The Write Stuff: New Technology Takes "Pen and Ink" Digital
New Digital Pen Functionality and the First Use of FedEx Power Pad Transforms Package Handling for FedEx in Asia
HONG KONG, January 24, 2003 - FedEx Express (FedEx), the world's largest express transportation company, will introduce the "digital pen" featuring Anoto functionality. The digital pen, which will be used by FedEx at its World Service Centers and by its couriers when delivering or picking up packages, represents the Company's continuing efforts to deliver exceptional service and convenience to its customers.
FedEx Express has a strong history of being a very "technology driven" company and spends an average of US$1.3 billion annually enhancing its IT capabilities. The company will be introducing both the digital pen and the FedEx PowerPad in Asia during the first half of 2003.
According to Linda Brigance, FedEx's Chief Information Officer in Asia Pacific, the introduction of the Anoto digital pen and its standard functionalities makes FedEx the first company in the air express transportation industry to incorporate the new technology with front line customers in Asia.
"While a large number of our customers here in Asia and throughout the world use our electronic tools to do business with FedEx, there are still a substantial number of customers who prefer or are required to fill in air waybills or other paper work by hand," explained Ms. Brigance.
"The new digital pen is significant because it enables FedEx to take handwritten information and transform it into to digital data in a way that is completely unobtrusive and requires no behavioral changes on the part of our customers. This data can then be transmitted in real time to FedEx processing hubs without having to be manually duplicated by FedEx. The result is a streamlined information flow, considerably less paper waste and ultimately greater speed and efficiency for both our staff and our customers."
The digital pen, which FedEx will introduce, contains "intelligent" components including an infrared camera, an image processor and a Bluetooth wireless transceiver among others. The pen is designed for use with digital paper featuring Anoto functionality, which is ordinary paper printed with a pattern of small dots, barely visible to the human eye, 0.3 mm (0.01 inches) apart. As the user is writing, the camera and components take "digital snapshots" of the pattern and stores the information to calculate the pen's exact location. The information is transmitted via Bluetooth wireless technology to a mobile phone, which can send it via general packet radio service (GPRS) to another mobile phone, PC, personal digital assistant (PDA), fax machine or other information bank.
In addition to the digital pen, FedEx will also be introducing the PowerPad in Asia for the first time. The FedEx PowerPad is a Microsoft Windows-Powered Pocket PC. Basically, how it works is as soon as a package is scanned, the PowerPad immediately uploads information into the FedEx network. The signature capture capability on the PowerPad's touch screen is also loaded onto the network, enabling confirmation of signature proof of delivery. The PowerPad acts as a personal network gateway and conveys data directly to and from the FedEx internal network within minutes. Couriers will no longer need to return to their vans to upload package information or refer to manuals for additional shipping and service information, boosting courier efficiency and maximizing package visibility.
With Bluetooth, both devices are transformed into telecommunications tools paired to a mobile phone allowing data to be transmitted from the digital pen or PowerPad to other devices (PC, fax, mobile phone) via the Internet.
FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., connects areas that generate 90% of the world's gross domestic product in 24-48 hours with door-to-door, customs-cleared service. The company's unmatched air route authorities and infrastructure make it the world's largest express transportation company, providing fast, reliable and time-definite transportation of more than 3.3 million items to 214 countries each working day. FedEx employs approximately 143,500 employees and has more than 45,800 drop-off locations, 640 aircraft and more than 45,000 vehicles in its integrated global network.
About the Anoto Group
Anoto Group AB is a Swedish hi-tech company with unique solutions for transmission of handwritten text from paper to digital media, scanning of printed text and intelligent camera surveillance. All products are based on digital camera technology and image processing in real time. The Anoto Group today has three brand names: Anoto® - a comprehensive solution entailing paper, pen and server technologies, allowing us to connect all types of writing paper with the digital world, C-Pen® - a scanning pen that can store, interpret and transfer printed text, and WeSpot™ - a hardware and software platform for intelligent camera surveillance. The Anoto Group has approximately 200 employees and is headquartered in Lund, Sweden, with regional offices in Stockholm, Boston, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Major shareholders are Ericsson, Capital Group and the founder Christer Fahraeus. The Anoto share is traded on the O-list, Attract 40 of Stockholmsborsen (Stockholm Stock Exchange) under the ticker ANOT. For more information: www.anotogroup.com or in Hong Kong: Melanie McFarland Neckmar (+852) 2801-0188.
