IS used in FDX

What is information systems:

Information system is defined by different ways but they are all in the same field. Information system is a collection of hardware, software, data, people and procedures that are designed to generate information that supports the day-to-day, short-range, and long-range activities of users in an organization.

Information system is a very wide field that is divided in different types, to fulfill business’s variety of requirements for information, which are: Executive Support Systems, Management Information Systems, Decision Support Systems, Knowledge Management Systems, Transaction Processing Systems, and Office Automation Systems.

· Firstly, the Executive Support Systems ("ESS") is designed to help senior management make strategic decisions. It gathers analyses and summarizes the key internal and external information used in the business.

· Secondly, Management Information Systems ("MIS") is mainly concerned with internal sources of information. MIS usually take data from the transaction processing systems and summarize it into a series of management reports.

· Thirdly, Decision Support Systems ("DSS") are specifically designed to help management make decisions in situations where there is uncertainty about the possible outcomes of those decisions. DSS comprise tools and techniques to help gather relevant information and analyze the options and alternatives. DSS often involves use of complex spreadsheet and databases to create "what-if" models.

· Fourthly, Knowledge Management Systems ("KMS") exist to help businesses create and share information. These are typically used in a business where employees create new knowledge and expertise - which can then be shared by other people in the organization to create further commercial opportunities.

· Fifthly, Transaction Processing Systems ("TPS") are designed to process routine transactions efficiently and accurately.

· Finally Office Automation Systems are systems that try to improve the productivity of employees who need to process data and information.

Information systems used in FedEx

FedEx conducted a very good level of information systems that are helping the company to do its job in an effective way which helps the company in gaining more profits and make the customers more comfortable with their services. Systems, which are used in FedEx, are professional in many ways and levels.

FedEx applying in there company an (ERP) system Enterprise Recourse Planning which is an integrated computer-based application that is used in managing internal and external resources. The main purpose of this system is to control the flow of information between all the business functions inside the organization and manage a stable connection with the outside stakeholders. ERP is built on a centralized database and normally make use of a common computing platform. ERP systems combine all business operations into a standardized and enterprise-wide system environment.

FedEx implemented a tracking service with which the costumers can locate the position of their document at their own convenience. They established the FedEx website in 1994 and then include on it all the means of technologies that help the company to grow more and more. FedEx became the first transportation company with Web site features that allowed customers to generate their own unique bar-coded shipping labels and request couriers to pick up shipments.

One of the information systems that FedEx use in their website’s tools for shipment is FedEx Ship Manager™ Lite. it’s an easy-to-use, simplified online shipping tool which helps you prepare a shipment, get rates and transit times and schedule a pick-up without having to login. All you need is your FedEx account number to get started and you can start shipping right away!

Similarly, FedEx Ship Manager® at fedex.com is another mean of information system for shipment which is the web-based shipping application that allows you to prepare your shipments, find your shipment’s rates and transit times and schedule a pick-up for your shipment through a single online gateway. No need to download software - simply log on to www.fedex.com and select prepare shipment from the Ship tab. That was a simple difference between it and FedEx Ship Manager™ Lite.

Also, FedEx® Ship Manager Software is a free of charge, self-installable software suitable for all shippers. Shippers requiring an integrated system will need support from a FedEx Field Engineer. The unique features of this software are: customization which provides a customized option for customers’ shipping changes, ship alters which notify the customers that the order on its way, and other features. FedEx can also offer hardware to high volume shippers who wish to use FedEx® Ship Manager Software.

Moreover, FedEx’s information systems not only focus in how to make shipments easier for customers, but also they build some technologies and information systems to help the company in being more effective in doing their processes. FedEx start using wireless network technologies which have been the key of their success because of the service that keep customers informed about package whereabouts and employees up to date on information they need to speed package pickup and delivery. FedEx has been exploiting wireless technology since long before most of the customers had ever heard of cell phones or PDAs in the late 1970s and early 1980s. First they used the voice-dispatched networks, later on; they converted those to digital networks. The application that used in running the network is www.fedex.com, which saves costs in dealing with customers and generates new business.

