Improvement of public distribution system efficiency applying blockchain technology during pandemic outbreak (COVID-19)

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anup Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Distribution System ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Supply Chain Efficiency ◽  
The Cost

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analytically examine the viability of using blockchain technology (BT) in a public distribution system (PDS) supply chain to overcome issues of shrinkage, misplacement and ghost demand.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a standard news vendor model with two objectives, the first of which includes a reduction of the total cost of stock, while the second includes minimization of the negative impact of human suffering due to the nonavailability of subsidized food supplies to the needy people.FindingsThe authors applied the model to a real-life case to draw meaningful insights. The authors also analyzed the cost/benefit tradeoff of adopting BT in a PDS supply chain. The results show that the adoption of BT in a charitable supply chain can reduce pilferage and ghost demand significantly.Originality/valueThe paper is positioned for utilizing inventory visibility via consistent and tamper-resistant data stream flow capability of BT to enhance the overall efficiency of PDS. Notably, Indian PDS faces three major challenges in terms of its supply chain efficiency.

Blockchain in operations for food service distribution: steps before implementation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Vivaldini
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Food Service ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
The Social ◽  
Safe Food ◽  
Social Importance ◽  
Operational Processes

PurposeConsidering the importance of a safe food chain for consumers and the advent of blockchain technology (BT), this research studies a food service (FS) distributor. The research aims to understand the implications related to the functional processes of distribution in FS in which it would be possible to use blockchain to achieve agility, transparency of information and improvements in food safety.Design/methodology/approachFirstly, theory regarding blockchain technology in the supply chain (BT-SC) and FS was analyzed to contextualize the theme conceptually. A single case study including 11 supply chain companies was applied in a BT implementation study in an FS distributor.FindingsInvestment in infrastructure is often identified as a barrier to adoption of BT-SC. This was, however, not found in this case. Furthermore, the validation of users was only necessary for those parties directly participating in the process or information input. Finally, findings differentiate between qualifying criteria and operational processes when considering BT projects in FS.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are restricted to this single case that provided an in-depth understanding of the topic. Statistical generalization is not possible at this stage of the research.Practical implicationsThe study is a practical example and can provide several insights to anyone looking to implement BT in their SC.Social implicationsThe social importance of the study lies in the importance of FS in the food sector, and by presenting ways that contribute to mitigating risks to consumers.Originality/valueReal-life cases of application of BT-SC illustrate its functionalities in operational processes.

Selecting enablers for sustainable PDS supply chain in the Indian context using fuzzy-DEMATEL approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumanta Das ◽  
Akhilesh Barve ◽  
Naresh Chandra Sahu ◽  
Devendra K. Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Causal Model ◽  
Literature Survey ◽  
Fuzzy Dematel ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Distribution System ◽  
Food Grains ◽  
Indian Context ◽  
Entire Society

PurposeThis paper aims to identify, analyze and evaluate the major enablers for the sustainable public distribution system (PDS) supply chain in India in lessening food insecurity by distributing essentials food grains at a subsidized rate.Design/methodology/approachThe major enablers for the sustainable PDS supply chain were explored by conducting the literature survey and discussion with academic and warehouse experts. Then, the fuzzy-DEMATEL (decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory) technique was applied to develop a causal model that analyses the interaction among the identified enablers.FindingsThis study recognizes fifteen enablers through literature survey and experts' opinions. The present work concludes that “proper identification of the PDS beneficiaries” and “willingness and commitment of the top management and policymaker” are the two major enablers for the sustainable PDS supply chain.Research limitations/implicationsThis work would be helpful for profoundly understanding the major enablers, and how they are affecting the entire PDS supply chain. The study would be beneficial for the general people and the entire society straightforwardly by providing suggestions for food security.Originality/valueIdentifying and analyzing the major enablers for the sustainable PDS supply chain helps to visualize the problem more effectively and efficiently. Besides, the causal model explains a comprehensive perspective on the identified enablers.

scholarly journals Blockchain-integrated technologies for solving supply chain challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-97
Author(s):  
Dhruman Gohil ◽  
Shivangi Viral Thakker
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Successful Execution ◽  
Barriers And Challenges ◽  
Smart Technologies

