Final answer:
Mary was able to track her Amazon shipment using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, which uses tags scanned at various checkpoints for real-time updates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mary was able to track the shipment of her new headphones using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology.
RFID technology allows for non-contact tracking of objects through electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to items. The tags contain electronically stored information. In the context of online shopping, these tags can be scanned at various checkpoints across the supply chain, providing real-time updates on the location of the shipment. This enables customers and businesses to track the progress of orders from warehouse dispatch through delivery.
RFID is a crucial part of modern logistics and supply chain management, aligning with other technologies like barcode scanners and online tracking systems to ensure transparency and efficiency in delivery services.