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About FedEx
FedEx Archives: 2001 Press Releases
( BW)(TN-FEDEX)(FDX) FedEx Speeds More Information to Customers with Cutting-Edge Worldwide Scanning TechnologyBusiness Editors MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 20, 2001-- Firms' Collaboration on Technology Reduces Time in Clearing Customs, Processing Data from Paper Airbills FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX) is installing the industry's first worldwide-electronic system to capture critical paper-document information for even greater shipment visibility, faster airbill processing and speedier customs clearance. Using customized Bell & Howell scanners in conjunction with VirtualReScan software and Adrenaline boards by Kofax for crystal-clear optical imaging, FedEx will enhance the capture and reporting of real-time information to customers and improve operational planning at FedEx and customer sites. The technology provides image-enabled, Web-access to documentation on all international shipments. This will reduce delays associated with customs clearance paperwork and eliminate the need for country-required physical documentation in the clearance process. FedEx has installed 500 imaging systems and plans to have another 200 in production by September, just in time for the company's peak-shipping season. The company plans to have nearly 900 high-volume production scanners from Bell & Howell in service by April 2002. "The new FedEx imaging system pushes document-scanning technology beyond today's limits and represents the first worldwide network of document imaging-based capture systems," said Todd Hollenbeck, managing director of shipment data capture for FedEx. "Business functions that can be enhanced through a paperless process will allow us to provide more information to our customers in the shortest amount of time." FedEx processes about 1.5 million airbills in a typical eight-hour period. This advanced imaging technology will allow FedEx to process its existing shipping volumes at an even higher level of efficiency. FedEx pre-clears 90 percent of U.S. inbound international shipments. The new imaging system will link U.S. and international clearance, billing and invoicing operations, and eliminate the need to transfer paper-based documents through the FedEx system or between countries via fax. Information gathered through the new scanning technology is accessible through FedEx InSight, the company's Web-based application that expands visibility of real-time-status information on inbound, outbound or third-party shipments. Increased electronic availability of critical paper-based information will improve resource planning at FedEx and customer sites. For example, real-time information will help station managers plan staffing and routing before the packages arrive each morning, making it easier to adjust for volume fluctuations. Even better customer service and cost savings will occur because route structures will be adjusted based on actual volumes. Customers also can plan more efficiently based on anticipated delivery volumes. About FedEx 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.
--30--CM/na*
CONTACT: FedEx Media Relations
Traci Barnett, 901/434-7766
tsbarnett@fedex.com
KEYWORD: TENNESSEE
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: AIRLINES TRANSPORTATION
SOURCE: FedEx Corp.
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