The typical real-time information system today collects and communicates information in real time. The problem is that too often, these systems create islands of information.

For instance, warehouse managers may have access to the information in a warehouse management system, but corporate decision-makers, suppliers and customers can't get at it. At least not in real time.

Fortunately, a new generation of technologies is coming together to share information across the network of supply chain trading partners. While most have been available for years, they, along with altogether new technologies, are being integrated to an unprecedented degree.

As a result, these emerging real-time information systems will have a unique look:

• Data collection tools support real-time visibility.
• Communications infrastructure spans facilities and trading partners, sharing information.
• Planning, execution and management software applications support the decision-making process based on that newly available information.

The Internet binds these tools together, providing pervasive access to real-time information.

Following is a look at how this framework will raise the performance bar for real-time information systems. The drawing on page 32 identifies the information technologies and flow of information across these real-time systems of the future.

Automated data collection is the foundation of the real-time supply chain. "That literally means collecting data at the point of the action," says Dan Bodner, director of RFID products for Intermec (800-934-3163).

At the machine level, information is automatically collected by programmable logic controllers (PLC), PC-based controls and microprocessors that extract information from software systems to direct operations, and from automated materials handling systems as tasks take place.

Sensors, which automatically detect changes in temperature, motion, location and conditions are extending data collection at the machine level.

At the operator level, bar code scanning is still the most common way to collect data. Other technologies, however, are coming to the fore.

For instance, voice technology that allows an operator to interact with a host system using speech is expanding in picking operations. "Voice makes it very easy for the operators to interface with the WMS," says Don Lazzari, director of marketing, Vocollect (412-829-8145).

"With bar codes, you get information only when you scan a label," adds Steve Gerrard, vice president, marketing, Voxware (609-514-4100). "With voice, the communication link to the host system is continuous."

Wal-Mart's recent initiative has also raised the profile of passive RFID. "Bar code scanning is still primarily a manual operation," says Kevin Ashton, vice president, marketing, ThingMagic (866-833-4069). "RFID automates the process. That allows you to capture information at more points in the supply chain."

Meanwhile, active RFID tags continually track the location of high-value assets in a factory, distribution center and yard. "That kind of continuous connectivity wasn't available in the past," says Matt Armanino, senior vice president of corporate development, WhereNet (800-490-2261).

While these technologies enable visibility inside a facility, global positioning systems (GPS) track the location of trailers on the road and communicate that information over a cellular device. In the future, providers expect to integrate RFID capabilities with GPS. That would allow a user to have a real-time record of all inventory on a truck while also tracking the location while in transit. "We're still years away, but we're not ten years away," says Todd Felker, vice president, Terion (972-398-7303).

Accurate and timely data collection is the first step. Sharing that information comes next.

Inside a facility, a local area network, or LAN, connects a network of users, machines and devices to a system, like a server hosting a WMS.

The Ethernet, in which devices are connected to a high-speed cable, is the hard-wired backbone of most LANs. A radio frequency network operating on the 802.11 standard provides wireless connectivity to the network.

Bluetooth technology provides wireless communication over short distances between devices, like a mobile computer and printer. A Bluetooth network is often called a personal area network, or PAN.

Meanwhile, cellular has emerged as the technology of choice for coverage over wide area networks, or WANs.

As companies deploy more sophisticated communications solutions, these different technologies are converging into devices that can communicate over a wide area network, a local area network, and a personal area network.

"Someone delivering product might access a store's 802.11 network to update the system," explains Intermec's Bodner. "Back in the truck, they interface with a Bluetooth-enabled printer to print an invoice. Then they put the device in a docking station to connect with the enterprise using cellular."

Once data is available, integrated software tools support real-time business decisions.

The key word is integrated. "The concept of an on-demand business is that you don't have separate systems running manufacturing, warehousing and interacting with your customers," says Ann Breidenbach, director of strategy, IBM Sensor and Actuator Solutions (800-426-4968). "You have one integrated system that can associate an event with the appropriate business process and then act upon the information."

For example, the information captured by scanning an RFID tag on a truck can be used by software systems that open the gate, direct the truck to a bay and then notify the WMS that the trailer is coming, according to Allan Griebenow, CEO of AXCESS International, Inc. (972-407-6080).

At the enterprise level, real-time event management software applications monitor the supply chain for events that can impact operations. "Once alerted, you can then use an execution system, like a transportation management system, to take action against them," says Eric Nilsson, senior director, solutions management, SSA Global (312-258-6000).

The ability to tie these technologies and systems together through the Internet is what's really revolutionary. It provides the pervasive visibility and continuous connectivity to everyone in the supply chain that was impossible before. The challenge for supply chain software vendors is to create new ways to combine their tools with other technologies and the Internet to improve real-time operations.

"It's moving slowly, but we have customers who are looking for a real-time wireless advantage over their competitors," says Chris Heim, president and general manager, HighJump Software (800-328-3271). "They want to access their systems and their information from wherever they are. As software vendors, we have to deliver that."

Click here for the real time glossary.