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ries. In 1998 however, FedEx internal IT system was overhauled under Project GRID (Global Resources for Information Distribution), PCs were replaced with network systems.[5] Its purpose was to avoid rapid obsolescence of PCs as newly installed applications use up processing power.[5] The network computers also linked on a global Internet Protocol network. This linkage allowed FedEx to deliver higher quality services to its customers.

After a brief overview of the development of information system and technology of FedEx for the late twentieth century, let us now have a look into a few of the important innovations that are in use currently. With the globalization and revolution brought about from the boom of the internet age, FedEx started to integrate wireless solutions, Bluetooth and RFID to become digitally innovative.[6] Wireless technology are used in a some of FedEx's subsidiaries, namely FedEx Express, FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight shipments.[3] SuperTracker was still in use to keep their customers informed about the status and location of their packages. By using Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) and pagers, FedEx is able to notify its customers about the location of their package.[6] While on the management side, the wireless technology is use to scan the barcodes on the packages or shipments to record time, destination, and delivery information that are instantly updated and recorded on FedEx's supercomputer. From here, its customers are able to retrieve the data.[6]

Following the barcode system, FedEx have also implemented radio frequency identification (RFID) since 1999.[6] RFID differs from barcode as it can be embedded and hidden with no need for line-of-sight scanning. They can be read through wood, plastic, cardboard, and other materials except metal. This is especially suitable in use for FedEx where parcels are often stored in bulks, in boxes or in sacks. RFID tags are also applicable in harsh environments that FedEx packages often will have to endure en route to their destinations.[7] A customer can enter their parcel reference number on the FedEx website and immediately identify the location of their parcel.[6] Besides packages, FedEx couriers also use automatic keyless entry and ignition system that contains RFID transponders embedded within a Velcro wristband.[6] FedEx couriers can easily lock and unlock their cars with the wristband through RFID scanning which makes delivery easier and more efficient.[7]

In 2003, FedEx introduced FedEx PowerPads which is a Microsoft Windows-Powered Pocket PC that is able to scan a package and immediately uploads information such as signatures, proof of delivery, and time stamp into the FedEx network.[6] This technology also allows couriers to send and receive real-time information even when they are away from their vehicles. It also improved courier efficiency and enhances customer service by providing near-real-time, wireless access to the FedEx network.

Figure 2 : FedEx PowerPad [3]

Besides advanced electronic gadgets to help FedEx with their daily operations, FedEx also provided its customers with a variety of services using its official website. For example, in tracking the packages, customers can choose from a variety of options including tracking by reference number, or using My FedEx, or the latest system, FedEx InSight. FedEx InSight allows its users to monitor and 本论文由英语论文网提供整理，提供论文代写，英语论文代写，代写论文，代写英语论文，代写留学生论文，代写英文论文，留学生论文代写相关核心关键词搜索。