Update: This article was originally published in 2009 and covers an older FedEx shipment tracking tool. For current shipping and order-management capabilities, explore Ordoro’s shipping and order management platform.
A couple of weeks ago, FedEx announced SenseAware, a new shipment tracking sensor that allows you to track the exact condition of the shipment using the following information –
- Precise temperature readings
- Shipment’s exact location (GPS based)
- When a shipment is opened or if the contents have been exposed to light
- Real-time alerts and analytics between trusted parties regarding the above vital signs of a shipment
Early Applications for the FedEx Shipment Tracking Tool
FedEx is initially targeting the life-sciences and health-care industry with this device. If it becomes cost effective, may be food industry will also start using it.
An interesting innovation in the shipments industry in any case.
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Why Precise Shipment Tracking Mattered
Standard package tracking could show when a shipment reached a facility or moved to the next stage of delivery. This FedEx shipment tracking tool offered visibility into what was happening to the package while it was in transit.
That distinction was especially important for sensitive shipments. Temperature changes could damage medication or biological materials, while unexpected light exposure might indicate that a package had been opened. Location and condition alerts gave businesses an opportunity to respond to a problem before the shipment reached its destination.
The technology also pointed toward the more connected shipping systems businesses use today. eCommerce merchants now expect shipment updates to move automatically between carriers, order-management platforms, sales channels, and customer notifications. Although the original device served a specialized market, the larger goal of improving shipment visibility remains relevant.
From Specialized Tracking to Connected Shipping
Shipping technology has changed significantly since this article was first published. Today, most eCommerce businesses need more than updates about an individual package. They also need a reliable way to compare shipping services, create labels, manage orders, and return tracking information to customers.
Ordoro brings those shipping and order-management tasks together in one platform, helping merchants maintain visibility from order import through delivery.
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