A tracking system for identifying contents of a container includes an electromagnetic
identification apparatus that provides an electromagnetic signal indicative of
a container content data set; a writer for use in encoding the container signal
onto the apparatus; a controller for receiving the encoded signal and for storing
the signal in a master database storage apparatus; and a reader configured outside
the container for communicating with the electromagnetic identification apparatus
and for receiving the encoded signal therefrom and corresponding to the container
content data signal set. A system for tracking items in an assembly includes an
apparatus for receiving electromagnetic identification tag signals; an apparatus
for creating a first tier aggregate signature; an apparatus for storing the signature
in a master database; and an apparatus for receiving modifying command signals
for creating a second tier aggregate signature corresponding to a modified set
of electromagnetic identification tags in an augmented assembly.