Blockchain technology development and implementation for global logistics operations: a reference model perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rukshanda Kamran ◽  
Nasreen Khan ◽  
Balan Sundarakani
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Reference Model ◽  
Process Efficiency ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Logistics Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Traceability System ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Global Logistics

Purpose Blockchain technology offers a lot of potential benefits in supply chain management. However, there is a need of a reference model which addresses the gaps in existing frameworks. This paper aims to propose a blockchain technology-based reference model which can be applied to global logistics operations. Design/methodology/approach The researchers have integrated the fit-for-purpose theoretical framework and prototyping methodology to design the reference model, a blockchain-based logistics, tracking and traceability system (BLTTS). The researchers demonstrated the application of the reference model through a health-care supply chain case study. The proposed BLTTS can be implemented across global logistics operations for business performance improvement. Findings The research provides a framework and recommendations for global companies to consider when adopting the blockchain technology for implementation. The researchers found that the Ethereum blockchain technology improves security of the data shared within the block through the secure hashing algorithm 1. The hash algorithm ensures anonymity of the involved parties. The model integrates blockchain with supply chain thus creating transparent process, efficiency and real-time communication. Research limitations/implications The reference model will offer a better solution to global logistics operations challenges. It provides recommendations to key stakeholders involved in logistics operations segment of the logistics industry while adopting blockchain technology. Apart from the methodological limitation of the study, the system compatibility and the layer configuration aspects might be posing potential challenges while upscaling the implementation. Originality/value The proposed reference model overcomes the drawbacks of existing models as it integrates Ethereum technology. In addition, the researchers have applied the model to demonstrate its functioning in real-time environment, which could guide for future research.

Blockchain as supply chain technology: considering transparency and security

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei Xu ◽  
Joonghee Lee ◽  
James R. Barth ◽  
Robert Glenn Richey
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Text Mining ◽  
Information Security ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Use Cases ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Twitter Data ◽  
The Way

PurposeThis paper discusses how the features of blockchain technology impact supply chain transparency through the lens of the information security triad (confidentiality, integrity and availability). Ultimately, propositions are developed to encourage future research in supply chain applications of blockchain technology.Design/methodology/approachPropositions are developed based on a synthesis of the information security and supply chain transparency literature. Findings from text mining of Twitter data and a discussion of three major blockchain use cases support the development of the propositions.FindingsThe authors note that confidentiality limits supply chain transparency, which causes tension between transparency and security. Integrity and availability promote supply chain transparency. Blockchain features can preserve security and increase transparency at the same time, despite the tension between confidentiality and transparency.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was conducted at a time when most blockchain applications were still in pilot stages. The propositions developed should therefore be revisited as blockchain applications become more widely adopted and mature.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to examine the way blockchain technology eases the tension between supply chain transparency and security. Unlike other studies that have suggested only positive impacts of blockchain technology on transparency, this study demonstrates that blockchain features can influence transparency both positively and negatively.

Cassandra-based data repository design for food supply chain traceability

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandeep Kumar Singh ◽  
Mamata Jenamani
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Radio Frequency Identification ◽  
Query Language ◽  
Data Repository ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Real ◽  
Traceability System ◽  
Real Time Data

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to design a supply chain database schema for Cassandra to store real-time data generated by Radio Frequency IDentification technology in a traceability system. Design/methodology/approach The real-time data generated in such traceability systems are of high frequency and volume, making it difficult to handle by traditional relational database technologies. To overcome this difficulty, a NoSQL database repository based on Casandra is proposed. The efficacy of the proposed schema is compared with two such databases, document-based MongoDB and column family-based Cassandra, which are suitable for storing traceability data. Findings The proposed Cassandra-based data repository outperforms the traditional Structured Query Language-based and MongoDB system from the literature in terms of concurrent reading, and works at par with respect to writing and updating of tracing queries. Originality/value The proposed schema is able to store the real-time data generated in a supply chain with low latency. To test the performance of the Cassandra-based data repository, a test-bed is designed in the lab and supply chain operations of Indian Public Distribution System are simulated to generate data.

scholarly journals Blockchain Technology Meets Traceability in Fruit Supply Chain Management: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 232-238
Author(s):  
Resista Vikaliana ◽  
Raja Zuraidah Raja Mohd Ras ◽  
I Nyoman Pujawan ◽  
Irwansyah
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Supply Chain System ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Traceability System ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Meta Analyses

Fruits are easily damaged, therefore, a tracing system is needed to ensure the commodity is well received by consumers.  This study is a systematic review aims to  identify areas where the fruits traceability provides the most value for supply chain management and  to develop elements of a future research agenda for the fruits traceability in supply chain management.  PRISMA or Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses is used to help the systematic literature review.  The result showed thad there are several values ​​in applying traceability to the fruit supply chain, such as traceability guarantees the quality of fruit in the supply chain, traceability protects from fraud.  Traceability will help increase consumer confidence in food safety, particularly on fruit.  Blockchain technology  is a promosing technology for a   traceability system in industry and can be used successfully, by modifying the supply chain system and meeting the limitations first.

