News
Issue #2002 - 46 (December 2002)
(Updated Dec. 10, 2002)

TECHNOLOGY

Motorola and FedEx Develop Wireless Pocket PC for Couriers 

Source: allNetDevices Staff

November 27, 2002 - FedEx and Motorola announced that they are developing a new handheld device for FedEx Express couriers that will provide wireless access to the FedEx network. 

The new handheld, called the FedEx PowerPad, will be based on Microsoft's Pocket PC platform. FedEx said that the PowerPad will be distributed to its 40,000 couriers early next year. It will replace the FedEx Supertracker, the current handheld device used by the couriers. 

The company said that the PowerPad will enhance and accelerate package information available to customers by enabling couriers to wirelessly send and receive near real-time information and updates from any location. Additional functionality, such as up-to-date information on shipping rates and inclement weather advisories, will be added as well, FedEx said in a statement. 

"We continuously explore ways that technology can help us improve customer service, and the FedEx PowerPad is the latest example," said Winn Stephenson, senior vice president of IT Development for FedEx Services. "The FedEx PowerPad will give FedEx Express couriers convenient online access from any location, allowing them to update customer-package information almost immediately. We expect to be adding even more customer service features." 

When a package is scanned, the FedEx PowerPad immediately uploads information into the FedEx network. The signature capture capability on the PowerPad's touch screen is also loaded onto the network, enabling confirmation of signature proof-of-delivery. 

The FedEx PowerPad will act as a personal network gateway and convey data directly to and from the FedEx internal network within minutes, the company said. Couriers will no longer need to return to the van to upload package information or refer to manuals for additional shipping and service information, boosting courier efficiency and maximizing package visibility. 

For more information: http://www.motorola.com and http://www.allNetDevices.com  website

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: Fedex has always believed in using wireless networks and devices to fulfill its customer focused business objectives and scoring a competitive advantage. It has worked with carriers and device manufacturers to create custom devices that optimize its work processes. Fedex's PowerPad is based on Pocket PC platform - another signal in the device OS war among the enterprise IT professionals. We consider Fedex one of the "best practices' mobile enterprises.  

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