Blockchain Technologyin Supply Chain Management
Blockchain Technologyin Supply Chain Management
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I. Introduction
In today’s global economy, supply chains have become more complicated, requiring
better and clearer systems to manage the movement of goods and information.
Traditional supply chain methods often depend on centralized databases and manual
work, which can cause inefficiencies, delays, and mistrust among the people involved.
As companies look for new ways to solve these problems, blockchain technology has
become a promising solution that could completely change how supply chains are
managed.
Blockchain is a type of technology that keeps records in a secure and clear way across
a group of people or organizations. Every transaction is saved in a block, which is
connected to earlier blocks, forming a timeline of records that can't be changed and
can be seen by everyone who has permission. This clear and secure nature makes
blockchain especially useful for supply chains, where different groups—like makers,
suppliers, delivery companies, and sellers—need to work together smoothly.
The possible benefits of blockchain for managing supply chains go beyond just
keeping records. By allowing real-time tracking of goods and automating tasks with
smart contracts, blockchain can greatly improve how efficiently things run and lower
expenses. It also helps solve important problems like tracking where products come
from, following rules, and preventing fraud, which are more and more crucial in
today's market.
This introduction prepares us for a detailed look at how blockchain technology can
change supply chain management, especially in terms of making things more
transparent and efficient. The following parts will explain how blockchain makes
these improvements possible, using real-life examples from different industries. By
doing this, we hope to show how blockchain can transform supply chain management
and what this means for the future.
1. Decentralization:
The data is spread out across many computers, so no single person or group has full
control. This makes it harder for anyone to tamper with the data and improves
security.
2. Immutability:
Once a transaction is added to the blockchain, it cannot be changed or removed. This
feature is made possible by using special codes (cryptographic hashing) that connect
blocks of data securely in a chain.
3. Transparency:
Everyone in the network can see the full history of transactions, which helps build
trust and responsibility among users. This openness is especially useful in supply
chains, where different groups need to work together.
4. Consensus Mechanisms:
Transactions are checked and approved using specific rules (like Proof of Work or
Proof of Stake), making sure everyone agrees on the current state of the ledger before
new information is added. This step ensures the data is accurate and reliable.
5. Smart Contracts:
Blockchain can handle contracts that run by themselves, with the rules directly
programmed into the code. These smart contracts make processes automatic, cutting
down the need for middlemen and making operations smoother.
B. Research Question
This question is meant to investigate how blockchain helps make supply chains more
visible and run more smoothly. It will look at the advantages of using blockchain,
how it helps different parties work together better, and how it can solve common
supply chain problems like fraud, delays, and lack of shared information.
By answering this question, the research will explore different features of blockchain
technology, such as:
C. Goals
The goals of this research are to carefully study how blockchain technology affects
supply chain management, especially in terms of transparency and efficiency. The
specific goals are:
By meeting these goals, the study aims to give a clear picture of how blockchain
technology can be used to improve transparency and efficiency in managing supply
chains, leading to stronger and more adaptable supply chains.
2. Smart Contracts
Smart contracts are digital agreements that run automatically. The rules of the
agreement are written into computer code. When certain conditions are met, the
contract carries out the agreement on its own, without needing a middleman. This
automation lowers the chance of mistakes and makes transactions faster. In supply
chains, smart contracts can handle tasks like completing orders, processing payments,
and checking if rules are followed. This makes things more efficient and cuts down on
costs.
3. Consensus Mechanisms
Consensus mechanisms are rules or systems that make sure everyone in the
blockchain network agrees on which transactions are valid before they are added to
the record. Some common types of consensus mechanisms are:
These systems are very important for keeping the blockchain safe and working
correctly.
1. Decentralization
Decentralization is a key feature of blockchain. Instead of having one central control
point, the data is spread across many computers (nodes). This removes the risk of
problems that come from relying on a single source. It also makes the system more
secure and trustworthy because everyone can check transactions on their own without
needing a central authority.
