Answer to Question 1
F
This is the simplest form of secondary-data research.
Answer to Question 2
The rapid advent of smartphones and tablet computers such as the iPad has spawned an entire industry of applications that can be quickly downloaded at little or no cost to the user. While many of these apps are little more than entertaining time wasters (think Angry Birds), there is a growing focus on productivity tools and features. The ability to use a camera to capture barcode data for price lookup and the Internet connection for mobile commerce both have supply chain implications. Consumers can now shop any time, anywhere. Retail supply chains must have agile fulfillment capabilities to support these customers.
Supply chain capabilities are emerging with data collection and transmission tools leading the way. An add-on feature turns an iPod Touch into the EasyPay Touch that has a barcode scanner and a credit card magnetic strip reader. It can be used for point-of-sale checkout and price lookup. Industrial add-on scanners have been developed so that smartphones and tablets can be used in distribution operations instead of higher cost handheld data terminals. Supply chain execution and event management tools are also going mobile with basic visibility and traceability functionality for smartphones starting to appear in the marketplace.