FedEx InSight Empowers Customers with Enhanced Shipment Visibility and Control
Business Editors
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MEMPHIS, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–April 4, 2001–FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX) plans to offer qualifying customers an enhanced level of shipment visibility through FedEx InSight(SM), a new Web-based application that dramatically broadens the amount of real-time status information on inbound, outbound or third-party shipments — without having to enter a package-tracking number.
FedEx InSight is a technological milestone that raises the bar for package-tracking services to a highly sophisticated level. Today, businesses are seeking technology-based solutions that speed fast-cycle orders and production, reduce inventory costs and add value in improving customer satisfaction. Using FedEx InSight, customers will be able to create a customized view of shipment information or request to be notified via e-mail or fax of critical shipping events as they occur during transit. These features will enable customers to plan their operations more efficiently, saving both them and their customers time and money.
FedEx InSight has been under development since 1999, and customer tests have been in progress for about a year. "Once again, FedEx widens its lead in developing sophisticated technology solutions for customers," said Robert B. Carter, executive vice president and CIO of FedEx Corp. "FedEx InSight revolutionizes the concept of package tracking by providing shipment visibility and sending notifications and alerts about critical shipment events as they occur, thereby equipping our customers with an unsurpassed capability to plan for and manage inventory in motion."
FedEx InSight improves customer efficiency because it:
— Allows each user to set up a customized information and notification profile.
— Enables customers to view and receive detailed, real-time information on the status of their inbound, outbound or third-party payor shipments;
— Does not require a package tracking number;
— Is the first Web-based application that can be set to provide critical shipment information, such as proof-of-delivery, released for delivery, delivery exceptions or customs clearance problems, to any party designated by the customer, notifying them via e-mail or fax of shipment events as they occur;
— Is able to alert parties to the status of packages delayed by Customs, and recommend a course of action to resolve the problem.
Help in managing global supply chains
FedEx InSight was developed because customers are increasingly demanding information technology solutions that will help them manage their complex global supply chains.
Sharon Lemay is expediting manager at Heidelberg USA, the U.S. arm of a German-based manufacturer of printing equipment with employees in more than 170 countries. "It is critical that we have visibility into the status of the third-party shipments from either our own manufacturing facilities or other vendors overseas who ship time-sensitive parts directly to our customers," she said.
"Our customers need to know the status of their shipments because it affects the flow of their operations as well as delivery of products to their customers," she said. "The real-time, package-status information that FedEx InSight provides has definitely raised the level of our customer service."
FedEx InSight: How it works
FedEx InSight identifies FedEx Express shipments by associating them to a customer and by matching an account number or company name and address, placing flexibility and control of information in the hands of each user.
That flexibility, for example, might allow a customer to view all inbound shipments for today and the next few business days to his company, all shipments sent from his company on a particular date, or all in-transit shipments billed to a third-party. A query function also allows a user to search for particular types of shipments such as `all inbound shipments from the Philippines.'
Because the information is displayed and updated dynamically as events occur, customers can readily adjust resources such as adding more employees to a particular production line or resolving problems by providing missing customs documents.
Once logged into the InSight Web site, customers can view the "Shipment Detail Screen" that provides:
— Current status of FedEx Express shipments;
— Complete shipper and recipient information;
— All shipments included in a multi-piece shipment;
— Tracking number;
— Estimated delivery date;
— Special handling;
— Description of contents, country of manufacture and harmonized
code for international shipments.
While the initial features of service are comprehensive, future versions will incorporate the feedback of customers who are participating in the current test phase. Customers will also be able to use FedEx InSight to view FedEx Ground shipment information at a future date.
With annual revenues of $20 billion, FedEx Corp. is the premier global provider of transportation, e-commerce and supply-chain management services. The company offers integrated business solutions through a network of subsidiaries operating independently, including FedEx Express, the world's largest express transportation company; FedEx Ground, North America's second largest provider of small-package ground delivery service; FedEx Freight, a leading provider of regional less-than-truckload freight services; FedEx Custom Critical, the world's largest provider of expedited, time-critical shipments; and FedEx Trade Networks, a provider of customs brokerage, consulting, information technology and trade facilitation solutions network.
NOTE TO EDITORS: FedEx Corp. press releases are available on the World Wide Web at http://www.fedex.com
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CONTACT: FedEx Media Relations, Memphis
Sally Davenport, 901/434-7765
[email protected]
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