With interest growing in radio frequency identification (RFID) applications for the supply chain, Provia Software has joined the Auto-ID Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Founded in 1999, the center at MIT is working with technology providers and users to create the standards that will enable real-time RFID solutions in the supply chain.

"The ability to track products through their production life cycle will enable businesses to reduce losses from out-of-stock, theft or lost products, and to improve efficiencies across their operations," says John Pulling, vice president and COO of the Grand Rapids, Mich., provider of supply chain execution technology. "Joining the Auto-ID Center allows Provia to take a leadership role in developing RFID standards and solutions."

Provia is currently working with Gillette, a founding member of the Auto-ID Center, to develop an RFID network to provide reliable and accurate real-time information about business conditions.