Provia Software (616-285-3311, www.provia.com) introduced a radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled version of ViaView, the supply chain provider's event management, visibility and decision support application.

The new application is designed to accept and analyze data captured by RFID systems. Wal-Mart has recently announced that it will supply real-time information back to suppliers as their RFID-tagged products move through Wal-Mart's DCs and stores.

"Right now, there is a gap between when products leave a supplier's warehouse and when they arrive at a Wal-Mart distribution center or store," said John Pulling, chief operating officer. "This product will allow suppliers to use the data collected and supplied by Wal-Mart to track and monitor the status of their products in the Wal-Mart supply chain at a very detailed level."

Using the new application, for instance, suppliers will be able to identify short shipments as soon as cartons arrive at a DC and track how long product remains in the warehouse before it's shipped to a store.