A successful international relocation is never the result of a single organization’s efforts. There are tax compliance issues to consider, moving logistics, cross-cultural training – and these are just a few examples. Every piece is extremely nuanced, and the details of each change depending on the destination country.  At the same time, clients want a seamless process, where the fact that multiple partners are involved is hardly discernible.

How can this be achieved? According to a recent Mobility Magazine article on the subject (see page 60) featuring Dave Gonzalez, CRP, GMS, Senior Vice President, Global Business Development at Hilldrup, the answer is collaboration using new technologies. The article is a fantastic read for anyone in the global mobility space, but here are some of the highlights Dave and others touch on.

• Single point of access: New technologies such as web-based platforms give clients a single point of reference. Supply partners might have multiple log-ins where they can manage information and track data, but the client is given the impression that it is all a single process, which helps them stay organized and up to date.

• Better analytics to identify improvements: As Dave puts it, new technologies give suppliers better access to real-time data and metrics surrounding a global transfer. This allows companies like Hilldrup to analyze this data and work to improve performance and identify new areas of growth and opportunity.

• Companies get to focus on their specialty: Better and easier collaboration through technology takes the pressure off companies to try and provide everything relating to global mobility. As we pointed out earlier, a global assignment has a lot of moving parts, and it is unrealistic to expect one company to provide them all, at least effectively. New tools that foster collaboration make it easier for everyone to play to their strengths, while helping the client with their international assignments.

Dave concludes the article stating, “mobility professionals are challenged in their ability to gain visibility across continents” and manage risk and complications that can stem from new and evolving regulations.  New technologies allow companies to work together and track data that helps the entire team identify these challenges, and ultimately work together to solve them and provide a smoother, better process with each new assignment.

John Warlick Author