Conference 7.286::digital

    It is not a rumor. I read a memo this morning which stated the plan to
    eliminate Travelleter was approved by the U.S. Management team on Oct.
    30. I deleted the memo but basically it said that a comprehensive and
    detailed package would be sent out around the 14th of December
    explaining everything. Also a hot line would be established to answer
    questions. The travelletter office would be shut down on January 15th.

    Wow!  Traveletters!  We haven't used these in Canada since the early
    '80's!  They replaced them with corporate Amex cards, and we've never
    looked back (until now!) :-)
    
    Otto.

    
     This way the company can float your money .

    re: .1  it's a fact for once
    
    Thanks for the confirmation.
    
    Steve

    	I wonder who is taking the credit for this idea . I submitted
    	a DELTA IDEA for the same principle and it was denied under the
    	circumstances that each travelletter needed a a unique voucher .
    
    	I will look up the original idea and post the communications
    	that occurred upt to the IDEA Denial .
    
    	thank you
    	Frank

    1st, I'm glad that we were able to turn this "rumor" into "fact"
    (apparently) so quickly.  This should be a record for such an
    occurance.  Another point to the power of this conference.
    
    2nd, it's interesting that the impact on employees that travel a bit
    would appear to be, at a minimum, the carrying of 'float' for a longer
    period of time before reimbursement.  Since many people are now
    remotely managed, there are built-in delays in the processing of expense
    vouchers.  I know of no steps taken to expedite expense voucher
    processing (i.e. with an online entry system w/electronic approval). 
    So, I'd estimate that employess will have to wait an average of a month
    or more for reimbursement of travel/business expenses that they paid
    for.  But that's life.

    
    
    If it's a "so-called" corporate American Express Card, why do *I* get
    the bill, instead of DEC?
    
        GJD
    
    

Well lets see... we need to cut costs as a company, so lets do the following:

Up the employee cost of medical benefits
Up the employee cost of diability insurance
Up the employee cost of company cars
Eliminate employee service awards
Eliminate employee outings
Cut sales employee salaries by 10%
Eliminate employee traveletter services

Gee... did I miss anything?

Now... why in the world would our employees be less productive, more cynical and
likely to suffer from low morale?

8^)

Bob

Maybe, the company decided by doing this, people would take the time to get
expenses completed in a timely matter.   

I also know that for a long time, the FMC's have been working to get electronic
approvals, etc for expenses, but because of Audit rules, i.e., every expense
over $25.00 needs a receipt on file, it hasn't been feasible.

There will always be an advance if necessary for business travel.



Katie

    The "quick" method of receiving your reimbursements is to utilize the
    direct deposit process. The problem is that for expense reimbursement
    you MUST deposit to Digital CU. You do not have the same opinions that
    you have have payroll deposit therefore, you must maintain multiple
    accounts are wait for your reimbursement!
    
    Interesting?!?
    

    
    	re .10
    
    	I think that may have changed...
    
    	I get my expenses directly deposited within a couple of weeks usually.
    	Your mileage may vary...
    
    	My salary, expenses, reloc, and education all get directly
    	deposited to a single account (not DCU).  I remember a box
    	to check on the expense DD form saying something like:
    	"same account as payroll?"
    
    	Only real difference I ever see is an Email message reporting the
    	expense deposit transaction.
    	
    	-- Steve
    

>I also know that for a long time, the FMC's have been working to get
>electronic approvals, etc for expenses, but because of Audit rules, i.e.,
>every expense over $25.00 needs a receipt on file, it hasn't been feasible. 


In Valbonne we used an electronic travel tool called TMS _ Travel Management
System that made everything simple from management approvals, bookings (the
Amex Agency was online too) expense claims completion and checks that limits
had not been exceeded, it  dealt with currency exchange and with the bank
transfers and notifications to staff and others 

Signature was electronic and yes, after the approval was received from the 
manager, you printed that approval and sent it with  the receipts attached for
verification because in France receipts are required for eveything

It was a great system and I miss it here

Roger

    Although I have Traveletters, I don't use them. They're a convenience;
    not a benefit. There's no float worth considering, either. I submit my
    expenses and get reimbursed about two weeks later. Amex waits longer
    than that to hear from me.
    
