The disaster area is a constantly changing environment, which can make it challenging to distribute supplies effectively. The lack of accurate information about the required goods and potential bottlenecks in the distribution process can be detrimental. The success of a response network is dependent on collaboration, coordination, sovereignty, and equal distribution of relief resources. To facilitate these interactions and improve knowledge of supply chain operations, a reliable and dynamic logistic system is essential. This study proposes the integration of blockchain technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and the Internet of Everything (IoE) into the disaster management structure. The proposed disaster response model aims to reduce response times and ensure the secure and timely distribution of goods. The hyper-connected disaster supply network is modeled through a concrete implementation on the Network Simulation (NS2) platform. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method yields significant improvements in several key performance metrics. Specifically, it achieved more than a 30% improvement in the successful migration of tasks, a 17% reduction in errors, a 15% reduction in delays, and a 9% reduction in energy consumption.
Abstract The transition to a circular supply chain (CSC) is a prerequisite to establish sustainability in the supply chain. Blockchainâbased CSC enables stakeholders to effectively manage their decisionâmaking processes, increase revenue, reduce time and costs and ensure information synchronisation. Blockchain startâups play an essential role in facilitating the transition from a linear to a circular economy while supporting the development of CSCs. This research aims to explore the role of blockchain entrepreneurship in the transition to CSC by evaluating circular blockchain startâups. This research contributes to the literature by providing verified roles of blockchain entrepreneurship in the transition to CSC by evaluating the literature and blockchain startâups. Another contribution is that the causal relationships between these roles are analysed. In this study, an integrated threeâstep methodology including Systematic Literature Review (SLR), Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), and Fuzzy DecisionâMaking Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (FuzzyâDEMATEL) methods on the base of the theory of change is proposed. An SLR is performed to determine the roles of blockchain entrepreneurship. Then, a QCA is conducted after identifying the roles for verification by evaluations of use cases of blockchain startâups. Finally, the causal relationships between these roles are interpreted by using FuzzyâDEMATEL. Findings indicate that blockchain entrepreneurship has 12 fundamental roles in facilitating the transition from a linear to a circular economy while supporting the development of CSCs.
Amandine Herbe, Zarah Estermann, Valentin Holzwarth, Jan vom Brocke
Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) refers to multi-party systems that enables saving encrypted data across a peer-to-peer network of nodes, without central authority. While DLT applications have been mainly studied in finance, we conduct empirical research on DLT application in supply chain management, combining theory testing and theory elaborating case research. Applying the Theory of Affordance Actualisation, we identify five DLT affordances: (1) verify product origin and history, (2) exchange data on digital product models, (3) track and trace productsâ logistics, (4) simplify supply chain finance, and (5) automate payments. We identify and evaluate these affordances and also outline how these affordances can be actualised. We contribute to the discourse of DLT value creation and provide practical guidance to assess DLT potential in supply chains. We integrate our findings into the academic discussion on collaboration in viable, intertwined supply networks.
Summer K. Mohamed, Sandra S. G. Haddad, Mahmoud Barakat, Bojan Rosi
Due to the complexity of building supply chain resilience (SCR) towards long-term environmental sustainability amendments, the use of emerging technologies such as Blockchain Technology (BCT) can be adopted as an innovative tool to enhance the sustainability and resilience of supply chains, especially in uncertain environments. Drawing on the Knowledge-Based View (KBV) and Dynamic Capability View (DCV), this research aims to demonstrate how the adoption of BCT can enhance the environmental supply chain performance (SCP). A total of 603 valid surveys were collected from respondents from manufacturing and service organizations in Egypt. The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modelling, and results revealed that BCT adoption alone had a negative direct impact on environmental SCP. However, when this relationship was mediated by SCR and sequentially mediated by customer integration and green customer information sharing, the results were positive. This research presents insights on how organizations can adapt to dynamic business environments, and, in addition, it extends the theories of KBV and DCV in an empirical contribution by filling the gap in understanding regarding how environmental SCP can be enhanced through the adoption of BCT.