2. Immutability
Immutability means that once data is recorded on the blockchain, it cannot be changed
or removed. Each block in the chain contains a unique code (called a cryptographic
hash) that links it to the previous block, forming a secure and unbreakable chain. This
makes sure the data stays accurate and trustworthy. If someone tries to change a past
transaction, they would need to change every block that comes after it, which is nearly
impossible to do.
3. Transparency
Transparency is a key feature of blockchain technology. Everyone in the network can
see the same information, including the full history of transactions. This openness
helps build trust and accountability because people can check the details themselves.
In supply chains, this transparency is especially important for tracking where products
come from and making sure they follow the rules.
Research on how blockchain technology can be used in supply chain management has
increased a lot in recent years. Many studies show that blockchain has the potential to
change traditional supply chain methods. This section summarizes the main findings
from different studies, focusing on how blockchain improves transparency, efficiency,
and the overall strength of supply chains.
A. Theoretical Frameworks
1. Transparency and Trust:
Studies show that blockchain improves transparency by creating a shared, reliable
record that all participants in the supply chain can access. According to Kshetri (2018),
this transparency helps reduce misunderstandings or hidden information, which builds
trust among everyone involved. Being able to track a product’s journey from start to
finish is especially important for meeting rules and ensuring quality, particularly in
industries like food and medicine.
2. Operational Efficiency:
Many experts, like Wang and others (2019), say that blockchain can make operations
smoother by using smart contracts to automate tasks. This cuts down the need for
middlemen and lowers mistakes made by people. The biggest improvements are seen
in logistics, where tracking items in real-time helps manage stock better and speeds up
delivery times.
B. Real-World Studies
1. Case Studies:
Real-world studies have shown successful uses of blockchain in different industries.
For example, the IBM Food Trust project shows how blockchain can improve
tracking in the food supply chain, helping companies quickly find and solve
contamination problems. Similarly, Maersk’s use of blockchain in shipping logistics
has improved transparency and reduced paperwork, making cargo processing faster.
2. Challenges and Problems:
Even with its advantages, studies also highlight difficulties in using blockchain
technology. Research by Dubey et al. (2020) mentions issues like high costs, lack of
clear standards, and resistance to change from people involved. These problems need
to be solved to fully benefit from blockchain in managing supply chains.
C. Future Directions
1. Combining with New Technologies:
Research shows that blockchain in supply chains will likely work together with other
new technologies, like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI). For
instance, IoT devices can send live data to the blockchain, making information more
accurate and allowing for better predictions.
3. D. Summary of Findings
The research shows that blockchain technology has great potential to improve
transparency and efficiency in managing supply chains. However, to make it work
well, we need to solve current problems and encourage teamwork among all involved
parties. Future studies should look into combining blockchain with other technologies
and creating rules that help its use.
In short, the research gives a good starting point for understanding how blockchain
can change supply chains, paving the way for more studies on its uses and effects.
Better Insights from Data: Clear and complete information about supply chain
activities helps businesses make more accurate predictions about what customers
will want.
Fewer Stock Shortages and Overstocking: More accurate demand forecasts
allow companies to keep the right amount of inventory, avoiding situations where
they run out of stock or have too much.
C. Saving Money
1. Lower Costs for Transactions
Blockchain helps cut down the costs of transactions in supply chains. Here’s how:
Blockchain technology greatly improves how supply chains work. It makes processes
smoother, helps manage stock better, and cuts down on expenses. This makes supply
chains faster and more flexible. As more companies start using and combining this
technology, it could make operations even more efficient. This will likely lead to
more new ideas and improvements in managing supply chains.
V. Methodology
This section explains the methods used to study how blockchain technology affects
the efficiency of supply chain management. It covers the research design, how data
was collected, and the techniques used to analyze the data to meet the study's goals.
A. Research Design
The study uses a mixed-methods approach, which means it combines both numbers-
based (quantitative) and detailed, descriptive (qualitative) research methods. This
approach helps provide a complete understanding of how blockchain improves supply
chain efficiency by using both numerical data and insights from people working in the
industry.
