Supply chain information coordination based on blockchain technology: A comparative study with the traditional approach

Can We Connect? Benefits and Barriers to Adoption of Transformative Technology in Global Supply Chains

Driven by the pain points of the organic food supply chain, which has been plagued by counterfeiting and difficulties in pursuing accountability, this paper investigates a secondary organic food supply chain consisting of suppliers and retailers and establishes two supply chain models under the traditional model and in the blockchain traceability context. In order to effectively solve the problem of unrealized Pareto improvement in organic food supply chain after applying blockchain, a new hybrid contract based on benefit‐sharing and cost‐sharing is designed to coordinate the supply chain and realize Pareto improvement, and this solution is gradually applied to organic food enterprises. Based on the fact that blockchain can improve trust in the supply chain and eliminate counterfeiting of organic food, the relationship between the rate of genuine products and market demand and the cost of blockchain is established, and then the analysis is developed using the Stackelberg game. We compare the traditional model with the model in the blockchain context and analyze the optimal profit of each supply chain entity, comparing the change in optimal profit before and after the blockchain implementation, and clarifying the cost threshold of the blockchain technology input application. We find that: (i) The adoption of blockchain can not only improve the authenticity of products and combat counterfeit and shoddy organic food, but at the same time, the improvement of organic level in the context of blockchain will also attract some consumers to buy organic food, which will increase the main body of the supply chain and the overall profit. (ii) Blockchain‐adopted supply chains are consistently more profitable for all parties and overall than traditional supply chains. The main contribution of this study is that in the organic food supply chain under the application of blockchain technology model, by introducing revenue‐sharing and cost‐sharing contracts, the profit between each member of the organic food supply chain is further improved than the traditional model, and also, all of them are optimized, which further improves the stability of the supply chain and brings the supply chain to a coordinated state. Finally, in this context, the obtained results show the effectiveness and realistic operational efficiency of the proposed approach for companies compared to traditional single revenue‐sharing covenants. A combination of revenue‐sharing and cost‐sharing covenants is the best approach to solve such problems. In conclusion, it should be noted that the analysis presented in this study will help decision makers choose the most appropriate option among the possible solutions according to their criteria. This proposed framework can also be extended in various cases where profits are out of balance in the organic food supply chain, such as safety and value gain.

In some liberal democracies, governments allow people to legally own guns to protect their lives and property. However, gun crime has been increasing in recent years. Taking the United States, for example, a report pointed out that Americans are 10 times more likely to be shot than citizens of other countries. Murder using guns in the United States is 25 times more than that in the other 22 high-income countries. Most of these guns came from other cities. These illegally circulating guns are directly linked to deadly street violence. This means that effective firearm management can reduce deadly violence. In the past few years, Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology was often used to track the supply chain. However, in the traditional supply chain, only the participants of the supply chain can query information. Furthermore, only the participants can verify the correctness of the data. This result causes information to be not transparent. On the other hand, blockchain technology, with a unique combination of features such as distributed notes, decentralized structure, consensus algorithm, storage mechanism, asymmetric encryption, and smart contract, ensures network visibility, transparency, and security. Therefore, we combine blockchain and RFID technology to propose a traceable firearm management system based on blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The proposed method achieves several goals. First of all, the characteristic data through the blockchain can be publicly verified and the information will not be modified. The traceability of the data and the application of RFID can effectively manage the production chain. In addition, we used Burrows–Abadi–Needham logic (BAN logic) logic to prove mutual authentication, and the nonrepudiation and integrity method can also be achieved in our proposed scheme.