scholarly journals Halal Meat Supply Chain Traceability based on HACCP, Blockchain and Internet of Things

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 218-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abderahman Rejeb
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Emerging Technologies ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Traceability System ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
The World ◽  
Halal Food

Recently, Halal food has drawn remarkable attention of many consumers around the world. Besides to being unsafe, Halal food such as meat can encounter several issues throughout its supply chain and logistics. At any time, Halal integrity is not guaranteed and risks of becoming non-Halal is the major concern of all parties along the supply chain. To respond to Muslim consumers’ trust concerns in Halal food, many traceability systems were proposed in previous studies based on emerging technologies and  recommended to be incorporated into Halal food supply chains. Nevertheless, all of these systems are centralized, opaque and not enough transparent. To mitigate these problems, blockchain technology is introduced as a ground-breaking innovation with greater decentralization, visibility and transparency. This paper makes a major contribution in suggesting Halal meat supply chain traceability system for real-time food tracing based on embedding Islamic dietary law into HACCP, blockchain and Internet of Things.

scholarly journals Opportunities and limitations of public blockchain-based supply chain traceability

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Bischoff ◽  
Stefan Seuring
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Privacy Model

PurposeBlockchain technology is provoking significant disruptions, thereby affecting supply chain management. This study endeavoured to advance research regarding blockchain-based supply chain traceability by identifying the opportunities and limitations that accompany the adoption of public blockchains. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to contribute to contemporary supply chain research by an assessment of blockchain technology and its linkages to traceability.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is conceptual. The authors summarised the relevant literature on the concepts of supply chain traceability, conceptualised key elements exclusive to the public blockchain and highlighted opportunities and limitations in implementing traceability using blockchains.FindingsIncompatibilities were identified between general traceability and the public blockchain. However, when embracing the blockchain's privacy model, the blockchains can support information exchange in supply chains where vulnerability towards third parties, the confidentiality of information, or the privacy of participants are concerns. Furthermore, the public blockchain can support areas of supply chains where institutional interest is lacking.Originality/valueThis is one of the first papers in an international supply chain management journal to critically analyse the intersection of specific blockchain characteristics and supply chain traceability requirements. The authors thereby add to the discussion of designs for a disintermediated, peer-to-peer models and guide researchers and practitioners alike in exploring the application of disruptive change from blockchain technologies. By setting focus on the privacy model, the paper identifies the potential application and future research approaches to exploit the elementary strength of the blockchain.

Blockchain and supply chain management integration: a systematic review of the literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maciel M. Queiroz ◽  
Renato Telles ◽  
Silvia H. Bonilla
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Electric Power Industry ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to identify, analyse and organise the literature about blockchains in supply chain management (SCM) context (blockchain–SCM integration) and proposes an agenda for future research. This study aims to shed light on what the main current blockchain applications in SCM are, what the main disruptions and challenges are in SCM because of blockchain adoption and what the future of blockchains holds in SCM. Design/methodology/approach This study followed the systematic review approach to analyse and synthesise the extant literature on blockchain–SCM integration. The review analysed 27 papers between 2008 and 2018 in peer-reviewed journals. Findings Blockchain–SCM integration is still in its infancy. Scholars and practitioners are not fully aware of the potential of blockchain technology to disrupt traditional business models. However, the electric power industry seems to have a relatively mature understanding of blockchain–SCM integration, demonstrated by the use of smart contracts. Additionally, the disintermediation provided by blockchain applications has the potential to disrupt traditional industries (e.g. health care, transportation and retail). Research limitations/implications The limitations of this study are represented mainly by the scarcity of studies on blockchain–SCM integration in leading journals and databases. Practical implications This study highlights examples of blockchain–SCM integration, emphasising the need to rethink business models to incorporate blockchain technology. Originality/value This study is the first attempt to synthesise existing publications about the blockchain–SCM integration, shedding light on the disruption caused by, and the necessity of, the SCM reconfigurations.

scholarly journals The acceptance of blockchain technology in meat traceability and transparency

