Typically they stuff their receipts in their briefcases. Then, when the credit card bill payment looms, they fill out the paperwork, staple the receipts to an expense voucher and submit the stack of paperwork for reimbursement. Their employers then had to key in all the appropriate numbers before authorizing accounting to cut them a check. Hopefully none of the slips of paper got lost as they changed hands. Portera, located in Campbell, California, digitizes the paperwork and completes an on-line expense form for the employees.
Salespeople review the completed forms from their Web browsers even if they are on the road.
If it's correct, they submit it to their bosses for approval. Its enterprise applications and back-office support staff are available through a standard web browser for a monthly fee. Its client roster currently totals 130. Portera specializes in service firms. These include advertising companies, public relations firms, architects, lawyers and consultants.