B. Data Collection
1. Surveys:
A well-organized survey will be sent to supply chain professionals working in different
industries. The survey will ask questions about how blockchain is being used, how it affects
efficiency, and specific examples of its application. Responses will be measured using a
Likert scale, which will help in analyzing the data numerically.
2. Interviews:
Detailed interviews will be held with important people, such as supply chain managers,
technology specialists, and blockchain developers. These interviews will give deeper,
qualitative information about how blockchain is actually being used and how it impacts
supply chain operations. The interviews will follow a semi-structured format, allowing for
flexibility to explore topics more thoroughly.
3. Examples of Success:
We will look at different companies that have used blockchain technology in their supply
chains and seen good results. These examples will show how blockchain has made processes
faster, helped manage stock better, and saved money.
C. Data Analysis
1. Quantitative Analysis:
We will use numbers and statistics to study the survey results. This includes basic statistics
(like averages) and more advanced methods to find trends, connections, and patterns. The
goal is to see how blockchain technology affects efficiency.
2. Qualitative Analysis:
We will look at the interview answers to find common ideas and important points about using
blockchain. This means organizing the responses into groups based on topics like automation
and inventory management.
D. Limitations
This study recognizes some possible limitations, such as:
1. Response Bias: People who took part in the surveys or interviews might have been
influenced by their personal experiences or how they see their organization.
2. Generalizability: The results might not apply to every industry or area because different
places and sectors use blockchain technology at different levels.
E. Ethical Considerations
We will follow ethical rules to make sure that participants' information is kept private
and their identities are not revealed. Before we collect any data, we will get
permission from the participants, and they can choose to leave the study at any point
if they want to.
This method is designed to give a full picture of how blockchain technology affects
the efficiency of supply chain management. By using both numbers (quantitative data)
and detailed observations (qualitative insights), the research aims to provide a deeper
understanding of how blockchain can bring significant changes.
2. Change Management:
Moving to a blockchain system means changing how people work and think within the
organization. Employees who are used to the old ways might resist the change, making it
harder to adopt and integrate the new system.
3. Interoperability:
For blockchain to work well in the supply chain, different companies need to use blockchain
systems that can work together. Without common standards, it can be hard for different
groups to connect and share information smoothly.
2. Network Capacity:
Many blockchain systems aren’t built to handle a huge number of transactions at the same
time. Companies need to think about whether the blockchain they choose can grow along with
their business as their supply chains expand.
3. Resource Use:
Some methods for reaching agreement, like Proof of Work, need a lot of computer power and
energy. This can make it hard to grow and keep going in bigger systems.
Blockchain technology has a lot of potential to improve how supply chains work, but
companies need to deal with some challenges and limits. Solving problems with
integration, handling scalability issues, and dealing with regulations will be key to
making the most of blockchain in supply chain management. Knowing about these
challenges can help companies create plans to reduce risks and make sure blockchain
is implemented successfully.
VII. Results
This section shows what we found out after studying how blockchain technology
affects the efficiency of supply chain management. The results come from analyzing
survey answers, interviews, and real-life examples.
A. Survey Findings
1. Adoption Rate:
About 65% of the people who answered the survey said their companies are either looking
into or already using blockchain technology in their supply chain work.
2. Perceived Benefits:
The people surveyed mentioned the following main advantages of using blockchain:
Better Transparency: 78% said they could see supply chain transactions
more clearly.
Higher Efficiency: 72% said blockchain made their work processes faster
and smoother.
Lower Costs: 65% noticed a drop in the costs of transactions.
3. Problems We Faced:
The biggest problems people talked about were:
Making it work with current systems (70%)
Worries about handling growth (55%)
Following rules and laws (50%)
B. Interview Insights
1. Implementation Experiences:
People we talked to said that using blockchain has made a big difference in how they work.
Many mentioned that smart contracts have taken over repetitive tasks, making things faster
and reducing mistakes caused by human error.
