FedEx expands global Critical Inventory Logistics network

FedEx says it has rolled out new and expanded visibility features for its supply chain business around the world, as well as 100 new stocking locations. The US integrator said it has made “significant investments” in its FedEx Critical Inventory Logistics network, which supports outsourced logistics and fulfillment services for time-sensitive and high-value goods.

Some of the largest network expansions have been seen in India and Mexico, FedEs said.

With more stocking locations, customers would be assured locations will be available where and when they are needed to support business growth across the globe, FedEx said.

FedEx is also promising more access to trained staff for its customers, with a FedEx Critical Inventory Logistics global command and control team on duty around the clock.

Craig Simon, the president and CEO at FedEx SupplyChain, said: “As critical inventory supply chains continue to require increasingly complex global solutions, we continue to invest in technology and new services to stay in front of our customers’ needs and exceed their expectations.”

The FedEx Critical Inventory Logistics service has been offered by FedEx SupplyChain since 2006, and is used particularly by customers in the healthcare and high-tech finished goods sectors, as well as for spare parts needs.

The company says it has more than 400 stocking locations worldwide, and uses a Global Supply Chain Manager system to manage anything from order placement and real time tracking to rate calculations and cost estimates, as well as asset recovery and returns.

Stocking locations are commonly located close to hospitals, business centres and other strategic points to allow customers to pick up important stock “at a moment’s notice”, or ship them using FedEx services.

FedEx said more regional and forward stocking locations meant its customers could keep supplies accessible for an increasingly mobile workforce.