Which technology enables real-time tracking of goods across the supply chain?

• A. Barcodes and label scans
• B. RFID technology
• C. Cloud-based inventory software
• D. Global positioning systems

Answer: (B)

Real-time visibility across the supply chain comes from automatic identification and data capture that can read items without manual scanning. RFID uses radio waves to identify tagged goods as they move through receiving, storage, and shipping points, gathering data and updating location and status in real time. This allows many items to be tracked at once and across multiple facilities, providing continuous insight into where each item is and what stage it’s in.

Barcodes require line-of-sight and individual scans, which slows processes and makes continuous, large-scale tracking across the chain more cumbersome. Cloud-based inventory software handles data storage and analysis but doesn’t by itself identify or track items automatically. GPS can show where a vehicle or asset is, but it often lacks item-level visibility inside pallets or containers unless paired with other tagging methods. RFID combines automatic identification with scalable, real-time tracking of goods throughout the supply chain.