HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE PLATFORMS

 FedEx runs Clarify, the CRM Software on Hewlett-Packard hardware, i.e. the servers
and other hardware devices.
 The primary database that Clarify interacts with is Oracle 8.17, but the system also
interfaces with other platforms and tools, including AS/400 systems, IBM's IMS
database management system and ERP software from PeopleSoft Inc. [ CITATION
Fed182 \l 16393 ]

KEY TECHNOLOGIES USED BY FEDEX

1. RFID: RFID is an electronic labeling and data collection system using RF signals
(low, high, ultra-high, and ultra-wide band) to identify individually tagged objects or
personnel. FedEx started using RFID in the year 1999. RFID helps to automatically
retrieve the data wirelessly. RFID tags will be attached to the shipments. When the
shipment enters the connecting hub or any warehouses, all the shipments will be
recognized without the need of opening bags or containers. This data will be updated
in the server using Bluetooth or GPRS system. This enabled the customer to track the
exact location of the shipments. This implementation of RFID later became
competitive advantage for FedEx.
2. Barcode Scanners: Bar code scanners are used to read the barcode. FedEx uses the
bar code on the shipments in order to easily identify the delivery location, so that the
shipments can be sorted according to their locations. In FedEx, shipments moving in
the conveyors are scanned using barcode scanners and sorted automatically based on
the delivery locations. The only limitation is that human involvement is needed to
keep the shipments in a way so that the barcodes will be visible to the scanners.
3. Big Data and Analytics: Big data tools are capable of processing large amounts of
data in different formats and from varying sources to enable scientists to identify
patterns and gaps, which could suggest efficiencies, revenue opportunities, potential
problems or competitive advantages that otherwise may not be evident. While most of
the data generated are stored and used for routine documentation, planning and
forecasting, companies are growing in their ability to use data to support strategic
initiatives and create predictive models under different scenarios. A more data-driven
supply chain also allows for easier benchmarking within the company and compared
to competitors.
 FedEx uses real-time data and processed their supply chain vendors through
descriptive analytics to reveal operations patterns. The same companies can then use
predictive analytics to accurately forecast how their supply chain might evolve, while
prescriptive analytics can be used to develop risk-mitigation strategies to fix identified
weaknesses.[ CITATION Fed18 \l 16393 ]
4. IOT: FedEx uses SenseAware, a multisensory device that monitors critical shipments
– in near real-time – from when they are packed and picked up to the time they’re
delivered and beyond. Typically placed inside packages, pallets, trailers and
warehouses, the device collects data from items and transmits that data via wireless
communication to an online application for monitoring and analysis.
SenseAware measures environmental conditions on the unit level, including:
 Current location
 Relative humidity
 Temperature
 Light exposure
 Barometric pressure
 Shock detection.

For example, vaccines must be maintained at a very narrow temperature range during
shipping or they are compromised and cannot be used. A SenseAware device traveling inside
the shipment container can monitor the temperature and help ensure the vaccines’ stability.
[ CITATION Sen18 \l 16393 ]

5. Artificial Intelligence: FedEx is officially not utilizing the AI tech, since it’s still
under development. But as a whole, FedEx is one of the key contributors to the entire
world in developing the next generation of future technology that is AI. [ CITATION
The18 \l 16393 ]
6. Block chain technology: Research and development is still going on about how to
implement this technology by FedEx. FedEx believes that blockchain will help in
having a “database”, that will provide a single record of a shipment that is secure and
transparent and will allow all parties to see whatever details they need about the cargo
so that they're all on the same page whenever a change or approval is made. [ CITATION
Fed181 \l 16393 ]
7. Cloud Computing: FedEx opened a new data center in Colorado Springs based on
this idea of general-purpose computing. FedEx is using this cloud infrastructure inside
its own data center-a private cloud.