CASE STUDY
First time global consolidation
Key Highlights
Charles River Laboratories
Charles River works with the pharmaceutical, research and biotechnology industries to drive the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies.
The challenge
Having grown from a family-owned company to a publicly trading US$2.8 billion corporation operating in over 20 countries, Charles River wanted to consolidate its program globally for the first time.
Charles River’s objectives included cost savings, establishing strategic supplier relationships, improving program compliance, and strengthening service and convenience to travellers.
Providing support at every level
Having extensive experience with global consolidation for clients of similar size, FCM could combine industry best practices with fresh strategies.
A tailored account management structure was implemented for the company locally, regionally and globally. FCM's reporting and analytics technology gave Charles River new insight into its travel program, and by using preferred suppliers, compliance was optimised and cost management and customer satisfaction were improved. Sustainability and risk management initiatives were also implemented.
Big results
FCM has historically achieved savings of 9-15% for clients in their first year with a consolidated program. By negotiating agreements with airlines, hotels and car rental providers, year-on-year savings of 48.8% were achieved.
By leveraging FCM’s virtual card technology, payment processes were simplified, time-consuming reconciliation reduced, and fraud risk eliminated.
FCM’s airfare re-shopping tool enabled Charles River to monitor airfare prices from ticketing to the day of departure, whilst FCM’s unused ticket tracker reports on all outstanding unused ticket credits, companywide.
Charles River Customer Testimonial
Large enough to provide powerful technology, but small enough to deliver a bespoke level of support.
Hear it from Charles River themselves on how FCM took on consolidating their travel programme for the first time, and how collaboration was at the backbone of making it happen.