    This really shouldn't affect morale. There are more important things to
    think about.

    Re: .10
    
    You are mistaken.  The EFT reimbursements go to whatever bank and
    account your "net pay" gets deposited in if you are enrolled in
    direct deposit.  I've been using my non-DCU account for this since
    the EFT program started.  I believe that if you aren't in
    direct deposit, then you have to use DCU for EFT reimbursements,
    but that's hardly an issue.
    
    				Steve

    Re: .13
    
    Agreed.  If there is a delay in the "process" - let's examine the cause
    and eliminate.
    
    PAH

Traveletter is not the cause of low morale... just another straw that caused
me to look at all the other loads placed on the employees recently.

This company will not return to profitability by continually decreasing
employee compensation (salary, benefits, tools, services).

This company will return to profitability when a clear and consistant sales
strategy is in place, with proper metrics, adequate marketing, reliable
engineering, and some good old fashioned leadership.

This revitalization will not occur without motivated employees.  Even the 
most positive, "UP" employees in the field are having a hard time right
now, and I have seen nothing from the US Area Team, or the Executive 
Committee, that indicates they understand, or are even aware of the 
problem.  


Bob

	... that doesn't help get you the $80-100 in weekly cash expenditures 
you might lay out for meals, tolls, etc, those items that you can't/won't use 
a credit card for.  People working away from home every week don't necessarily 
want to eat at (or maybe can't FIND!)"****" establishments on their AMEX/DC
cards every meal. 

	To "persuade" us to use credit cards more, is going to raise the
overall cost of business, IMHO. 

	An alternative, similar to the company car exercise now going on, 
would be to eliminate TL for some, lower the limit to $200 for almost everyone 
else, get AMEX/DC cards to those that need tickets/rentals, maybe work out a 
direct-to-DEC billing from AMEX Travel Services for tickets.

	This is just another case of "non-system thinking" that is going to 
bite us down the road.

    re: .10, .14 - FOR U.S. employees
    
    See, under VTX TRAVEL, the topic 'PAYEEphone' which explains how
    to arrange for direct payroll deposits & expense reimbursements
    in which ever financial institution you choose.
    

    
    
    Attached, please see the memo that I received from my boss...
    
    (many, many forwards removed)
    
    
    
                  I N T E R O F F I C E   M E M O R A N D U M

                                        Date:     30-Nov-1992 03:18pm EDT
                                        From:     Tony Wallace @MRO
                                                  WALLACE.TONY AT A1 AT USCTR1 +
                                        Dept:     U.S. Finance
                                        Tel No:   DTN: 297-2250

TO: See Below

Subject: TRAVELETTER


    ********** THIS MEMO IS FROM TONY WALLACE AND FRED HOLLAND ***********

   The decision to eliminate Traveletter was finalized at the October 30 U.S.
   Team Meeting. This memo is the first step to implement a fully automated
   expense reimbursement system. Current technology allows us to provide the
   same functionality with less expense and lower assets.  This new system
   will result in a $3M expense reduction over three years and $3M in cash
   back to the Company.

   The new expense reimbursement process builds on two successful programs in
   existence today, Direct Deposit and Corporate Credit Cards.  All U.S.
   employees will be integrated into the existing Employee Reimbursement
   System.  This will provide:

    -  A Corporate Credit Card to all employees with cash needs for Business
       Expenses
    -  Advancements and reimbursements through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

   New features have been added to ensure expeditious processing (Electronic
   Funds Transfer) and the availability of advances on very short notice for
   emergency business travel.

   By December 14, 1992 a comprehensive and detailed package covering advance
   requests, EFT procedures, options, Q&A, credit card application process and
   implementation dates will be sent to users and cost center managers. A Hot
   Line will be available to answer questions and to support a smooth
   transition.  A detailed communication plan has been developed so employees
   clearly know that this change is occurring and how they will be impacted.

