Which system uses electronic fields to identify and track items with digitally stored information?

The system that uses electronic fields to identify and track items with digitally stored information is radio frequency identification (RFID). RFID technology utilizes electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. These tags contain electronically stored information, which can be read by an RFID reader without direct line-of-sight, allowing for efficient tracking and monitoring of inventory or assets.

This capability is especially beneficial in environments like quick serve restaurants, where real-time inventory management can streamline operations and reduce wastage. RFID can be integrated with inventory management systems to enhance accuracy and speed when tracking stock levels, making it an invaluable tool in modern business practices.

Barcode scanning, while also used for tracking, relies on optical scanning and requires the scanner to be in the line of sight of the barcode, limiting its flexibility compared to RFID. Point of sale (POS) systems primarily focus on processing transactions and sales data rather than identifying and tracking the physical items in inventory. Manual inventory management involves physically counting and recording stock, which can lead to inaccuracies and inefficiencies compared to automated systems like RFID.