How to Disclose Selective Information from Permissioned DLT-Based Traceability Systems?

Abstract

In order to exchange traceability information within supply chains, the use of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) has recently been discussed in research and industry. As part of the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) chosen for this work, a structured literature review is conducted to provide a knowledge base regarding this topic. By reviewing the proposed approaches, a summary of collected requirements is given and the identified system concepts and design patterns are presented and discussed. The lack of mechanisms to protect trade secrets is identified as the most important challenge for the real-world application of such systems. There is a particular need for solutions when the exchange of information with third parties or the public is required but business-relevant data or metadata could be disclosed. Therefore, the research question arises, how sensitive data could be provided from inside a DLTbased system to external third parties by considering the risk of metadata analysis. As result, we propose an approach using existing mechanisms and design patterns to reduce the risk of competitor analysis. The applicability in real-world scenarios is focused, which is why a proof of concept is implemented as software artifact using Hyperledger Fabric. An evaluation of this artifact regarding the key requirements concludes this paper.