Efficient travel management can drastically simplify expense tracking, compliance, and the overall travel experience for your employees. Among the many solutions on the market, two notable players stand out: Deem and SAP Concur®. Having explored both in real-world scenarios, I’m here to offer a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which platform fits your organization’s needs.
Looking for a different comparison?
If you’re also exploring how SAP Concur® stacks up against TravelPerk, be sure to read our in-depth guide here: SAP Concur® vs TravelPerk: Which Is Better for Your Business?
Understanding the Platforms
Deem Overview
Deem is a travel management software focused on streamlining corporate travel and expense processes. Recently acquired by Travelport, Deem’s primary goal is to offer a modern booking interface with built-in compliance and reporting tools. Their platform integrates with various travel suppliers, helping employees find relevant travel options while adhering to corporate policies.
SAP Concur® Overview
Founded in 1993 and later acquired by SAP, Concur® has established itself as a comprehensive travel, expense, and invoice management solution. Known for its robust capabilities, it offers end-to-end automation, sophisticated reporting, and seamless integration with both SAP and third-party applications.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Below, you’ll find a side-by-side comparison of Deem and SAP Concur® across the most crucial features for business travel management.
Expense Management
Deem
- Expense Tracking: Basic capabilities with manual receipt capture and categorization.
- Policy Compliance: Flags out-of-policy expenses during the booking process.
- Reporting: Standardized reports focusing on travel spend and policy violations.
SAP Concur®
- Automated Expense Capture: Leverages OCR and e-receipts for quicker, more accurate expense reporting.
- Real-Time Policy Checks: Integrates policies within booking and expense workflows.
- Advanced Analytics: In-depth dashboards provide actionable insights into spending patterns.
Comparison Table: Expense Management
Feature | Deem | SAP Concur® |
Automated Receipt Capture | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Comprehensive |
Policy Compliance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Reporting & Analytics | ⚠️ Basic | ✅ Advanced |
Integration with Finance Tools | ✅ Some | ✅ Extensive |
Booking Options
Deem
- Modern Booking Interface: Streamlined UI helps travelers find flights, hotels, and rental cars.
- Policy Integrated: Displays in-policy options prominently.
- Varied Inventory: Partners with popular GDSs (Global Distribution Systems) and direct suppliers.
SAP Concur®
- Global Inventory: Access to extensive content, including negotiated corporate rates.
- Travel Policy Enforcement: Automatically filters out-of-policy options to maintain compliance.
- Preferred Supplier Integration: Allows companies to load and manage special negotiated rates.
Comparison Table: Booking Options
Feature | Deem | SAP Concur® |
Global Travel Inventory | ✅ Wide Selection | ✅ Wide Selection |
Policy Enforcement | ✅ Embedded | ✅ Embedded |
Negotiated Rates | ✅ Comprehensive |
✅ Comprehensive |
Alternative Accommodations | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Limited |
Integration Capabilities
Deem
- Focus on Travel Services: Integrates primarily with travel suppliers and a handful of expense or HR platforms.
- Limited API: Suitable for basic custom integrations but not as extensive as some enterprise-level tools.
SAP Concur®
- Extensive Ecosystem: Seamless integration with SAP products (e.g., SAP ERP, HR) and numerous third-party apps.
- Robust API Framework: Enables custom integrations for unique business workflows.
User Experience
Deem
- Clean Interface: Designed for a straightforward booking experience, reducing user friction.
- Onboarding: Typically faster for small to mid-sized companies.
- Mobile App: Offers basic booking and itinerary management but fewer advanced features.
SAP Concur®
- Enterprise-Level Functionality: Takes some time to learn, but it’s packed with powerful features.
- Highly Configurable: Adapt the platform to your company’s specific workflows and policies.
- Mobile App: Allows expense reporting, booking, and real-time notifications on the go.
Customer Support
Deem
- Standard Business Hours Support: Email and phone support during standard hours, with tiered support options for larger accounts.
- Online Resources: Limited knowledge base and user guides.
SAP Concur®
- 24/7 Global Support: Multiple channels (phone, email, chat) with dedicated account managers for enterprise-level customers.
- Comprehensive Online Resources: Extensive documentation, webinars, and community forums.
Pricing Structures
Deem
- Tiered Pricing: Packages vary based on features and usage.
- Per-Transaction Fees: May include booking or service fees.
- Lower Upfront Costs: Can be cost-effective for smaller organizations.
SAP Concur®
- Custom Quotes: Tailored to each client’s size and configuration needs.
- Additional Integration Costs: Potential implementation fees for complex setups.
- Enterprise-Ready: Scales effectively as your business grows.
Comparison Table: Pricing
Aspect | Deem | SAP Concur® |
Pricing Model | Tiered | Customized |
Setup Fees | ⚠️ Possible | ⚠️ Possible |
Per-Transaction Fees | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Free Tier | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Pros and Cons
Deem
Pros
- Straightforward user experience for booking.
- Potentially lower upfront costs.
- Integrates with common travel suppliers.
Cons
- Limited expense management automation.
- Fewer integration options for large enterprises.
SAP Concur®
Pros
- End-to-end travel and expense automation.
- Deep integration with SAP and other enterprise systems.
- Advanced reporting for data-driven decisions.
Cons
- Higher learning curve.
- May offer features beyond the needs of smaller businesses.
Which Platform Suits Your Business Best?
- For businesses seeking a powerful, highly integrated travel and expense solution that can handle complex workflows, SAP Concur® is the clear frontrunner. Its extensive features, robust analytics, and 24/7 support make it ideal for larger organizations or those expecting to scale rapidly.
- For smaller teams prioritizing ease of use and straightforward booking tools, Deem can be a solid alternative, offering a modern interface and essential travel capabilities without the heftier investment of an enterprise-level platform.
At Worldgo, our commitment to providing top-notch travel management led us to both Deem and SAP Concur®. Their comprehensive features and deep integrations perfectly align with the diverse needs of our client base.
Check out our blog on how we maximize efficiency with Concur® .
FAQs
1. What sets Deem apart from SAP Concur®?
Deem focuses on an intuitive travel booking experience with essential expense features. SAP Concur® provides a more comprehensive solution with advanced integration and automation for complex travel and expense processes.
2. Can Deem integrate with third-party expense tools?
Yes, Deem supports integrations with select expense and HR platforms. However, the range of integrations may be narrower compared to SAP Concur®.
3. Is SAP Concur® suitable for small businesses?
While SAP Concur® can be adapted for small businesses, it’s particularly beneficial for midsize to large enterprises that need extensive features and compliance controls.
4. Do both platforms offer mobile apps for travelers?
Yes. Deem and SAP Concur® both have mobile apps for booking and managing itineraries. SAP Concur®’s app also excels in expense reporting on the go.
5. How do their pricing structures differ?
Deem often uses tiered plans with possible booking fees, while SAP Concur® provides customized quotes based on company size and requirements. Both may involve implementation costs.