2018 Review of Chrome River Expense

From the 2018 review of Travel & Expense Management systems.

Chrome River EXPENSE is a mobile web application that is designed for mid-sized to larger corporations and global entities that need to manage travel and expenses. Chrome River also offers Invoice, Audit and Analytics applications for complete expense management.

Completely customizable, corporate business rules are built into the application, including expense policies and approval routing processes. Organizational compliance rules can also be set up and maintained, with the ability to set custom rules according to expense type, employee, or location.

Chrome River EXPENSE is easily accessible via the web or from a mobile device. The product offers design consistency throughout, with the same user interface utilized whether from a desktop, laptop, smart phone, or tablet.

Chrome River EXPENSE allows users to use the Snap and Send feature to quickly take a photo of a receipt, attaching the image to an email for automated processing. Chrome River EXPENSE uses Optical Character Recognition, which will automatically categorize the details from the receipt directly into an expense report, without users required to enter any data. Users can also override OCR data if desired, simply entering the correct value in an email. Electronic receipts can also be shared via email, scan or fax if users are not using a mobile device.

Chrome River EXPENSE easily supports multiple user roles, with each system user assigned their specific role during the setup process. Users will only be able to view and access information pertinent to their specific role.

Chrome River EXPENSE offers both multi-language and multi-currency capability, and includes a per diem wizard, that easily tracks trip details to ensure that the correct rates and tax details are used when preparing expense reports. A country/jurisdiction baseline is also available for those traveling overseas.

Chrome River EXPENSE offers complete integration with Google Maps for easy mileage tracking and calculation. The application also maintains varying mileage rules based on location, with U.S. rules varying from Canadian or European mileage rules.

For those managing travel, Chrome River EXPENSE also integrates with several travel booking sites such as Sabra and Amadeus. The included Hotel folio feature will email hotel receipts directly to a specified individual, with line item charges automatically added to an expense report.

Chrome River STATEMENTS is a partnership between Chrome River and U.S. Bank that provides easy integration with both personal and corporate credit cards, providing for easy statement integration online. The product also integrates with American Express, Western Union Business Services, and MasterCard/Diners Club.

Mentioned earlier, Chrome River EXPENSE uses a business engine that stores all related business rules and custom workflow options, ensuring that reports and invoices are routed to the correct individual on a timely basis. The application supports multiple approvers, and users can set thresholds for approvals, with higher amounts directed at a different approver than those for lower amounts.

Employers can choose to automate reimbursements to employees via the Direct-Pay feature, which provides automated credit card payments. There is also an ACH deposit option, allowing employers to deposit any reimbursements directly into the employee’s bank account.

Chrome River EXPENSE creates expense reports automatically as expenses are entered, with reports automatically routed to the correct approver. If multiple approvers are used, the application will direct only the designated expenses to each approver.

Chrome River Analytics offers solid reporting options, with a series of standard reports as well as the ability to create a chart from any report with one click. Users can also create custom reports based on a variety of criteria including expense, location, and employee. All reports offer drill-down capability and users can easily export reports to a variety of formats including Microsoft Excel, HTML, or save a report as a PDF.

Chrome River EXPENSE offers excellent integration with a variety of third-party applications including SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, People Soft, and Ellucian. The application also integrates with travel management applications such as BCD, Carlson, and Wagonlit and Uber users can submit receipts directly into Chrome River EXPENSE when necessary.

Chrome River offers a variety of online resources for system users, including Data Sheets, Case Studies, Videos, and Webinars. Chrome River University offers a variety of training opportunities for system users, and online support is available 24/7, with toll free telephone support available during regular business hours. Initial system configuration and implementation is typically completed by Chrome River personnel.

Chrome River EXPENSE is best suited for mid-sized to larger corporations with a global presence. The system offers automated travel and expense management at its finest. Though system setup requires considerable time, for those with hundreds or thousands of employees traveling the world at any given time, the product would be hard to beat. Chrome River pricing is available directly from Chrome River.

2018 Rating 5 Stars