PurposeBlockchain technology was developed to synchronize the data and transactions over the supply chain network and connected nodes. This paper aims to show how blockchain technology can enhance flexibility and agility in supply chain operations. The integration of blockchain and other recently developed technology can help deal with supply chain uncertainties and other challenges being faced by the industry.Design/methodology/approachThrough an extensive literature review of existing research papers and conversation with supply chain managers, barriers and challenges in the supply chain were identified. Some elements were researched of blockchain technology that can be used to resolve some challenges. Blockchain technology and other technologies integration is developed for implementation in supply chain for better visibility and efficiency of supply chain.FindingsThe challenges in the supply chain are categorized, and the solution is given through the integration of blockchain and other technologies like Internet of Things and artificial intelligence. The integration shows the execution of tasks through blockchain and various technologies in supply chain.Research limitations/implicationsBlockchain in supply chain is finding its strong place in India when compared to developing nations. There is a need for technology experts, supply chain managers and consumers to understand blockchain’s importance. Challenges faced by industries to use blockchain may be analyzed further with real-life industry case studies.Practical implicationsThis research helps enterprises in successful execution of smart technologies in their supply chains. This research helps enterprises in successful execution of smart technologies in their supply chains. Managers and practitioners may use the models developed in real-time implementation. The technologies are described in detail to help the practitioners select the best suitable for their organization.Social implicationsDigital supply chains are finding the way in industries due to lean and efficient nature. It is beneficial to use the smart technologies to make supply chain green and sustainable.Originality/valueThe implementation of the digital supply chain and its challenges are discussed in the research paper. This will work as a platform for research in the area of technologies for supply chain.

Structural mapping of public distribution system using multi-agent systems

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1066-1090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudhir Ambekar ◽  
Rohit Kapoor ◽  
Peeyush Mehta
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Multi Agent Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Public Distribution System ◽  
Multi Agent ◽  
Food Grain

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for mapping the Indian Public Distribution System (PDS) using multi-agent system (MAS). The entire PDS supply chain from purchase to the distribution is mapped in detail by integrating stages of PDS supply chain. Design/methodology/approach – Literature related to PDS, food grain supply chain (FGSC) and MAS is reviewed and critically assessed. Based on this a framework is proposed which will help in improving functioning of PDS. Findings – The PDS has many shortcomings arising from its complex structure and practices which are used to implement it. The authors propose an MAS to model it in which each entity will be modelled as an agent. The authors propose two stages of supply chain. First stage models the processes from procurement to storage of food grain and second stage model the distribution process. Practical implications – This paper will be of interest to the policy makers and decision makers involved in the PDS by providing the shortfalls in the system and also suggesting a method to model the PDS based on practices of food supply chains. Originality/value – This paper provides the decision makers in the PDS, a framework to model and assess the entire supply chain. This will help them in effective implementation of the PDS and also improve in the areas of concerns which are pointed the study.

Blockchain can streamline simpler supply chains

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Consumer Demand ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Efficiency ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Cost

Significance However, implementation of this technology still faces multiple unresolved challenges, making the estimate appear over-optimistic. Impacts Rising consumer demand for transparent supply chains makes blockchain especially useful for fashion, food and mining sectors. Traditional databases and information systems will remain central to supply chain efficiency improvements. As the blockchain industry matures, the cost of deploying the technology will fall from its current high level.

Optimization of inventory policies of food grain distribution stage in public distribution system

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 692-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudhir Ambekar ◽  
Rohit Kapoor
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Base Stock ◽  
Inventory Policies ◽  
Inventory Policy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Distribution System ◽  
Holding Cost ◽  
Grain Distribution ◽  
Stock Policy

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to model the distribution stage of the public distribution system (PDS) and optimize the inventory policy during this stage of the PDS to address some of the inefficiencies present in the system. This study models this supply chain as a multistage supply chain consisting of storage depots, issue centers, fair price shops and card holders.Design/methodology/approachA two-stage modeling approach is used to model the distribution stage in the PDS. In the first stage, the authors developed a simulation model for periodic review-based stock policy with appropriate assumptions. This helped minimize the total supply chain cost (TSCC). The TSCC consists of three cost elements, namely, ordering cost, holding cost and shortage cost. These three cost elements, in turn, depend on inventory policy parameters, such as review periods and base stock levels, at various echelons. In the second stage, a Genetic Algorithm based optimization approach was used.FindingsA set of optimal policy parameters was identified. It is observed that base stock levels at issue centers are higher as compared to those in the FPS and the TSCC is less in scenario, when backorder cost is equal to the holding cost.Practical implicationsPresent study will be useful to policy makers in improving PDS performance. This optimization of inventory policies helps actors in the PDS supply chain to choose appropriate policy parameters in the present inventory policy so as to reduce the overall distribution cost.Originality/valueUnlike the previous researchers who examined the PDS from the social security perspective and tried to address specific problems to improve functioning of the PDS, this study looked at the problem as a supply chain-related problem and optimized the inventory parameters in one of the subsets of the PDS supply chain.

