According to Information Week, Dow Chemical Co. has embarked on an ambitious strategy during the next decade, relying on sensor networks, global positioning systems and auto-identification technologies to improve efficiencies and supply chain processes.

The company's complex supply chain, shipping more than 2 million products annually, relies on shipments by truck, rail, vessels and other modes of transportation. About 20 percent of its products cross international borders.

Dow Chemical has a tank truck and rail car tracking project underway using GPS technology, pulling information into an Internet site to see the visual location of each truck and train car. Later this year the project will expand to include small gas and cylinder containers and tanks.

Smart shelves for storing finished goods and maintenance parts will become reality at Dow this year. The parts will have RFID tags attached. Readers in the shelf will sense when a part has been added or removed, automatically debiting or adding inventory to the list.