We propose a novel framework, Vacledger, for supply chain traceability and counterfeit detection of COVID-19 vaccines using a blockchain network. It includes four smart contracts on a private-permissioned blockchain network for supply chain traceability and counterfeit detection of COVID-19 vaccine, more specifically to (i) handle the rules and regulations of vaccine importing countries and provide authorization for cross the borders (regulatory compliance and border authorization smart contract), (ii) register new and imported vaccines in the Vacledger system (vaccine registration smart contract), (iii) find the number of stocks that have arrived in the Vacledger system (stock accumulation smart contract), and (iv) identify the exact location of the stock (location tracing update smart contract). Our results show that the proposed system keeps track of all activities, events, transactions, and all other past transactions, permanently stored in an immutable Vacledger connected to decentralized peer-to-peer file systems. We observe no algorithm complexity differences between the proposed Vacledger system and existing supply chain frameworks based on different blockchain types. In addition, based on four use cases, we estimate our modelâs overall gasoline cost (transaction or gas price). The Vacledger system empowers distribution companies to manage their supply chain operations effectively and securely using an in-network, permissioned distributed network. This study employs the COVID-19 vaccine supply chain (the healthcare industry) to demonstrate how the proposed Vacledger system operates. Despite this, our proposed approach might be implemented in other supply chain industries, such as the food industry, energy trading, and commodity transactions.
Samar Raza Talpur, Alhamzah F. Abbas, Nohman Khan, Sobia Irum · 5 authors
The present study looks at how the internet of things and blockchain technology might be used to improve prospects in supply chain procedures. The current pandemic has highlighted the significance of resilient and dependable supply chain systems that are less dependent on humans and more efficient in cycling goods supply chains. The present study included and excluded records from two recognised databases, Scopus and Web of Science, using the PRISMA declaration 2020. After following the inclusion and exclusion criteria details, investigated the forty-seven articles with two significant data streams (traceability of supply chain management, resin and sustainability). Results illustrated that in today's environment, the rivalry has shifted from "firm vs firm" to "supply chain vs supply chain." As a result, the ability to optimise the supply chain has arisen as a significant issue for organisations seeking a competitive advantage. However, it has become increasingly challenging to traceability of products and merchandise while they are moving through the value chain network. The Internet of Things (IoT) applications and blockchain technologies can help companies observe, track, and monitor products, activities, privacy, security and processes within their respective value chain networks. Other applications of IoT include product monitoring to optimise operations in warehousing, manufacturing, food supply chain and transportation. Combined with IoT, Blockchain technology can enable various application scenarios to enhance supply-chain transparency and trust. When combined, IoT and Blockchain technology can increase the effectiveness and efficiency of modern supply chains. First, we illustrate how deploying Blockchain technology in combination with IoT infrastructure can streamline and benefit modern supply chains and enhance value chain networks. Second, we also identified that the resilience of big data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence is helpful for the sustainable development of social, economic and environmental contexts.
Chuangneng Cai, Xiancheng Hao, Kui Wang, Xuebing Dong
Globalization has prompted enterprises worldwide to increasingly seek the optimal supply chain configuration. However, outsourcing, shortened product life cycles, and a reduced supply base severely weaken supply chain risk tolerance. With the emergence of blockchain, enterprises see an opportunity to mitigate supply chain risks. The purpose of our research is to explore supply chain managersâ intention to adopt blockchain technology from the perspective of supply chain risk management. Using a survey sample of 203 managers in China and the USA, we explored the impact of four perceived benefits of blockchain technology on supply chain risk resistance by extending the technology acceptance model. The results show that the traceability, transparency, information sharing, and decentralization of blockchain can enhance the perceived usefulness of blockchain in supply chain resilience and responsiveness, and the ability to withstand disruption risks and supply and demand coordination risks encountered in the supply chain, thus promoting the adoption of the technology. In addition, the relationships between supply chain resilience and blockchain technology adoption and between supply chain responsiveness and blockchain technology adoption are more salient for managers with high levels of uncertainty avoidance.
