer parlance, deep learning can be described as the creation and use of a large network of neurons by way of computers. This network can process a large amount of data. Deep learning is thus very similar to how human brains work. There are online certification courses and helpful resources related to Deep Learning Algorithms.

AI Developers can use computers with large amounts of data to train these large networks to respond and act similar to how humans would respond and act. Therefore, relocation artificial intelligence is the use of AI-capable machines to perform tasks usually performed by humans during a new hire or transferee relocation.

How Might Relocation Artificial Intelligence Impact Industry Processes?

Several industry processes might be impacted by the application of AI-capable machines. Processes that might change due to relocation artificial intelligence include those that require repetition of a task or a set of tasks following a specific set of rules, guidelines, and definitions.

The top 3 industry processes that might be impacted by AI include:

1. Moving Cost Estimating

Yembo has implemented AI into their moving cost estimating program. The company’s technology utilizes deep learning and robotics algorithms. This allows the program to recognize household goods, count them, and compile the information into a cost estimate. Users only need access to a mobile web browser to access the platform. The technology calculates results including percentage estimates for accuracy based on its visual perception.

2. Real Estate Appraisals

Appraisal uses AI to create a specific formula that allows the company to predict property values and then convert these values into accurate pricing. Their focus is on removing margins of error and guesswork from property valuations and forecasts for prices. As a result, this type of relocation artificial intelligence will greatly enhance pricing decisions.

3. Mortgage Loan Initiations

Black Knight launched Digital Point of Sale, an AI-powered solution that is integrated with the company’s Empower® loan origination system. The solution leverages the company’s artificial intelligence virtual assistant, “AIVA.”

What Does This Mean?

Relocation artificial intelligence is already in place for several industry processes. Many industry suppliers are leveraging AI to automate a number of tasks. Automation for repetitive tasks and processes will help reduce errors. Also, it will allow companies to focus on providing greater value in those areas that are not repetitive.

What Should Employers do About Relocation Artificial Intelligence?

Employers should work with a qualified and experienced Relocation Management Company (RMC). RMCs will have knowledge that can assist companies in understanding how processes that utilize AI can help their relocation program. They can also share recommendations and guidelines in case studies to ensure results meet expectations as well as increase new hire and transferee satisfaction.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients enhance their relocation programs through innovative technology solutions. Our team can help your company understand how relocation artificial intelligence in different processes can provide a wide range of benefits.

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 learn more about relocation artificial intelligence, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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Relocation Technology

Relocation Technology Features: What You Should Expect

young woman with friendly dog in their new house with moving boxes.
Woman and dog flooring in new home

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

  1. Access Relocation Benefit Details
  2. Access Relocation Calculators and Tools
  3. Connect with Relocation Coach
  4. Download Helpful Relocation Guides
  5. Easy to Access Training Videos
  6. Expense Submission and Reimbursement
  7. Interactive Map
  8. Intuitive User Interface (important for all relocation technology features)
  9. Seamless Relocation Experience
  10. Simple to Navigate Menus
  11. Track Payment History
  12. Universal Access on Any Device, Any Time, Anywhere
  13. View and Track Initiated Services
  14. 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

  1. Cloud-Based Proprietary Technology
  2. Flexible and Customizable Reporting Options
  3. Helpful Resources
  4. Relocation APIs
  5. Secure and Continually Updated Technology Platform
  6. Streamlined Relocation Program Management
  7. 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.

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Corporate Relocation Corporate relocation tips Relocation Best Practices Relocation Technology

What is Blockchain Technology and What Does it Mean for Relocation?

Blockchain technology in its simplest form is a form of record-keeping. The digital world records information. Then, recipients store this information in a database. Specifically, the components of blockchain technology include:

  • Block: digital information
  • Chain: public database

What is a Block?

Blocks include three specific pieces of information:

  1. Transactional data such as date, time, dollar amounts
  2. Identity of transaction participants, using unique digital signatures (not actual names)
  3. Hash: a unique identification code stored in a block to distinguish it from other blocks

What is a Chain?

Chains are public databases:

  1. Transactions are publicly recorded
  2. Public network is based on user trust through a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network
  3. Digital information is distributed but it is not duplicated
  4. Consensus process ensures adoption of longest chain available (discouraging multiple chains)

How Does Blockchain Technology Work?

Basically, blockchain technology lets multiple users add to recorded information. The process is governed by agreed-upon principles. The information is shared over a decentralized network. There are specific requirements for this technology to work as designed:

  1. Private key cryptography provides authentication for users; possession of the key is ownership
  2. A distributed P2P network oversees the authorization for block activity

Blockchain technology means the basis for transactions no longer relies on trust. Instead of trust, the decentralized network confirms the identity of participants and their ability to perform the transaction.

Real World Examples Using Blockchain Technology

Because blockchain technology is a form of record-keeping, various industries use it in many different ways. For example, an airline can use it to help prevent scheduling conflicts. Transportation companies can use this innovative record-keeping system to manage cargo shipments. Retail companies can use it to track products from source to most recent warehouse or store location.

For industries that rely on information verification, blockchain technology can offer several advantages throughout entire processes:

  1. Data storage that does not require dependence on other organizations
  2. Improvements in programs that reward loyalty by recording activities to a specific chain
  3. Lower costs to develop and maintain trusted relationships in sales
  4. Smart computer programs that can execute contracts without assistance or interference
  5. Speed of transactions can increase dramatically with no need for transaction confirmation by a middleman (banks, credit card companies)

What Does Blockchain Technology Mean for Relocation?

There are several relocation processes where blockchain technology might have an immediate and positive impact if participants adopt it as an acceptable practice. Processes that impact multiple parties and that rely on documentation, information, and verification are ideal blockchain technology candidates, including:

  1. Home Purchase and Sale (recording deeds, executing contracts, verification of identification, authorization for transaction)
  2. Household Goods Moves (initiation of relocation, contracts, authorizations required to proceed, process tracking, delivery confirmation)
  3. Expense Tracking and Reimbursement (initiation of service, documentation of expenses, authorization to approve reimbursement, verification of accounts, deposits of funds)

Ultimately, the entire relocation process from start to finish could be managed within blockchain technology. The more that P2P networks replace disparate systems, the greater reduction there is in expensive verification systems that revolve around trust. Innovation in data and record-keeping in relocation will allow for greater speed of transactions. As a result, processes will become easier for participants who can leverage this data for information and verification.

What Should Employers do About Blockchain Technology?

Employers should stay informed about the use of blockchain technology as it relates to processes in their relocation program. As new opportunities arise to leverage this innovative solution across various relocation processes, employers may be able to gain many benefits including speed and ease of transactions throughout the transferee or new hire’s relocation.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to leverage new technology for their relocation programs. As a result, our team can help your company learn how blockchain technology can improve the speed and ease of your relocation program’s processes.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com, 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 learn more about blockchain technology and relocation, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Contact Us

About Us

GMS Client Login

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Other Services

Our Technology

Global Relocation

Group Moves

U.S. & Canadian Relocation

Address

Global Mobility Solutions
15333 N. Pima Road
Scottsdale AZ, 85260

1.800.617.1904
Available 24/7/365

About

Contact Us

About Us

GMS Client Login

Privacy Policy

Address

Global Mobility Solutions
15333 N. Pima Road
Scottsdale AZ, 85260

1.800.617.1904
Available 24/7/365

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