   The Traveletter system will be closed down on January 15, 1993.  All US
   employees will have one month to familiarize themselves with the new
   processes, obtain a credit card if necessary and clear any existing
   balances in the system.

   You will be copied on the detailed package and all subsequent
   communications.

    
    Some may consider this an incovenience, but it is a problem
    for those of us who respond to field support calls (i.e. middle
    of the night, go to another state now, type of travel.)
    
    Also, the best case is about one month turnaround for expenses
    because I work in St Louis, secretary in Kansas City and manager
    in Dallas.  So, it looks like I get to carry the float which can 
    easily exceed $3K monthly. (Forget about advances under short
    notice, leave now, type of travel conditions.)
    
    We used to have (1980) direct bill air travel cards that were
    great.  The company received and paid the bills.  The "company"
    credit cards we have now are billed to me.  I might as well use
    my own card.  Normally it's not a problem, but if the reimbursement 
    process is delayed at all (holiday, lost in the mail, whatever) 
    it reflects on my credit.  Those who can schedule their travel will 
    probably not understand, but this program has meant a great deal 
    to me. 
    
    My thanks to the folks who made Traveletter a successful program 
    and always managed to get me a new set of checks on schedule!  My
    hats off to all of you!!
    
    Marty 
    

    RE: .17, .20-
    
    	Right on! This will raise the cost (people will use the AMEX/DC at
    higher priced eateries), and the float is shifted to the employee for 
    air fares, etc. 
    
    	We're encouraged to book air travel in advance, but will not see 
    reimbursement until X weeks after submitting the expense voucher? What 
    happens when the bill is due? I ain't payin'.....
    
    	The advance policy is still an option? Watch for this to close more
    too. Impromptu travel in the Field is more time critical than the
    advance system now....
    
    Phil

Kinda strange, isn't it, that other companies use Traveletter, and they're
profitable.

Somehow, I don't see Traveletter as the problem here.

What I DO see as the problem, is the fact that I can travel cheaper if 
I tell the airlines, hotels, and rental car companies that I work for
HP, rather than DEC.  The difference is substantial!  Try it.

Just who is it that "negotiates" our rates, and how are they measured?

Bob

	I think there are some other problems here.  I am on temporary
	assignment.  The only way I can surive is to have access immediately
	to my expenses money.

	I rent an apt and have to pay all those expenses by cash/check. For
	some reason they dont take a credit card for rent.  Also, the local
	Winn-Dixie doesn't take them either.  

	I can't afford to take my pay and use that since my family needs that
	for mortgage etc.

	The only way this could work is if they give us the ability to take
	an immediate advance or payment as the travel letter does. 

	For example my rent is due by the 5th of each month.  I expense the
	rent to the closet week and cash the travel letter.  I will have to 
	wait for the info, before I complain to much.  You never can tell
	those people behind this may have actually used some common sense
	thought this through clearly.  Eventhough there has been no indication
	of logic or any intelligence at work in Maynard area in the past
	couple of years.  

	If I can't do this anymore,  I will have to move to a Motel at about
	$50 * 30 per month (assuming I can find one at that rate)  and pay
	by the corporate AMEX.  This will be over 2X my rent.

	I am very careful on expenses always looking for a bargain, cheapest
	gas,  using coupons for car washes  and oil changes.

	I may have to find another job that doesn't put me in a financial
	bind.  

	I am really getting tired of supporting this company with my pennys.
	They keep adding up to dollars.

	t...

    I know I'll probably get killed for this but here goes...
    
    Although I don't work in a field office, I used to and did use
    travelletters so I know how they work.  I travel all the time and
    at any given time have between $1,000 and $2,000 on my AMEX --
    sometimes more.
    
