Unraveling the potential of blockchain technology in enhancing supply chain traceability: A systematic literature review and modeling with ISM

Abstract

Supply chain traceability is a critical aspect of modern business operations, and blockchain technology has emerged as a promising solution to enhance traceability in supply chain management. However, the effective application of blockchain faces various challenges and limitations. This study aims to investigate how blockchain technology can address these challenges and improve traceability within supply chains. Employing a systematic literature review combined with interpretative structural modeling (ISM), we comprehensively assess and classify the literature on blockchain-enabled supply chain traceability. Our exploratory research approach delves into the contributions of blockchain technology and identifies key factors that enhance traceability. We adopt a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both secondary and primary data to ensure robust analysis. Our study addresses essential questions regarding the application, advantages, limitations, challenges, integration with other technologies, and future potential of blockchain in supply chain traceability. Through a systematic review and the ISM technique, we identify crucial levels and factors necessary for leveraging blockchain technology effectively. Our findings underscore the importance of a robust infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and significant initial investment in implementing blockchain for supply chain traceability. This research offers a comprehensive understanding of the factors and their levels, providing valuable insights for industry professionals and academic researchers. By laying a solid foundation for informed decision-making and further exploration into the potential of blockchain-enhanced supply chain traceability, our study contributes to advancing knowledge in this crucial area of business operations.