FedEx launches new Surround system for smart logistics in APAC

FedEx has announced the launch of its innovative FedEx Surround system, an intelligent solution geared towards monitoring and intervention to enhance logistics and supply chain management. The service is initially being offered to customers in Singapore and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and will soon be extended to other markets in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, including China, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, Korea, and Taiwan.

The FedEx Surround system integrates with the company’s existing transportation network, offering three service levels: Select, Preferred, and Premium. These tools aim to benefit industries such as healthcare, aerospace, and high-tech by providing critical updates and interventions, ensuring the integrity and timely delivery of sensitive shipments.

FedEx Surround offers three main advantages to its customers. Firstly, it provides flexibility and control through a dashboard that offers near real-time global visibility and predictive analytics using artificial intelligence (AI) and SenseAware ID. Secondly, it brings greater value by enhancing operational capabilities through special handling codes, which enable prioritised boarding and handling, cold chain support, and both in- and out-of-network intervention. Lastly, it offers peace of mind by ensuring 24x7 expert support for proactive monitoring and intervention, along with customised reporting for customers.

Kawal Preet, President of Asia Pacific at FedEx, said, “At FedEx, we are constantly innovating to meet the evolving needs of our customers. With data-backed intelligent solutions and the introduction of FedEx Surround, we are building smart logistics for our customers. The tools are not just about tracking; it’s about smartly intervening in real-time to ensure that shipments are not only monitored but also actively managed to mitigate risk. This is a game-changer for businesses relying on just-in-time delivery and high-stakes shipments.”

The FedEx Surround monitoring and intervention solution uses advanced sensor technology, including SenseAware ID, to provide continuous monitoring and proactive interventions for shipments worldwide. FedEx has pioneered sensor-based logistics, particularly for urgent and high-value shipments. The SenseAware ID sensor, which is lightweight and compact, transmits precise package location data every two seconds via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to WiFi access points or established gateway devices throughout the FedEx network. This technology allows packages to be tracked hundreds of times, compared to the dozen times typical of traditional package scanning protocols, offering an unprecedented amount of real-time data about shipment locations.

FedEx demonstrates its commitment to innovation by strategically using AI and machine learning technologies within the FedEx Surround system. These technologies predict potential disruptions in the shipping process, enabling FedEx and its customers to make swift, informed decisions. The FedEx Surround monitoring and intervention system is poised to transform how businesses manage logistics by offering enhanced visibility and control over their supply chains.