    We use the current EFT systems here in Burlington, VT and I am almost
    always reimbursed within 3-4 days after submitting a voucher --
    sometimes 1-2 days.  I rarely (if ever) have a problem carrying
    Digital's float.  Usually, I benefit because I'm carrying the float
    until the bills come due.  To get a "cash advance", I just draw against
    it.
    
    It is also NOT true that you have to have your expenses deposited in
    either the DCU or in the same account that you get your net pay.  I
    have my expenses deposited in the DCU (only for convenience) and my net
    pay to goes a separate account in a bank.  I used to have the expenses
    deposited in a bank account as well so it can be done.  At one time,
    the two accounts had to be the same but that is no longer true as of
    about last September or so.
    
    I understand that in the field expense reimbursements take longer
    (sometimes a lot longer) to process.   However, the real problem is the
    way these are handled -- not something inherent in the system -- as we
    just don't have these kinds of delays.
    
    I also know that not all expenses can be conveniently handled through
    AMEX or Diners Club or that it is always cost effective to do this. 
    However, you still have somewhat the same problem with travelletters
    since you can only write them at the end of the week and must have cash
    or whatever to get you through Friday.
    
    If it improves the position of Digital to eliminate travelletters, then
    we have an obligation to do so.
    
    Fix the problems, don't mask them.
    
    Larry
    
                               

    The problem in my case won't be turn-around of the company in doing the
    fund transfer, etc.  The problem might be my manager who has always
    been notoriously late/lomg in signing expense reports and sending them
    in.  At one time last year she was 3 months behind and my travelletter
    was held up because of that.  There will clearly need to be control in
    the system/process to mandate that managers review/approve/forward
    exprense reports in an expedious manner.
    

Here is my issue:

If I travel for two weeks for DEC I usually try to get a ticket as soon
as I know about the trip to get cheaper airfares.  (Think about those
who travel even longer or can plan further ahead!)

Let's assume one week early, sometimes not possible.  I take the trip
and use the ticket.  By the time I return to the office, the airfare has 
been on the credit card for three weeks....longer if I can purchase it
earlier.

Now let's assume that I do the expenses my first day back and turn them 
in by sending them across the state (first class, not overnight, to save 
money.)  How long will it be before the credit card company gets their 
money?  

In my case (as previously noted) it may take up to a month just to get 
reimbursed from the time I submit the paperwork plus the three weeks 
from the airfare purchase as described above.  So the credit card company
just patiently waits for me to send in the money, right? 

Their must be some exception process worked out for those that must
constantly deliver sales, services and support on the road.  It is a lot
cheaper to fly people around a bit than to have one of every kind of 
specialist everywhere.  My customers are paying (big bucks) for their
onsite support/consulting.  It would be nice if I can/could focus on the 
customer instead of wondering how I'm going to pay the bills when the 
reimbursement is delayed (for whatever reason).

...just my $2/100...

This has me concerned...

I can see how it could work just great for some folks.
I can also see how it could ruin others.
At one time, there was a person in Finance who would hold up
the entire unit's expenses for weeks or months at a time to
save on Fed Ex charges.  I know someone who had several thousand $$
tied up that way.

There MUST be some kind of check/balance built into the system to detect this
kind of blockage and correct it.

Am Ex ruined a friend's credit rating over a Digital Corporate card.  Their
personal finances were too tight to be able to cover float, and her expenses
got snarled up for a couple months, holding up her reimbursement.  Am Ex said
that it was her responsibility to pay them back, and noted the lack on her
credit rating, as was proper for them to do.  

I can see lots of others falling into similar straits if the traveletter
"cushion" is taken away.

Kevin

The answer may be to not charge any airline ticket to the AmEx card until
you get a cash advance from DEC. No advance, no flight purchase.

Lee

    re -1: 
    Exactly the point.  The focus on cost cutting hits programs like this
    that were set up to help employees and foster behavior that encourages
    longer term "smart" travel planning.  Eliminating this program begins
    to foster the opposite behavior.  
    
