About a year after Vega began working there, an inventory check found that three paintings were missing.

WSJ: Pa. man accused in art thefts at NYC-area estate

The theft was discovered during a routine inventory check of the warehouse, which "had been secured by a fence and locks, and visited regularly, " federation president Serge Beaulieu said in a statement in August.

CNN: 3 arrested in massive maple syrup heist

For example, a company may provide services that enable customers to check inventory levels, do online product configurations, or engage in a collaborative setting.

FORBES: 9 Ways We'll be Purchasing (or Not Purchasing) Cloud Computing

They need to complete workorders, create quotes, authorize material requisitions, check inventory levels, enter in their time and expenses and pull up a recent design.

FORBES: For Most Businesses, The iPhone Doesn't Matter

Or to check available inventory, request a quote or place an order from their mobile device.

FORBES: Does It Make Sense To Build A Mobile App For The iPhone?

Consumers can sometimes find better award availability by calling airlines and getting an experienced agent to hunt for seats and check the inventory of airline partners.

WSJ: Frequent-Flier Miles: Best Airlines for Cashing In

Or you can do tricky things like check your inventory, go through a portal and unplug your Ethernet port all at the same time, and that can cause exploitable problems.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Consumers use smartphones while in the store to check pricing, inventory availability, and product reviews.

FORBES: Can Omni-Channel Retail Combat Showrooming?