E-Gov Travel Systems have emerged over the past decade as part of the President’s Management Agenda. The idea of automating a previously paper intensive process naturally sounds like a smart idea. The difficulties begin starting with the change management process. It is a huge learning curve to overcome when travelers are used to the old paper process, possibly still using form fillers and looking up per diem rates; then switching to an electronic paperless process. You have to get buy in from every level of the organization to achieve a successful transition. Involvement of the core team of those bureaus and offices affected by the transformation is also critical from the very beginning of the process.
Another difficulty is with only 3 vendors to choose from, the ideal electronic travel system does not exist yet. There are high points and low points of all three products. They could each benefit from usability studies. These products were originally created to meet specific requirements. Yet once the vendors actually acquired agencies as customers, they were slow to accept input from those who have real world experience in Government travel. This sluggish response to required enhancements led to a slow adoption of the products by the Government. Many types of training are vital to reach the maximum amount of the traveler/arranger/approver audience, so they can feel comfortable with the E-Gov Travel system. Hopefully now that adoption has increased, improved products will be realized by all.
by Jaqueline Lynch
The contents of this message are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the Government or my agency.