    At what long term costs does this decision save DEC money?  We've got 
    to trust folks when they say that a tool (such as Traveletter or some 
    other plan) is needed to do their work and let them profitably prove it.  
    (Services did MAKE money last year!  Had to get that in :^)
    
    Please assume that you don't understand all the business problems and
    logistical issues that others must deal with and give the system the
    freedom and trust it needs to make (and save) the most money.  Let 
    individual cost center managers decide if Traveletter supports their
    business goals.
    
    I realize that this sentiment has been echoed throughout the company
    but it seems that the decision makers (I'm generalizing, of course!) 
    are not able to grasp or are prevented from implementing many of the 
    fundamentals that make businesses get healthy. 
    
    

	The elimination of travelleter will impact me severly.  I am remote
	from my manager (600mi).  Once send expense voucher take a about
	3 days just to get to the office. From there I dont know (and at this
	time dont care) how it takes them to go to final storage.

	If I have to wait for all this paper work to move from place to place
	I cant do my job.  

	Since everyone says always offer a suggestion/solution, how come
	corporate managers never do.  They drop plans, change things without
	any viable aternatives.

	Ok now my suggestion.

	Establish an 800 # where you dial in give you badge and let the system
	ask for random personal data (as in the license db) or even a pin.
	Then the system asks for weekending and the amount you are claiming
	on your voucher as emp pd.  It then xfers immediatelly that amount
	to your eft.   You enter this amt on the voucher as the travelleter
	amount and send in your voucher.  The voucher can now go via mule
	team.

	You would only be allowed to this 1x a week.

	Now if we had this it would be no problem to me.  The money would
	be available right away.

	I always believe that when you change something you do it for 
	because you have a better solution. As yet I dont see anything better
	in eliminating the travelleter. All I see is cut cost cut cost cut 
	cost,  nowhere do see I make it better to save money or even a push to
	just make money.

	t.

    RE: .
    
    They are getting rid of it because the employee's were floating DEC's
    money.  The abuses cost DEC billions.  
    
    Good riddance to it ...
    
    Tammi
    (audits employee expenses -- to see the abuses makes me *sick*)

This sounds like the typical meat-axe approach. Punish all of us. Why not have
management take some responsibility for the ones who are abusing the system?

Tammi,

   If there are individual cases of abuse, they should be identified, verified,
and handled accordingly.

   Like any program that deals with money, there will be some level of abuse.
It is part of a manager's responsisbility to see to it that the programs are
being used in accordance with company policy, and act according when they 
are abused.

   People cheat on their income taxes, but we don't eliminate the abuse by
eliminating the system.  (Too bad!)   If it makes you sick, do something about 
it!  Just make sure you have all your facts straight.   

    I still think traveletter is being eliminated because that's the easy way
for some manager to meet an arbitrary goal without a lot of work.  After all, 
its just the grunts on the street that have to pick up the slack... nobody 
important.  8^)

Bob

    re:-32
    
    
                         Flame On.......
    
    
    
    
    
    
    If management took RESPONSIBILTY for there actions, we wouldn't be this
    wonderful state... Now we have the REALL GOOD approach of getting back
    to PROFITABILITY by whacking as many people as we can.... It takes a
    real brainer to come up with that one.... I guess we should use the new
    buzz word and just "Out Source" the whole damn company....
    
    
    Now not even to get crazy with Travel Letters.. Working in the Field
    and having to deal with LOR's every day from our Customers (we still
    have some left), we're having a hard time just getting engineering to
    look at something let alone fix it... I KNOW that they are going thu
    the same pains that we are, but sheesh what the HELL are we doing...
    It's time people in the TOWERS come down and meet the PEOPLE...
    
    
    
    
    				Flame off....
    
    Joe
    
    ps: Of course this would be a moot point if I was making $100k+ like
    they do......

RE: .31

	I agree with the past few.. If it's abuse, do something. BUT,
	if DEC wants someone to travel for them, then DEC SHOULD float
	the money. That's just the cost of doing business. Tell me, why
	should I float DEC the money?

						mike

>    They are getting rid of it because the employee's were floating DEC's
>    money.  The abuses cost DEC billions.  
    
