Objects (SKUs) are tagged with standard data, including an identifier. The tag is readable by a device such as a scanner or radio receiver. As these objects are inventoried, the tags are read by fixed or hand-held readers that are equipped to append GPS coordinates (4D data) to the tag data. These objects may also be summarized by identifier. This information is subsequently transferred to a client node computer where it is further summarized into a hierarchical scheme such as commodity code. Each object is coded to indicate its usage (in reserve, available, private, hidden, etc.). A database index composed of commodity code, quantity and a usage code is built and published to a network on a defined schedule. A second database of stocking entity names and 4D locations is also established, published and updated by the site administrator as needed. Commodities are networked through a global system of increasing levels of summation. The base (root) level represents the most general commodity code and the greatest level of summation. A means is provided for physically locating the objects within a site. A means is provided to source commodities globally using the network and to determine the location of the nearest stocking entity.