FedEx Corp. rolled out wireless support for its Web site yesterday, allowing users to access www.fedex.com and track the status of package deliveries from mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, pagers and other hand-held devices.
FedEx worked with w-Technologies Inc., a global provider of wireless software products, to provide the service.
“We recognize an expanding mobile work force will drive the rapid growth of hand-held devices, and we will continue to offer leading-edge technology that helps customers and employees conveniently manage the movement of packages,” said Mike Glenn, executive vice president of market development and corporate communications at FedEx.
To use the capability, wireless hand-held users go to mobile.fedex.com.
FedEx plans to follow with additional wireless solutions for its customers and for couriers, contractors and other professionals.
“The trend in the wireless data industry is to move desktop applications out to the mobile worker in order to increase work efficiencies,” said Tole Hart, senior analyst of mobile communications at Dataquest/Gartner. “Companies that are able to effectively increase the efficiency of the mobile worker will gain a competitive advantage.”
HauteDecor, New York, already has been seeing the benefits of FedEx's wireless technology, said Steve Schweighofer, vice president of fulfillment at the home furnishings Web site. He said the company's customers should benefit from FedEx's wireless move.
“The benefits of FedEx wireless technology are visible from the time the order leaves the fulfillment warehouse to final delivery,” Schweighofer said. “Wireless allows our customers to monitor their orders' movements at every step along the way.”