    	
    That's strange, I thought Digital was floating my money.  
    At least usually.  
    
    How about some examples?
    
    Here's one of mine:
    
    Two years ago, due to several snags for which no one person was to
    blame (especially me!), I was 4 months behind in receiving my money
    back even WITH Traveletter and a $1000 limit.  This was a period of
    international travel and I was OWED over $7000 defore I started
    receiving reimbursement.
    
    Note that this was the month before I was closing on a house.  Try to 
    explain this to a banker.  Especially the sudden appearance of 7k in
    your bank account.
    
    Anyway, I know someone (no names) who claims his airline ticket when he
    receives it, before the trip takes place.  He's had no problems so far.
    (Oops - now you know its a he! :-} )
    
    Anyone else tryed this? I think it solves several of the previous
    problems.
    
    Wayne
    
    P.S Right now they owe me $1,400.  Only about three hundred of which I
    have not yet payed out.
    

    Extended international travel has also been a problem for me, in
    particular the airline ticket cost. For example, last summer I spent
    two months in the UK. Bought a round trip advance purchase ticket.
    
    That meant that the $1000+ ticket had to be floated for ~3 monthes
    until I used the return half and could actually expense it.
    
    The system just doesn't accomodate some cases...
    	Dave

I heard a number of individuals say verbally and in notesfiles that using the
Corporate Credit Card which I believe is Diner's Club was 'cost effective'?

Could someone explain to my how this is true?

For eight years I have travelled extensively.  A couple of years ago when Digital
moved to Diners Club I travelled so extensively that I could barely keep up with
my expenses, but I did.  My Traveletter limit was $1000 and I was always owed a 
couple of hundred bucks here and there.  I was single and it didn't bother me.

However, I refused to pay my Diners Club until I got re-imbursed from Digital.  I
should also mention that I live in California and my Manager lived in the East.

Diners Club and American Express are pay upon demand, no installments.  Well I
refused to pay until Digital re-imbursed me.  Diners Club started sending me
notices that the total amount was always due.  Well I wrote them a letter 
indicating that this was a Digital Corporate Credit Card and I wasn't paying 
until Digital payed me.  After while they hasselled me so much I cancelled the
card got MasterCard and VISA and started bill Digital the interest for the 
floats.

By the way, Diners Club would not let me cancel the card.  They sent me statements
each month even when I hadn't charged anything.  I believe this went on for well
over 18 months and then they discontinued hasselling me.

I liked Traveletter and I'm sorry to see it go.  I hope the field has 'advances'
because the paperwork still has to go from the field to New England to be 
processed.  And I agree,  I believe that employees will be floating the Company
expense money.

It was indicated that the elimination of Traveletter would save $3M/year.  Well
I always did my traveletter at home or on the weekends via EXPENSE, photocopied
everything at work, and cashed my check on the weekend.  Well I'm now allocating 
at least 1 hour/week for my expenses.
 
Assume an individual making $50K/year will now allocate 1 hour M-F to administer 
their expenses.  At approximately $25/hour or $1.3K/year.  Let's multiply this
by 10K employees and now it's costing the Company $13M/year because we can do
it at our leisure and will be using Company time to ensure our expenses are 
always current.

Once again, the analysis was done by individuals that probably never used the 
system.  They only look at the bottom line and not the long term effects.  Now
if Digital was a Computer Company and could automate this process by putting 
scanners in the field and let us do this electronically I'd be all for it.

re .38

Right on! Right on! Right on!

The last time I was on a temporary domestic assignment
(15 straight weeks), I averaged ~$1000/week.  Yeah,
$15,000 for that assignment.  In the days before
TravelLetter, it was not unusual for a reimbursement
to take 8 weeks, or more if some small mistake was
make on the voucher.

Digital's policy on travel assignments is already 
fairly anti-family:  back home every 3 weeks - now
there's a policy to encourage togetherness!  Now
we can compliment the emotional stress with some
financial stress, too.