FedEx also provides information system to deal with other businesses which is FedEx Ground Package System, Inc… It provides business-to-business package shipping and ground delivery services. The company was formerly known as Roadway Package System, Inc. and changed its name to FedEx Ground Package System, Inc. in 2000.

In addition, FedEx was successfully started on using the Domestic Customer Invoicing (DCI) System in 1995 which is one of the world's largest client servers imaging and work flow system. The DCI system is designed to scan, recognize, and store images of nearly 1,000,000 air bills each day at FedEx's Memphis headquarters before sent them out to several remote data entry service providers. The data entry providers then convert the images into keyed data used for customer demanding.

Any other issues intrested or importnat about FedEx

· FedEx Suffers Tracking Update Issues; iPhone Buyers :

Federal Express is having some troubles today with updates of its package tracking system. Whether or not it has anything to do with the umpteen thousand people checking on their Apple iPhone 4 deliveries.

· Global supply chain inefficiencies :
Global sourcing and global competition is putting constant pressure on your supply chain to drive costs down. And global processes are complex, especially those for import and export — where you have to contend with multiple languages, duties and taxes, time zones, and currencies

· Out-of-stocks :
Retailers lose 4 to 8 percent of revenue for not having the right product at the right time. Back orders mean $11 to $16 of incremental cost (shipping, call center, warehouse, processing).

· Drop-ship service :
Using a drop-ship service, you can maintain a wider assortment of merchandise without incurring the extra upfront inventory costs. About 15 percent of a nonstory retailer’s revenues are derived from vendor-direct (drop-ship) programs.

· Returns :
Consumers are savvier than ever, so they’re demanding better services. This includes returns. Did you realize that 5 percent of all merchandise is returned? Or that 35 percent of all apparel is returned?

FedEx Supply chain Management :
The FedEx Center for Supply Chain Management also conducts educational programs that have ranged from one-day seminars for the general public to customized, comprehensive SCM programs for a single firm .The program addressed a number of important SCM topics that specifically met the needs of Vitro participants. Topics addressed in the Vitro SCM program Introduction to Supply Chain Management
* The Human Factor in SCM - Teamwork, Learning, and Motivation
* Supply Chain Information Systems and Technology
* Supply Chain Process Improvement / Cycle Time Reduction
* Procurement / Sourcing Issues
* Manufacturing Issues
* Inventory Management Issues
* Logistics Issues
* Customer Order Processing and Demand Management

How IS help FedEx

Advantage of IS

Online

	FedEx Ship Manager™ Lite	FedEx Ship Manager™ at FedEx.com
Customer profile	New or infrequent shipper Requires simplicity and guidance	Frequent shipper, several packages per day Requires additional features
Features	Prepare a shipment (Air Waybill) 1 package up to 68kg per shipment Get rates and transit times Schedule a pick-up Receive automated status notifications	All FedEx Ship Manager™ Lite features, PLUS: Integrated customs documentation Multiple packages in one shipment Freight shipments (above 68kg ) Address book Shipping history & reporting
Requirements:	FedEx account : Yes Login: No Internet connection: Low bandwidth or Broadband	FedEx account : Yes Login: Yes Internet connection: Broadband preferred
Benefits	Quick & easy, Ship immediately with your FedEx account in four simple steps	Save time & reduce administration, store frequently used shipping data Peace of mind with access to reports and shipping history

Offline

FedEx® Ship Manager Software is a free of charge, self-installable software suitable for all shippers. Shippers requiring an integrated system will need support from a FedEx Field Engineer.

Unique Features Ship Alert: Notify your recipient that the shipment is on its way Customs documents: Includes customs documents such as commercial invoice, textile declaration, etc Customization: The application can be customized as your shipping changes

Advanced

	FedEx Web Services	FedEx Ship Manager™ Server
Customer profile	Customers who want to integrate FedEx functionality directly into their existing order-entry, warehouse management or other business software systems. Customers who have IT/developer resources to create their own interface to FedEx-hosted functionality.	Customers who have an absolute need for integration and high speed processing. Customers who have IT/developer resources to integrate their own existing software with the customer-hosted FedEx system functionality.