Stage-wise green supply chain management and environmental performance: Impact of blockchain technology

In the domain of supply chain, there exists an immense potential for Blockchain technology. When implemented in the right way, Blockchain can improve the efficiency and competitiveness of manufacturing supply chain networks and thereby increase customer satisfaction. In spite of its undisputed capability in improving the efficiency of supply chain networks, the degree of acceptance of Blockchain, since its inception, remains very low. This paper studies the major hindrances experienced by manufacturing firms in adopting Blockchain for supply chain. A theoretical model is developed based on Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework and analysed using the SmartPLS tool for partial least squares technique. The findings of this study suggests that there is a significant impact of all three latent variables of TOE Framework i.e., technological barriers, organizational barriers and environmental barriers on Blockchain adoption by manufacturing supply chains. The parameters in these barriers are lack of block-chain standardization, lack of government regulation and lack of financial resources. The results are implied for policy makers and related agencies to take suitable actions to overcome these barriers and encourage adoption of block chain in Indian manufacturing supply chain. It will also help researchers to further study the way to reduce the impact of these barriers.

Fresh products are characterized by a certain deterioration rate, and the fresh supply chain typically relies on third-party cold chain logistics companies (3PLs) for transportation. This study constructs a fresh supply chain composed of supplier, retailer, and third-party cold chain logistics company, where shipping costs are borne by either the supplier or the retailer. The shipping costs bearer considers whether to adopt blockchain technology to enhance the transparency of fresh logistics and improve consumers’ perceived value. Using game theory, the paper attempts to explore who should bear the shipping costs (supplier or retailer), clarifying the shipping costs bear’s blockchain adoption strategy. The results indicate that: First, the 3PL’s profit is negatively correlated with the research and development (R&D) cost coefficient of carbon emission reduction (CER) and the deterioration rate of fresh products, while it is positively correlated with consumer low-carbon preferences. When the R&D cost coefficient of CER is high, or the deterioration rate of fresh products is low, or consumer low-carbon preferences are low, the 3PL prefers RCB model, otherwise SNB model. Additionally, the 3PL’s carbon reduction level is higher when blockchain technology is adopted, especially with low R&D cost coefficient of CER and high consumer low-carbon preferences. Second, regarding who should bear the shipping costs, when blockchain technology is not adopted, it is optimal for the supplier to bear the shipping costs, maximizing the overall profit of the supply chain. In contrast, when blockchain technology is adopted, having the retailer bear the shipping costs maximizes the overall profit of the supply chain. Specifically, when the R&D cost coefficient of CER is high, regardless of blockchain adoption, the supplier bearing the shipping costs maximizes the overall profit of the supply chain. Finally, concerning whether the bearer should invest in blockchain technology, when the R&D cost coefficient of CER is low and consumer low-carbon preferences are high, adopting blockchain technology leads to Pareto optimal profits for both the supplier and the retailer, regardless of who bears the shipping costs. This study provides a decision framework for optimizing cost allocation and technology adoption in sustainable cold chain management, particularly relevant for perishable goods with short shelf lives.

The modern supply chain management now incorporates blockchain technology which delivers revolutionary developments for supply chain transparency effectiveness and tracking. This research examines the effects blockchain technology brings to supply chain systems especially for the Nigerian market. The researchers conducted a mixed-method survey study with 150 supply chain professionals from Ogun State. Functions and providers have recognized blockchain applications as substantial potential for procurement and logistics management and inventory management but have not fully implemented them yet. A majority of survey respondents removed traceability (65.3%) and transparency (75.3%) as positive outcomes that correspond with international studies. The surveyed professionals experience ongoing difficulties regarding expense of implementation (70%) and shortage of qualified personnel (80%). Technical combinations between blockchain technology and both IoT and AI systems show evidence of enhancing organizational operational capacities while strengthening system defenses. Survey participants predict blockchain adoption to develop within the upcoming 2-3 years by 34.7%. The findings suggest that blockchain adoption will speed up through proper regulatory guidelines and specific training programs as well as accessible implementation procedures. The research contributes toward revealing blockchain adoption drivers and barriers and provides Nigerian industries with practical advice and specifies future research directions. Developing economies can use blockchain as their principal supply chain transformation framework when they fix present obstacles and match international technological developments.

Modular integrated construction (MiC) becomes a promising solution to improve production efficiency in the construction industry. However, the off‐site production and on‐site installation processes of MiC pose challenges to collaboration efficiency among the multiple stakeholders involved, including subcontractors, contractors, and consumers. These challenges stem from information dispersion, which impedes effective collaboration and communication. Such problems can be solved by introducing a blockchain‐based cyber‐physical service platform, which can facilitate information sharing and collaboration across the supply chain. In this paper, we study the impacts of MiC and blockchain technology on construction supply chains and reveal several important insights. First, we find that there exists a first‐mover advantage in the traditional construction supply chain, where subcontractors engage in a sequential game, and the subcontractor who produces first obtains more profit than the counterparts. Moreover, the contractor's ability to increase profits by reducing the unit cost of construction time is limited, but it can improve the effectiveness of the time gap due to early delivery. Second, we show that MiC should not be introduced if it significantly reduces collaboration efficiency in the supply chain. Interestingly, increasing the unit cost of construction for subcontractors can actually result in greater profits for all members of the supply chain. Regarding adopting blockchain technology, our findings suggest that supply chain members generally hold similar attitudes. Specifically, when the value of blockchain in improving collaboration efficiency is below a certain threshold, its adoption may not be beneficial, despite its potential to enable rapid production and early delivery.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how blockchain technology can improve supply chain adaptability, alignment and agility which collectively enhance competitive advantage which in turn influences firm performance. Design/methodology/approach The conceptual framework of the present study is developed by conducting an extensive literature review on blockchain technology, supply chain adaptability, alignment, agility and competitive advantage. The sample data were collected from 397 supply chain practitioners in India to validate the conceptual model. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to ascertain the validity of the measures used and a structural model was analyzed for testing the proposed conceptual framework. Findings The results of the present study show that blockchain technology can improve supply chain adaptability, alignment, agility which lead to competitive advantage, which leads to better firm performance. Besides, trust generated through blockchain use also increases firm performance. Research limitations/implications Currently, the respondents do not have practical experience of using blockchain technology. They have responded based on their knowledge about supply chain and blockchain which they acquired from published sources. Different supply chains require different strategic choices and different information needs. But the present study assumes that all supply chain needs are identical. The present study assumes that government regulations regarding blockchain technology are favorable; however, currently, there is no legal framework to address blockchain technology. The findings of the current study indicate that companies not only should create more awareness regarding blockchain but also should actively work with IT companies that are engaged in developing blockchain-based supply chain solution. Managers, as well as IT companies and academicians, should join hands to study and develop a framework for regulating blockchain technology and suggest these to the policy actors. Practical implications The present study shows that supply chain practitioners are confident that blockchain technology will help improve supply chain parameters. These findings can help IT companies and their marketers for developing and promoting blockchain-based IT applications. In addition, the important implication for supply chain practitioners is that blockchain helps in creating a competitive advantage and increases firm performance. Originality/value The effect of IT on important supply chain variables has been studied in the past; however, there is not a single study which sheds light on how disruptive technologies such as blockchain will affect supply chain adaptability, alignment, agility and firm performance.

Product tracing or component tracing? Blockchain adoption in a two-echelon supply chain management

Impact of government fund policy and blockchain technology on closed-loop supply chains in textile and apparel industry

The article discusses supply chain optimization based on blockchain supply chain technology and genetic algorithm in the context of IoT to improve the availability of goods and the security of logistics information, improve supply chain efficiency and reduce transportation costs. First, the basic theories of supply chain technology, supply chain optimization and genetic algorithm are introduced, and supply chain optimization with collaborative logistics information management is analyzed. Then, a supply chain network optimization model based on genetic algorithm is established and the optimization results are analyzed. The optimization results show that applying blockchain technology to collaborative logistics information management system improves the overall efficiency of supply chain logistics; using genetic algorithm, the logistics distribution cost is reduced. The study is innovative in optimizing the collaborative logistics information management system in the logistics supply chain and the logistics distribution channel by using blockchain technology and genetic algorithm to improve the security and availability of logistics information. The case study shows that the optimization of supply chain logistics using blockchain technology and genetic algorithm improves efficiency, reduces costs, improves corporate governance and economic efficiency, and increases the competitiveness of the company.

Background: Blockchain technology (BCT) is widely recognised for its potential to transform supply chain (SC) operations by enhancing SC transparency, hence fostering trust among SC partners. However, most empirical research has explored its direct impact through conceptual and causal models, while limited studies have explored how SC professionals themselves perceive the role of BCT in strengthening SC transparency and trust among SC partners, especially within emerging economies.Objectives: This study explores the perceptions of SC professionals regarding BCT technology, SC transparency and trust. The focus is on understanding how practitioners interpret the relational value of BCT in the context of emerging economies, with Egypt serving as a representative case.Method: This study employs an exploratory quantitative research approach through a quantitative method that utilises surveys to collect data from 63 SC professionals working in organisations operating in Egypt.Results: Findings confirm that professionals perceive BCT as a tool that positively influences both SC trust and SC transparency, with SC transparency partially mediating the relationship between BCT and trust. However, SC transparency alone does not fully explain trust-building, highlighting the importance of other BCT features such as immutability, traceability and smart contracts.Conclusion: This study reveals that SC professionals in emerging economies perceive BCT as a multifaceted trust-enabling mechanism, operating through SC transparency and other technological affordances.Contribution: By capturing practitioners’ perceptions, this study offers exploratory observations about the perceived relationship among BCT, SC transparency and trust, offering evidence-based understanding from an emerging economy perspective. The findings inform both academics and managers on how BCT’s perceived benefits can shape future trust-oriented SC practices.

As global supply chains become increasingly complex, traditional systems face challenges in ensuring efficiency, transparency, and innovation. Block chain technology has emerged as a transformative force in addressing these issues, offering a decentralized and secure framework for supply chain management. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the impact of block chain on supply chains, focusing on its potential to enhance efficiency, transparency, and foster innovation. The efficiency gains facilitated by block chain in supply chain management are examined through the elimination of intermediaries, reduction of paperwork, and real-time visibility into the entire process. These improvements result in streamlined operations, reduced costs, and enhanced responsiveness to market dynamics. Moreover, block chain’s decentralized nature ensures data integrity, mitigating the risk of fraud and errors in the supply chain. Transparency is a critical aspect of modern supply chains, and block chain provides an immutable and transparent ledger that enables end-to-end visibility. The technology ensures traceability and accountability, allowing stakeholders to access real-time information about the origin, movement, and status of products. This transparency not only enhances trust among supply chain participants but also facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements. The role of block chain in fostering innovation within supply chains is explored, emphasizing its potential to enable new business models, collaborative ecosystems, and the integration of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The paper highlights case studies and pilot projects where block chain has been successfully applied to drive innovation in supply chain processes. Challenges and considerations related to the implementation of block chain in supply chain management are also discussed, including interoperability, scalability, and regulatory issues. The paper concludes by outlining future research directions and emphasizing the need for industry-wide collaboration to unlock the full potential of block chain in revolutionizing supply chain management. Overall, this review contributes to the understanding of how block chain can serve as a catalyst for efficiency, transparency, and innovation in contemporary supply chains

The digitalization of supply chains enhances efficiency and aligns with the expectations of customers and suppliers. In data-intensive industries, such as Oil and Gas (O&G), blockchain technology, a key tool for supply chain digitalization, offers substantial benefits. This study investigates how the latest advancements in blockchain technology can be utilized in Supply Chain Management (SCM) to enhance transparency, improve resilience, and enable automation. In particular, we focus on the adoption of blockchain in the O&G sector within the context of enterprise and business applications. To guide decision-making in uncertain conditions, we present a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)-based framework. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the inaugural research endeavor to evaluate blockchain deployment strategies under deterministic and non-deterministic environments utilizing data-driven optimization models. This framework assesses blockchain adoption strategies for industries based on criteria associated with organization, supply chain, technology, and pressures and drivers. The findings highlight the framework’s applicability under uncertain conditions by implementing it to a case study of the Norwegian O&G sector. The results indicate that “Single Use” and “Substitution” strategies are ranked first and second, followed by “Localization” and “Transformation”.