Sure makes me think about the future...

	My travel for the company has been few and far between, and
	I've never dealt with Travelletters.

	What I don't understand, is why the company doesn't treat
	business expenses the way it treats the phone bill:

	Issue people who travel a corporate credit card that is 
	billed to corporate. Cost Center managers get a copy of
	each person's bill, and can review for abuse. Credit card
	company is happy because corporate will always pay them
	on time, and with a single check, travelers won't have to deal 
	with the float either way, and *everyone* ends up with
	less paperwork. 

	Is this too simple? Sure it won't deal with every expense, 
	but should deal with most of the big ones (airline, rental 
	cars, meals, hotels).

					Tom_K

re: -.1

That's how it used to be in the Field... it was called an 'Air Travel Card'.
(Red ones for the ordinary folk, green ones for the hihg-milage types.)
You could charge tickets and rental cars to it. When you did your expenses it
went in the 'Company Paid Direct' part of the form (they could probably do away
with that part now!).

Lee

re. -1 

Once again this is a Lack of Proper Management.  

When I came to Digital January 9, 1984 I was told that the Corporate Air Travel
Card was going away.  And the reason was that people were flying 1st Class,
using it for Vacations, and other Unauthorized Business Expenses.

I was told that somebody actually had trips to Bermuda and Europe.  I'd like to
know how this could get through the cracks???!!!

>And the reason was that people were flying 1st Class,
>using it for Vacations, and other Unauthorized Business Expenses.

	It seems to me that the appropriate response to this would
	be to recover the fraudulantly obtained money through lawsuit,
	and discharge the abuser for cause, rather than terminate
	the entire program.

				Tom_K

>That's how it used to be in the Field... it was called an 'Air Travel Card'.
>(Red ones for the ordinary folk, green ones for the hihg-milage types.)
    
    Red ones for for US travel only. Green ones allowed for international
    travel. I never understood why they stopped using them.
    
    		Alfred

Re: green ones

Ah.. that was it. My foggy memory failed me (again).

Lee

    Well the reason that the travel card went away is that Digital could not
    with any degree of accuracy reconcile the statement from Air Travel
    Card with what were valid expenses turned in by expense reports.
     
    The previous note about abuses was true.  I knew a person who thought
    they had figured out the system, but got caught during an audit and was 
    terminated.  Digital had no simple way of tracking the charges so
    the simple fix was to do away with it completely.

    Digital could easily have Amex bill directly, but could Digital then
    reconcile the bills with actual expenses.  I know the answer, but I
    will let the readers make their own assumptions.

	I have no doubt that the abuses occurred. What I don't understand
	is why it was hard to track. The phone company gives us a list
	of phone calls that CC managers can and do check on.

	Why can't CC managers receive a monthly statement showing
	the expenses charged by each member of their group. Reviewing
	that shouldn't be any more work than is currently done, as the 
	manager has to review each reimbursement request, and sign it.
	This way, you eliminate filling out the forms, since the credit
	card company will do that for you. And you eliminate the hassle
	and expense of shuffling all of those advances/reimbursements.

					Tom_K

    re .40 and others
    
    	In discussion with several friends, the way that their corporate
    cards, work, is that they receive the bill. If there a "Personal"
    charge, then they highlight it, and forward the whole thing to
    Accounting to pay the Credit Card company. Accounting will
    automatically deduct the "personal" charge from their salary. Sounds
    good to me...
    
    q

    Digital went to the Diner's and American Express Corporate cards
    because they pay a dividend to Digital on the the use just like the
    Discover Card. 
    
    AmEx usually charges a 4% service fee to the merchant/airline/hotel,
    they rebate a portion of that to Digital. Doesn't take a Computer
    Scientist to figure out it could meen big bucks back.

    re: .50
    
    I've heard of this practice also.  That was one of the main reasons
    that I cancelled my corporate AMEX card.  That, and why should DEC pay
    an additional ~$50 a year when I already use my AMEX card for travel.
    
    --- Gavin