Microsoft’s Intelligent Cloud Drives FedEx Surround, an Integrated IoT-based Commerce Solution

FedEx has partnered with Microsoft to announce the launch of FedEx Surround, a totally reinvented end-to-end commerce solution to tackle technical challenges faced in the industry. FedEx Surround is expected to be commercially available in coming weeks, even as Microsoft announced additional solutions would be available for all FedEx customers, including omnichannel marketing capabilities delivered via Dynamic 365 and other app-based tools.

Announcing FedEx Surround — Moving Goods at Pace of Lightning

FedEx Surround would transform the packaged goods movement by combining the global digital and logistics network of FedEx with the power of Microsoft’s intelligent cloud.

FedEx Surround, the first solution resulting from the FedEx and Microsoft collaboration, allows any business to enhance visibility into its supply chain by leveraging data to provide near-real-time analytics into shipment tracking, which will drive more precise logistics and inventory management.

While most carriers are reactive to global logistics dynamics with limited visibility options built into a package’s journey, FedEx Surround will provide near-real-time insights — down to the granular level of ZIP code, for example — to shine a digital light on the progress and movement of physical inventory.

Integrated Commerce with Analytics and Security Frameworks ensure Sustainable Growth

In an official announcement, Microsoft stated that together with FedEx, it is aiming to create opportunities for their customers through multiple joint offerings powered by Azure and Dynamics 365. The integrated digital commerce solution will use data and analytics solutions to reinvent the most critical aspects of the commerce experience and enable businesses to better compete in today’s increasingly digital landscape.

At the time of this announcement, Frederick W. Smith, chairman and CEO, FedEx said-

“FedEx has been reimagining the supply chain since our first day of operation, and we are taking it to a new level with today’s announcement. Together with Microsoft, we will combine the immense power of technology with the vast scale of our infrastructure to help revolutionize commerce and create a network for what’s next for our customers.”

This new strategic alliance represents a long-term commitment between the companies to fuel innovation, collaborate on product development and share subject-matter expertise.

FedEx+Microsoft Azure Partnership: Logistics Get a Logical Roadmap

Today, FedEx networks link more than 99% of the world’s gross domestic product across 220 countries and territories, and Microsoft Azure is trusted by more than 95% of Fortune 500 companies. By combining the breadth and scale of the FedEx network and the Microsoft cloud, businesses will have an unprecedented level of control and insight into the global movement of goods.

“Now more than ever, organizations are counting on an efficient and capable supply chain to remain competitive and open for business,” said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft.

Satya added, “Together with FedEx, we will apply the power of Azure, Dynamics 365 and their AI capabilities to this urgent need, building new commerce experiences that transform logistics for our mutual customers around the world.”

FedEx Surround: A Quick Overview

During the pandemic, the speed of business may have dropped a few notches. Yet, Microsoft and FedEx have come together to ensure the foundations of commerce industry are not thrown away. The focus clearly lies with delivering quality and agility with convenience and health safety at its center.

The highly time-sensitive packages will see quick delivery, especially if the packages are labeled as essentials or emergency goods.

For example, a hospital may urgently need a package to help save a life, or a part may need rapid transport to a manufacturing facility to avoid an operational shutdown. In each instance, the near-real-time data insights provided by FedEx Surround offer a significant advantage to not only the organizations using the platform but also the people they serve.

Combined Benefits of AI, IoT and LiDAR Technologies

FedEx Surround will leverage Microsoft’s proprietary AI platform and machine learning applications to collect multiple data points, ranging from product information to geospatial details, and secure delivery routes through FedEx’s in-house IoT capabilities.

With real-time visibility of goods’ movement, the freight carriage industry would prevent merchants from losses caused due to incorrect addresses, delays in shipment, natural calamities, or pandemic-induced lockdown.

FedEx Surround would also leverage historical data of past cargo movements and routes to create a more resilient and safe commercial ecosystem.

Source, Microsoft News/ FedEx