Blockchain's Growing Importance in Supply Chain Management

Blockchain's Growing Importance in Supply Chain Management
5 min read

Because of its agile and extensive network, blockchain technology has the potential to transform any industry to which it is applied. The same is true for the supply chain management. Professionals in supply chain management must learn blockchain technology in order to keep up with the rapidly changing consumer patterns and expectations. Blockchain provides features like origin tracking and transparency, which help businesses keep their products relevant and original.  

Blockchain technology applications in supply chain management 

The following are some critical areas of blockchain technology application in the supply chain: 

The automobile supply chain

Blockchain technology allows for the transfer of funds without the need for traditional banking transactions. It enables direct payment transfers between the payer and the payee. Furthermore, the transaction can be recorded quickly, and all product information can be easily accessed via embedded sensors and RFID tags. Businesses can also use blockchain technology to protect their products from duplication and to develop a customer-focused business model. 

IoT and Blockchain for cold chain monitoring

Businesses can use blockchain technology in conjunction with IoT to track assets. IoT helps businesses improve their supply chain architecture by making it more visible and incorporating physical world insights. Clients gain trust in the industry as a result of increased collaboration. This technology provides a tamper-proof shared ledger that allows businesses to record transactions that cannot be changed. 

RFID-enabled contracts

RFID tags are an important tool in supply chain management because they make logistics more manageable and efficient. Because this technology is based on the Blockchain, businesses that want to use it in their supply chain must first learn about blockchain technology. RFID tags can store information such as the delivery location and date. After scanning the tag, the logistics partner will have access to this information, which will help them deliver it on time. Furthermore, logistics companies can access this information before accepting a delivery contract and providing the best price to businesses. 

Blockchain applications in supply chain management systems

Some of the most prominent Blockchain use cases in supply chain management are as follows: 

Faster data processing

Most businesses' supply chains are overburdened with massive amounts of data that can take a long time to process. And because of various intermediaries, this process can be prolonged. As a result, smart contracts can shorten this process and eliminate the need for physical records. 

Goods tracking in real time

Businesses have actively used the SCM system to ensure supply chain transparency and decentralization. This system, which is based on blockchain technology, enables businesses to monitor their products in real-time. 

Enhances tracking and traceability

Many apparel and technology companies have experienced difficulties as a result of counterfeit products. Integrating blockchain technology into their supply chain businesses, on the other hand, can prove the originality of their products because the transaction is recorded on the Blockchain and cannot be altered. Additionally, this improves the product's traceability back to its origin. 

Improved trade 

If a company wants to improve its ownership and licensing, it should research blockchain technology. This will also assist businesses in providing a ledger that can be used as ownership records. 

Improve your consumer relationships

Businesses can quickly gain the trust of their customers by providing proof of the product's origin. Furthermore, they can provide all product-related information to customers via a digital record. 

Blockchain's Role in Supply Chain Management

Though blockchain is a simple way to manage supply chain complexity and integrity, it is not without its challenges. Before implementing Blockchain in supply chain management solutions, these issues must be addressed. 
Here are some difficulties to be aware of: 

Quality data assurance

The data on the Blockchain is immutable, and the supply chain includes multiple data fields that must be filled manually. This increases the possibility of errors when manually entering them. As a result, using Blockchain to correct those errors will become difficult. 

The extent to which Blockchain will be used

It is critical to determine why blockchain technology will be used in the supply chain. Relying solely on Blockchain is a bad idea because it will consume a lot of resources and will not produce accurate results. As a result, beginning with some areas, such as delivery tracking and other logistic processes, will be beneficial.

Visit Blockchain Council to learn more about the various applications of blockchain technology. Here you can find credible sources of information to help you learn about blockchain technology and how it can be used to improve business efficiency. 

In case you have found a mistake in the text, please send a message to the author by selecting the mistake and pressing Ctrl-Enter.
Blockchain Council 58
Blockchain Council provides comprehensive blockchain certification programs for individuals and businesses interested in learning more about blockchain technolo...
Comments (1)
  1. Yana Mykhailiuk

    Thank you for describing how blockchain supply chain development and how it changes this direction for the better. I agree that supply chain management professionals need to learn blockchain technology to keep up with consumer patterns and expectations. Blockchain in supply chain management and logistics offers numerous advantages, including: Ensuring transparency of all operations Improved data security Provenance Tracking Improved tracking and visibilityм https://www.cleveroad.com/industries/logistics/blockchain/

    1 year ago ·
    1
You must be logged in to comment.

Sign In