Excel does not populate FedEx tracking numbers appropriately which creates a problem when analyzing shipment data. As a merchant, you might run into this issue with your customers.
This article will detail how to explain to customers the process of configuring FedEx tracking numbers in Excel.
Overview
When a FedEx invoice is opened in Excel, the numbers are formatted into scientific notation automatically. The tracking numbers in reports will resemble the example below.
Example: 573874215431 => 5.7387E+11
This scientific notation format creates issues when analyzing shipment data and prevents the system from performing.
Notification email to send to customers
Use the example email below to explain to your customers how to properly format FedEx tracking numbers in Excel.
Hi Customer Name,
I wanted to take the time to inform you about an issue with FedEx invoices and Excel. When a FedEx invoice is opened in Excel, the tracking numbers are listed in scientific notation. This format causes issues when analyzing shipments and disrupts workflow. To undo the scientific notation formatting of the tracking number, and keep service running smoothly, follow these steps in the Excel document.
- Tap on the column heading for the row with the tracking numbers (Example: I)
- Tap Data in the ribbon (row of tabs at the top of excel window)
- Tap Text to Columns.
- Select Delimited.
- Tap Next button.
- Select Text from Column data format.
- Tap Finish button.
This is required for any shipment to be processed by the services built into our system. In other words, a valid tracking number is required. If the tracking numbers listed in the Excel document all end in a string of several zeros (e.g. Row 2: 573870000000, Row 3: 573870000000, Row 4: 573870000000) then the file was saved in Excel in scientific notation. In instances like this, the tracking numbers have been erased and the original file needs to be download from FedEx in order to be analyzed properly. Please let us know if you have any questions.