The push is on in several industries to gain better control of work-in-process using automatic data collection (ADC) application software. Industries leading the charge are pharmaceuticals, electronics, food/beverage and automotive, according to a report from the research firm Venture Development. The four account for more than 50% of demand for this software.

Manufacturing software is "concentrated in vertical markets that require accurate part/product tracking for recalls, safety and efficiency," says analyst Taylor Smith. He expects that by 2007 annual sales of this software will reach $135 million.