Shipments

Nowadays, one of the most critical points of business is the transportation of what you sell. If you don’t consider this within your business strategy, you will soon be out of business. FedEx has build up their business on this need, and it became today on the top of the pyramid.

  According to this, FedEx offers many options to the users. Business or persons can choose which system to use corresponding to their needs and preferences.

Tracking

FedEx strategy is to maintain its position among the best companies in its class. For this reason, the company has paid great attention to its website, and provided to users the easiest way to track their packages online. FedEx has come up with the three following ways:

FedEx Tracking Tools enable you to find out the status of your shipments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without having to call FedEx customer service. This will help you save time and obtain an electronic proof of your shipment status, which you can forward as you wish. All of our shipping tools provide full tracking capabilities. In addition, specific tools are available to allow tracking through the internet and email.

Internet tracking – Internet Tracking allows you to query and obtain package status information via fedex.com for up to 30 shipments simultaneously. Detailed tracking results can be forwarded to up to three email addresses. Select "Track" on the FedEx homepage. You can track your packages at any time from any place in the world.

E-mail tracking – You can track the status of your shipments using the convenience of email. Just send an email to track@fedex.com from anywhere in the world to receive detailed tracking information on up to 30 Air Waybills with one request. Within minutes results are received and can be forwarded to as many parties as necessary.

FedEx Web Services – FedEx Web Services is the next generation API for integrating software applications with FedEx Systems. From a business and product planning standpoint, FedEx Web Services is an ideal choice for integration. Essentially, they are a collection of programming technologies that allows users to build customized solutions for application integration.

FedEx InSight® – FedEx InSight® is a new online shipment visibility application. Using your company's account number(s), InSight provides actionable status information about your shipments. It automatically tracks your incoming, outgoing and third party payer shipments (without a tracking number) and can immediately notify you via email of delivery, clearance delays and attempted delivery.

For some special deliveries, FedEx will ask you for your signature for proofing purposes. This action is for the costumer security.

Overview of the company

FedEx Corporation, originally known as FDX Corporation, is a logistics services company, based in the United States with headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. The name "FedEx" is a syllabic abbreviation of the name of the company's original air division, Federal Express, which was used from 1973 until 2000. For the operating companies that compete collectively under the FedEx name worldwide: FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, FedEx Office, FedEx Custom Critical, FedEx Trade Networks, FedEx Supply Chain and FedEx Services.

Mission and Strategy

Mission
FedEx Corporation will produce superior financial returns for its shareowners by providing high value-added logistics, transportation and related business services through focused operating companies. Customer requirements will be met in the highest quality manner appropriate to each market segment served. FedEx will strive to develop mutually rewarding relationships with its employees, partners and suppliers. Safety will be the first consideration in all operations. Corporate activities will be conducted to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Strategy

The unique FedEx operating strategy works seamlessly - and simultaneously - on three levels.
Compete collectively by standing as one brand worldwide and speaking with one voice.
Operate independently by focusing on our independent networks to meet distinct customer needs.
Manage collaboratively by working together to sustain loyal relationships with our workforce, customers and investors.

Principal Officers
· Frederick W. Smith, Chairman, President and CEO.
· Robert B. Carter, Executive Vice President, FedEx Information Services and CIO.
· T. Michael Glenn, Executive Vice President, Market Development and Corporate Communications.
· Alan B. Graf Jr., Executive Vice President and CFO.
· Christine P. Richards, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.



Information for all FedEx Companies

Information for each FedEx Companies

FedEx Express
FedEx Express is the world's largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to every U.S. address and to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, usually in one to two business days with the delivery time guaranteed. It Founded in 1971 as Federal Express Corporation. Workforce more than 142,000 employees worldwide.
Headquarters:
· Worldwide: Memphis, Tenn.
· Asia Pacific: Hong Kong, China
· Canada: Toronto, Ontario
· Europe/Middle East/Africa: Brussels, Belgium
· Latin America: Miami, Fla.


