Blockchain technology has been one of the most important developments in modern times. The technology powers the best cryptocurrency to buy today, but also has a wide range of other uses and applications.
Supply chain logistics and management in particular are benefitting from blockchain technology. Let’s take a closer look in more detail at how this works and why blockchain has proved so revolutionary for supply chains across industries.
The Importance of the Supply Chain
Our modern lives are more convenient than ever before. This is particularly evident when it comes to buying goods and products. Now, we can get just about anything we want delivered to our doors within a matter of days, even hours.
Consumer demand is at an all-time high. What this means is that businesses must always be well-stocked and equipped to meet customer expectations. The supply chain is key to this. It allows for the movement of goods around the world and is how businesses can ensure they have the stock they need.
The supply chain is massive and extremely complex. It consists of a network of smaller, interconnected parts which work together to move products across continents and oceans. However, the supply chain is also fragile, if one section breaks down, it can create a domino effect that has severe, long-lasting implications.
How Does Blockchain Technology Work?
If we want to understand how blockchain is revolutionising supply chain logistics, first we need to know how the technology works.
Essentially, a blockchain platform serves as a log or ledger where actions can be recorded. The tech is most commonly associated with cryptocurrencies, and transactions made using these assets are stored on blockchain networks as a form of verification.
These records are highly secure, and protected through cryptographic encryption. This means they cannot be altered or changed and are even publicly viewable to ensure transparency and clarity.
However, blockchain technology isn’t just for the crypto industry. We’re beginning to see it used across a wide range of different sectors, and it can be repurposed and adapted to suit various scenarios and situations.
Now that we know how it works, let’s dive into how blockchain technology is revolutionising supply chain logistics.
Identifying Issues
As we mentioned above, disruptions and issues in the supply chain can have disastrous consequences and can be incredibly difficult for businesses to recover from.
With blockchain, users can monitor and track the supply chain in detail. This includes goods as they are being transported, as well as vehicles and storage facilities used in the process. If there are issues in the chain, these blockchain networks can be reviewed to pinpoint the origin and cause of the problem and ensure it is rectified as quickly as possible.
Quality Assurance
Poor quality goods can negatively impact customers and can also seriously harm the reputation and image of businesses. They can also be costly, especially when it comes to perishable items like food and drink.
Goods can be fitted with sensors that transmit their geographic location to connect blockchain networks. If goods are damaged or spoiled in transit, the exact time and location this occurred can be identified. Steps can then be taken to ensure it doesn’t happen again. This will save businesses money and ensure customers are always getting high-quality products.
Regulation Compliance
Consumer laws and regulations are always changing and updating. It’s absolutely essential that businesses stay up to date with the latest rules, as flouting them can lead to severe penalties and reputational damage. Given the scale and complexity of supply chains, adhering to the latest regulations can be tricky, especially when transporting goods across different jurisdictions.
Businesses can utilise blockchain platforms to keep up to date with regulatory changes. As new legislation comes into force, documentation can be distributed throughout a blockchain network to all relevant parties.
Additionally, blockchain platforms can be scanned to identify any potential points where regulations are being breached or infringed. By combining blockchain with technology such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, these processes can be automated and can self-update to ensure they are in keeping with the latest laws and regulations.
Smart Contracts
Another way in which blockchain technology is revolutionising supply chain logistics is through the use of smart contracts. Agreements are a core part of supply chains. Manufacturers, distributors and retailers must all work together to move goods safely and efficiently, with contracts drawn up to ensure deals are met and agreements adhered to.
Smart contracts are written in code and executed through blockchain networks. This means that once signed, contracts are binding, and all involved parties will adhere to the conditions laid out in them. They can prevent businesses from being harmed by contract infringement and help ensure everything is above board.
Conclusion
Supply chains can be difficult to manage and often present extremely challenging logistical issues. Through the use of blockchain technology, we’re seeing a revolution in the way supply chains operate, and businesses can now transport goods across the world with a higher degree of efficiency and security. As blockchain technology continues to improve, we will see it further integrated with supply chains to improve logistics.
Supply Chain Logistics article and permission to publish here provided by Diane Hutton. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on October 10, 2023.
Cover image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay