Abstract: An automated tracking process for items of manufacture and inventory, in which each item and each grouping or location of items is labeled with a unique nonvolatile machine-readable code identifying a corresponding data record maintained in a programmable digital computer. A plurality of label reading devices are utilized to report the passage or association of items to the computer, either directly in realtime or via delayed batch entry from offline storage. When an order is received, data records are reviewed to identify items with characteristics demanded by the order, containers holding items selected during the search are identified by label and location for retrieval to an area where individual items are picked from the container. Loading, retrieval and item picking may be cross-checked by computer comparison of the employee action actually taken against the action desired, and employee efficiency may be measured by recording as data records both correct and incorrect actions taken.