FedEx Trade Networks
FedEx Trade Networks helps simplify international shipping for customers of all sizes by providing flexible end-to-end services that include customs brokerage, global cargo distribution and trade facilitation solutions. Customers can utilize FedEx Trade Networks services as an entire package, or take advantage of individual services as needed. The Workforce more than 3,500 employees. It Founded in February 2000. It located in Memphis, Tenn.
1) FedEx Supply Chain

as an integrated logistics provider, FedEx Supply Chain executes solutions that leverage the FedEx transportation and information networks in commercial markets around the world. The company provides integrated FedEx services for customers with high-value products or complex supply chain requirements. FedEx Supply Chain offers specialty logistics services that include critical inventory logistics, transportation management and temperature-controlled transportation through a network of owned and managed resources – all tightly integrated via advanced IT systems. It Founded in 1989 as Roadway Logistics System; rebranded as FedEx Supply Chain in 2009. It located in Memphis, Tenn. Workforce: more than 1,300 team members.


2)FedEx Customer Information Services or FedEx TechConnect
FedEx TechConnect is a subsidiary of FedEx Corporate Services, Inc. Its mission is to align customer contact centers, worldwide revenue operations, claims, trace and package engineering within FedEx’s professional services company. It was established in 2006 and they have more than 4500 employee of workforce. It is located in Memphis, Tenn.

3)FedEx Services

FedEx Services coordinates sales, marketing, information technology, customer service, and worldwide supply chain services support for the global FedEx brand. This includes the data management and networking expertise behind the package tracking capabilities for FedEx Express, FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight, along with e-commerce services, customer contact services, and other functions of the corporation’s professional services company. Founded in 2000 and more than 12,500 employees are worked in FedEx Services.

FedEx Ground
FedEx Ground specializes in cost-effective, small-package shipping, offering dependable business-to-business delivery or convenient residential service through FedEx Home Delivery and FedEx Smart Post. It Founded in 1985 as RPS; rebranded as FedEx Ground in 2000. FedEx Ground located in Pittsburgh, Pa and Workforce more than 70,000 team members. The Ground Fleet more than 22,000 motorized vehicles.
Operating Facilities:
32 ground hubs and over 500 pickup/delivery stations.
25 FedEx Smart Post distribution centers.

1)FedEx Smart Post

In 2005, FedEx acquired FedEx Smart Post, a leading national small-parcel consolidator. FedEx Smart Post specializes in the delivery of low-weight, less time-sensitive business – to-consumer packages, using the U.S. Postal Service for final delivery to residences. FedEx Smart Post’s customers include e-tailors and catalog companies. Through its network of 25 distribution hubs FedEx Smart Post provides delivery Monday through Saturday to all residential addresses in the U.S., including P.O. Boxes and APO/FPO military destinations. Founded in 1998 as Parcel Direct, was rebranded FedEx Smart Post in 2004. Headquarters New Berlin, Wis. The Workforce more than 5,000 employees and they have 25 Distribution Centers.

2)FedEx Home Delivery

Adivision of FedEx Ground, specializing in residential delivery Tuesday through Saturday and offers delivery options to provide more flexibility for residential recipients. The logo includes a drawing of a dog carrying a package . FedEx Home Delivery only operates in the United States. To make up the difference, FedEx Ground in Canada performs the business deliveries and residential deliveries.

3) FedEx Freight

FedEx Freight was established in 2001. The Headquarters in Memphis, Tenn. The Workforce approximately 36,000 employees (including FedEx Custom Critical). The FedEx Custom Critical is North America's largest time specific critical shipment carrier providing the fastest, door-to-door same-day and next-day delivery of urgent freight, valuable items and hazardous goods. It was established in in 1947 as Roberts Cartage; became an expedited carrier, Roberts Express, in 1980; was rebranded FedEx Custom Critical in 2000.

FedEx Office
FedEx Office (formerly FedEx Kinko's) provides access points to printing and shipping expertise with reliable service when and where you need it. The Dallas-based company has a network of more than 1,900 digitally-connected locations. FedEx Office services include copying and digital printing, professional finishing, document creation, direct mail, signs and graphics, Internet access, computer rental, FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipping, and more. In addition, the company offers FedEx Offices Print Online, an online printing solution for business and personal printing, at home, at the office or on the go. Products, services and hours vary by location. Founded in 1970 in Santa Barbara, Calif.The workforce approximately 18,000 employees worldwide.