An auto-identification system is described that includes a plurality of distributed auto-id nodes that are operable to track physical objects as they move through an operation of an enterprise, such as, for example, a supply chain network or a sales network. The auto-id nodes are distributed across sites of the network, and are in communication with enterprise application systems and/or data acquisition systems such as RFID readers or sensor devices. By focusing on their respective sites, the auto-id nodes minimize the amount of data tracked by their respective enterprise applications. The auto-id node may include a component manager that dynamically loads components for use in the auto-id node, without disrupting an operation of the auto-id node. For example, the component manager may be operable to add a new adaptor component that communicates with a new type of device, without needing to stop and restart the auto-id node.