Throughout the supply chain, from the manufacturer to the retailer and at every point in between, there are many uses for modern technology. With products such as the IF5 serial reader for RFID applications, SOTI MobileControl for technology solutions and the EX25 bar code scan engine, it's possible to seamlessly track, manage and control assets around the globe. It's hard to imagine doing business in a world where products such as these were not available.

Software products such as SOTI have become particularly useful for businesses because they take advantage of wireless mobile technology to help manage the supply chain and provide real-time business intelligence to important decision makers in the organization. Since the average supply chain includes mobile field forces across diverse network configurations, it is crucial to have tools that help manage, support and secure these systems. Software applications like this offer all-in-one solutions, advanced security features, extensible architecture and competitive pricing.

Bar codes have been an important part of the supply chain for some time, as anyone who has ever worked in a grocery store will undoubtedly know. Devices such as the EX25 bar code scan engine have taken this technology to the next level with integrated near/far area imaging, small size, durable design and versatile scanning. People who have used this tool say it is quick to aim and scan, and that its compact and rugged design has helped make it easier to use for hours on end. It even complies with new industry standards requiring the use of 2D barcodes and offers Omni-directional scanning.

The IF5 is an example of the next generation of asset management tools, since it offers serial reading of RFID tags, which use radio frequency identification to track products without touching them. There is no telling where technology will go next, but it is certain that operations for supply chain members will continue to get easier as time goes by.