2. Best Practices:
Successful companies highlighted a few key points:
Involve everyone who will be affected early on when starting to use
blockchain.
Spend time and resources on training and helping employees adjust to the
changes.
Work closely with tech partners to pick the best tools and solutions for your
needs.
3. Future Outlook:
Experts in the field are hopeful about how blockchain will be used in supply chains in
the future, especially as it becomes easier for different systems to work together and
as rules and regulations become clearer. Many believe that combining blockchain
with IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) will help make data more
accurate and improve the ability to predict future trends.
D. Summary of Results
The study shows that blockchain technology improves supply chain efficiency by increasing
transparency, simplifying processes, and cutting costs. However, companies face major
challenges, such as integrating the technology, scaling it up, and meeting legal requirements.
The information gathered from surveys, interviews, and real-life examples offers useful
advice for businesses thinking about using blockchain in their supply chains.
VIII. Discussion
The results of this study give us important information about how blockchain
technology affects the efficiency of supply chains. This section explains what the
findings mean, looks at their importance, and connects them to the bigger picture of
supply chain management.
3. Cost Reductions:
The drop in transaction costs shows that blockchain can make operations more efficient. By
cutting out middlemen and reducing manual work, companies can save a lot of money. But,
it's important to remember the upfront costs for setting up and training.
2. Long-Term Studies:
Since technology changes quickly, long-term studies are needed to see how blockchain affects
supply chain efficiency over time. This kind of research could help us understand if the
benefits last and how challenges might change as time goes on.
The discussion shows how blockchain technology can change and improve supply
chains, making them more efficient. However, it also points out the difficulties
companies face when trying to adopt this technology. By focusing on transparency,
automation, and teamwork, businesses can use blockchain as a powerful tool to make
their operations better and create stronger supply chains. As this technology keeps
developing, more research and conversations will be needed to handle the challenges
of using blockchain and to fully benefit from its capabilities.
2. AI-Powered Analysis:
Artificial intelligence can work alongside blockchain by offering advanced data analysis. AI
tools can study the large amounts of data stored on the blockchain to find patterns, better
manage inventory, and make demand predictions more accurate. This teamwork can help
businesses make smarter decisions and run more efficiently.
The future of blockchain in managing supply chains looks very promising, with more
companies starting to use it and new improvements being made. When combined with
technologies like IoT and AI, blockchain can make supply chains more efficient,
transparent, and strong. Businesses and other involved parties should stay ahead by
adapting to these changes to make the most of blockchain’s potential in improving
supply chain management.
X. Conclusion
This research looked at how blockchain technology affects the efficiency of supply
chains. It gave a detailed review of its advantages, difficulties, and what might happen
in the future. The results show how blockchain can change things for the better by
making supply chains more transparent, making processes smoother, and cutting
down costs.
Key Takeaways
1. Better Efficiency: The study shows that blockchain technology can make operations
much more efficient. It does this by automating tasks and allowing data to be shared
instantly, which helps reduce mistakes and delays in supply chain activities.
2. Transparency and Traceability: One of the biggest benefits of blockchain is its ability
to create a clear and unchangeable record of transactions. This builds trust among users
and improves traceability, which is especially important in industries like food and
medicine.
3. Challenges to Overcome: Even with its benefits, organizations face several hurdles
when adopting blockchain. These include connecting it to existing systems, handling
large-scale use, and meeting legal requirements. Solving these issues is key to fully
realizing the potential of blockchain technology.
4. Future Trends: The expected increase in blockchain use, along with advancements in
compatibility, security, and combining it with new technologies like IoT and AI, points
to an exciting future for supply chain management. Companies that stay ahead of these
trends will be in a better position to use blockchain to gain a competitive edge.
Final Thoughts
As supply chain management keeps changing, blockchain technology is becoming a
key tool for boosting efficiency and strength. Working together with all involved
parties, putting money into research and development, and staying in touch with
regulators will be crucial to make the most of blockchain. By adopting this game-
changing technology, companies can improve how they operate and help build supply
chains that are clearer and better for the environment.
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