Anyone who has ever planned a business trip is familiar with the hassles involved with switching between multiple platforms and apps to log on, search, book, pay and work remotely. Especially in recent times when digital nomads are on the rise, Amadeus believes that simplification of these processes can drive better business collaboration and more conducive hybrid work environments.
Enter Cytric Easy — Amadeus’ solution to redefine corporate travel. The online booking and expense management tool is embedded in Microsoft 365, allowing users to plan trips and share travel details with colleagues through Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Teams, eliminating the need to toggle between multiple platforms, websites and apps.
“With Cytric now embedded into Microsoft 365, toggling between applications will become a thing of the past, leading to improved productivity, and easier compliance with travel and expense programmes,” Rudy Daniello, executive vice president of Amadeus Cytric Solutions said. “Most importantly, this collaboration with Microsoft simplifies decades’ old processes that impact departments across finance, procurement, and travel.”
The following are Cytric Easy’s features that promise hassle-free business travel bookings:
• One app: Search, compare or book a hotel, flight or car rental via Microsoft Teams
• Easy to share: Microsoft Teams will have a function to share trip information in chats for colleagues to book the same.
• Time saving: Minimises the time spent discussing trip details with colleagues.
• Collaboration: Share travel components or itinerary with colleagues and enjoy connecting and collaborating on the trip.
Another feature that will be launched soon is the ability for Outlook calendar invites to populate relevant data before starting the search process, such as preferred departure location, destination based on meeting location and dates.
When users look for flights, search results will spotlight recommended options based on flight convenience, price, and users’ preferences (for example, stop-over airports to avoid). The shortest, cheapest, and most eco-friendly options will also be highlighted.
Additionally, Teams will send user prompts to visualise unassigned receipts, complete their expense reports, and file them on time.
All of this will be done using Microsoft’s Single Sign-On service across the workplace ecosystem to access all travel and expense needs. This allows for lesser disruption to the user’s workflow. Business travellers will just need to login into Microsoft, and they’re ready to go.
“The integration of Cytric into Microsoft 365 will make the traveller experience more fluid. The ability to book plane tickets or manage travel expenses without leaving everyday collaborative applications will help make the process smoother for users, making travel easier and eliminating some of the usual booking challenges" said Eric Bailey, Global Travel Director for Microsoft.