2018 ◽  
Vol 120 (9) ◽  
pp. 2066-2079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Sander ◽  
Janjaap Semeijn ◽  
Dominik Mahr
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Purchasing Decisions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Perception ◽  
Traceability System ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Quality Perceptions ◽  
Retail Managers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate meat traceability by outlining the different perspectives and opinions of meat supply chain stakeholders (SCSs); it also evaluates potential of acceptance of blockchain technology (BCT) as a viable transparency and traceability system (TTS). Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey of 141 consumers reveals their opinions about TTSs. In addition, semi-structured interviews with seven retail managers, four government officials and one blockchain service provider (Project Provenance Ltd) provide expert insights. Findings The results demonstrate that consumers are overwhelmed by the amount and complexity of certification labels. As a TTS, BCT implementation appears to have significant positive influences on consumers’ purchasing decisions, mediated by consumers’ quality perceptions. This study reveals the discordant perspectives of different stakeholders with regard to the importance of a BCT-based TTS. Originality/value This study investigates current TTSs and certification labels, and probes customer perception of a potential BCT-based solution for meat traceability. Changes to supply chains’ mentality and the active establishment of trust in BCT applications are needed. Firms should take both holistic and altruistic views to deal with the challenges of TTSs in the meat supply chain. The adoption of BCT, in combination with DNA coding, seems promising as a solution to many of the issues that currently plague TTSs.

scholarly journals New organizational changes with blockchain: a focus on the supply chain

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Varriale ◽  
Antonello Cammarano ◽  
Francesca Michelino ◽  
Mauro Caputo
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Operations Management ◽  
Production Management ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Order Management ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Business To Business

PurposeThe paper aims to present a systematic literature review (SLR) showing the benefits, challenges and future research of blockchain technology (BT) for the supply chain (SC), also suggesting how the features of BT can change the organizational aspects of the SC.Design/methodology/approachAn SLR has been conducted to detect papers that contained the word “Blockchain” in their titles, keywords or abstracts. Consequently, a second filter to analyze BT papers for the SC was applied.FindingsThis paper shows through 31 variables classified into positive, negative and future directions of technology for the SC. For instance, BT will reduce time consuming of operations management and payments using smart contracts. In addition, integrating BT with other technologies will allow product tracking and sustainable production management.Research limitations/implicationsThe selection of papers is limited to Scopus database and specifically to the Management Journal.Practical implicationsBT creates collaborative peer-to-peer and business-to-business markets. The technology automates several tasks such as order management, payment for goods, waste reduction and process control. Therefore, its use within the SCs will improve the productivity and profits of the participants.Originality/valueThis paper is focused on BT for the SC area with 60 articles analyzed. In addition, 13 variables on benefits, eight variables on challenges and 12 points on future research directions were analyzed. This work will help researchers and entrepreneurs to deepen about the changes that BT offers in SC.

Blockchain and maritime supply-chain performance: dynamic capabilities perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Lambourdiere ◽  
Elsa Corbin
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Road Map ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness

Purpose Maritime supply chains rely on electronic and paper-based processes, leading to efficiency bottlenecks. The purpose of this paper is to propose a theory for how implementing digitalization in the form of blockchain technology (BCT) can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of maritime supply chains. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper is grounded in dynamic capabilities, supply-chain management and digital supply-chain theories. Relevant literature is scrutinized to explain how BCT can improve supply-chain performance. Findings BCT mainly benefits supply-chain performance through the development of intangible capabilities, by leveraging the capabilities (resources) that maritime supply chains provide. Research limitations/implications This framework sets an analytical basis for future empirical research on BCT and maritime supply chains. As such, it can give only indications and aid in the theory-building process. Discussion on the value and effects of BCT on maritime supply chains is ongoing. Finally, the framework focuses on the application of one information technology in managing logistics activities, rather than taking a bundling approach. Practical implications Investments in digitalization improve the overall information sharing, coordination and visibility capabilities and performances of supply chains. Originality/value Although literature on BCT is extensive, this framework paper is the first to link BCT with dynamics capabilities and maritime supply-chain theory and will serve as a road map for future research and practice.

scholarly journals How the blockchain enables and constrains supply chain performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 376-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Sundtoft Hald ◽  
Aseem Kinra
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Technology ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the enabling and constraining roles of blockchain technology (BCT) in managerial work practices and conceptualise the technology–performance relationship in supply chain management (SCM). Design/methodology/approach A structured literature review and a theory-driven approach are used. A set of propositions are developed, suggesting how the use of BCT in supply chains can be understood to simultaneously enable and constrain SCM and performance. Findings The analysis identifies four enabling and three constraining blockchain identities to explain how the technology either “facilitates” or “impedes” SCM and supply chain performance. Traceability, which emanates from its ability to provide data immutability, ranks highly as a core innovation of the technology. The blockchain is mainly seen as an opportunity to exploit existing supply chain resources and competencies. Research limitations/implications One limitation of the research is its conceptual nature. Future research should test the developed propositions empirically. Further research should focus on BCT as an opportunity to explore and as a relationship-building technology. More research is also needed focussing on the complex and simultaneous enabling and constraining effects of BCT in supply chains. Originality/value The paper shows the important and complex Janus-faced implications of embedding BCT in supply chains and demonstrates how organisational theory can be applied to explore the relationship between blockchain and SCM.

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