Supply chain of the Indian public distribution system: a new paradigm

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay Bohtan ◽  
Prem Vrat ◽  
Anil K. Vij
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Hybrid Method ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Distribution System

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the various strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) in the supply chain of the existing Indian public distribution system (PDS) and to analyse the same with a view to arriving at the vital recommended strategies for making the supply chain more effective and efficient. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines a new hybrid method for improving the usability of SWOT analysis. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) has been integrated with SWOT analysis. Use of the AHP method on the SWOT factors has yielded analytically determined priorities for the factors included in SWOT analysis and made them commensurable. The main aim in applying the hybrid method was to improve the quantitative information basis of strategy planning processes. The paper was started by listing the various factors of the four different groups of SWOT with reference to the PDS. After further shortlisting, pairwise comparisons were carried out using a software (Super Decisions) to arrive at prioritised factors for each group. The strategy options were then formulated and prioritised on the basis of the existing weightages of each factor. Findings The results indicated that use of available ICT solutions as part of the “Digital India” is vital in achieving the most important potential strategy alternatives in improving the supply chain for the PDS. Practical implications The analysis helps in identifying strategies to improve the existing supply chain of the Indian PDS and make it more efficient and cost effective. Originality/value This paper provides some useful insight into the SWOT analysis of the Indian PDS with specific reference to the supply chain management issues of the PDS.

Attended home delivery in Indian public distribution system: an iterated local search approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sayan Chakraborty ◽  
Kalpit Darbhe ◽  
Sarada Sarmah
Keyword(s):  
Distribution System ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Iterated Local Search ◽  
Home Delivery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Delivery Problem ◽  
Public Distribution System ◽  
Last Mile ◽  
Last Mile Delivery ◽  
Problem Setting

Purpose In the modern era of e-grocery, attended home delivery (AHD) has been identified as a crucial part of the last-mile delivery problem. This paper aims to deal with a real-life last-mile-delivery problem in the context of the Indian public distribution system (PDS). The authors identified two different environments for the said AHD problem and proposed two different approaches to address the issue under these problem settings. Design/methodology/approach In this study, the authors first consider the problem in a static environment and propose an iterated local search (ILS) integrated with an adaptive large neighborhood search (ALNS) meta-heuristic algorithm to obtain a routing solution. Thereafter, they extend the study in a dynamic environment where new delivery requests occur dynamically and propose a heuristic algorithm to solve the problem. For the dynamic case, multiple scenarios for the occurrence of delivery requests are considered to determine decisions regarding the opportunity to include a new request into the current solution. Findings By computational experiments, the authors show that the proposed approach performs significantly well for large size problem instances. They demonstrate the differences and advantages of the dynamic problem setting through a set of different scenarios. Also, they present a comparative analysis to show the benefits of adopting the algorithm in dynamic routing scenarios. Research limitations/implications Future research may extend the scope of this study by incorporating stochastic delivery failure probabilities and customer behavior affecting the delivery response. Also, the present study does not take inventory policies at the depot into consideration. It will be of interest to see how the system performs under the uncertainty of supply from the depot. Despite the limitations, the authors believe that this study provides food for thought and encouragements for practitioners. Practical implications This study shows the benefits of adopting an AHD problem in a dynamic setting in terms of customer service as compared to a traditional static environment. The authors clearly demonstrate the differences and advantages of the dynamic problem setting through a set of different scenario analysis. Social implications This paper investigates a real-life AHD problem faced by the Department of Food, Supply and Consumer Affairs, India. The findings of this study will be of particular interest to the policy-makers to build a more robust PDS in India. Originality/value The study is unique and highly relevant for real-world applications and can help build a more robust AHD system. Also, the proposed solution approaches to aid the problem in both static and dynamic routing scenarios will be of particular interest to practitioners.

Blockchain in Indian Public Distribution System: a conceptual framework to prevent leakage of the supplies and its enablers and disablers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Himani Mishra ◽  
Prateek Maheshwari
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Fair Price ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Distribution System ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Food Grains

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework for the application of blockchain in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India to manage the supply of food grains to the targeted beneficiaries. The framework will help prevent diversions and leakages of grains at the warehouse and Fair Price Shop (FPS) level. The paper also identifies the enablers and disablers in the context of the framework. Design/methodology/approach This paper will firstly review the previous literature in PDS and blockchain-enabled agricultural and food supply chains. The study then proposes a framework that could be implemented in the PDS in India using blockchain technology. Findings The proposed framework provides an effective way to combat corruption, exclusion errors of targeted beneficiaries, leakage of PDS food grains and is cost-effective. The identified enablers and disablers give an insight into the application of blockchain in PDS in India. Research limitations/implications The research work may have implications for the Ministry of Food and PDS (Central Government), Food Corporation of India and State Governments to manage the supply of the grains more efficiently and effectively. Originality/value The current study caters to the implementation of blockchain technology starting from the warehouse level to the FPSs and consumers and simultaneously connecting them to concerned authorities to ensure transparency and accountability.

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