Applying Blockchain to Automate Installments Payment between Supply Chain Parties

Abstract

Motivated by the recent disruption in shaping industries through blockchain, this paper examines the effect of integrating blockchain and Enterprise Resource Planning systems on the relation among the different parties of the supply chain. For a seamless integration, distributors seek to automate payments with retailers under specific conditions, which can be achieved through smart contracts in a blockchain network. In this paper, we study the utilization of QR codes to handle such cases in the supply chain industry between the distributors and retailers in particular. Then, we analyze the contribution of using blockchain to handle these cases. Furthermore, to emphasize the advantages of blockchain on a supply chain, a prototype is implemented and developed using Hyperledger Composer. This prototype highlights the added value blockchain can have on the relation between the two supply chain parties, while providing additional features to build the needed trust between both parties.