In the food supply chain, which starts with the seed that the producer sows in the field, what stages the consumer goes through until it comes to his table, which activities and safety framework are affected by the product/food safety at these stages, and because the said effects are not transparent and knowable, technology is used especially by producers/farmers and consumers. It is planned to build a bridge between /customer with blockchain technology. Literature information about blockchain technology and the sectors where it provides more benefits is given. As a result of the research on supply chain and blockchain technology maturity level in agriculture, it has been determined that the theory part of the technology is developing and there are still problems in practice. Agricultural practices and results on smart agriculture and the adaptation of the agricultural sector to technology in Turkey are emphasized. IBM Food Trust blockchain application was preferred for agricultural/food product application with blockchain technology in supply chain management. A project was proposed for the application of blockchain technology in the agricultural supply chain in Turkey and it was emphasized that it would take time for the producer and private sector to transition to this application without the contribution of public institutions and organizations in the project.
Hang Thanh Bui, Omar Khadeer Hussain, Daniel D. Prior, Farookh Hussain · 5 authors
Blockchain technology has the potential to be applied widely in supply chain operations. One such area is proactive supply chain risk management (SCRM). In this area, existing researchers have highlighted the fraudulent behaviour of supply chain partners who do not disclose information on the risks that impact their operations. Blockchain can address this problem by encoding each partnerâs commitment to SCRM and achieve consensus. However, before this can be achieved, a key challenge to address is the inability of existing consensus mechanisms such as Proof of Work (PoW), Proof of Authority (PoA) and Proof of Stake (PoS) to deal with information that does not have a digital footprint. In this paper, we address this gap by proposing the Proof by Earnestness (PoE) consensus mechanism which accounts for the authenticity, legitimacy and trustworthiness of information that does not have a digital footprint. We also propose the Subjective Information Authenticity Earnestness Framework (SIAEF) as the overarching framework that assists PoE in achieving its aim. We test the applicability of SIAEF and PoE in a real-world blockchain environment by deploying it as a decentralized application (Dapp) and applying it in BscScan Testnet which is an official test blockchain network.
Atul Kumar Singh, V. R. Prasath Kumar, Gholamreza Dehdasht, Saeed Reza Mohandes · 6 authors
Blockchain technology (BT) can execute transactions verifiable and permanently, which can help foster the idea of embracing sustainability pillars within industries. Therefore, BT holds considerable promise for the industrial and service sectors; however, its implementation during the procurement stage in a sustainable construction project (SCP) is a bottleneck because of inherent and unknown barriers. Though some attempts on the identification of these barriers have been carried out, the literature lacks a thorough investigation into the relationships and inner dependencies among the related barriers within the realm of SCP. Thus, a novel combination of fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (fuzzy DEMATEL) and social network analysis (FDSNA) is proposed in this paper to fill this gap; FDSNA uncovers causal relationships among leading barriers that impede the adoption of BT within an SCP, and it determines the most critical barriers by modeling their complex interrelationships in related intricate environments. The obtained results suggest âinadequacies in implementing block chain-based policiesâ and âunawareness and resistance to BT among customersâ as the most significant barriers, and âtechnology immaturity,â âmarket uncertainty and competition,â and âtechnology accessibilityâ are identified as the most critical. These results present managers and governmental bodies with an inclusive picture regarding the major obstructions to the successful implementation of BT, and it is expected to open avenues to accrue benefits from such leading-edge technologies at a greater pace.
Audits are an essential component of every organization, particularly those involving software development. In addition to several testing cycles, software auditing has become an essential software development milestone. Software auditing is a continual activity that enables a business to remain ahead of the curve and predict potential software problems. Audits, whether undertaken in-house or by external auditors, entail a significant amount of time and work. Consistent audits provide financial and economic benefits, as well as legal benefits. The most essential advantage of audits is safeguarding your system from internal and external assaults. Audit logs serve a crucial role in the auditing process; they typically capture all system operations and occurrences. They are used as evidence providers during an inquiry and by auditors to monitor the privacy and security of information and systems. Auditors confirm the accuracy of data pertaining to businesses and their activities. To determine if these acts exceed the limitations established by organizations, governments, and other parties, dependable information is essential. Infractions of such rules or corporate standards may be indicative of fraud, malpractice, risk, or inefficiency. Despite the existence of automated audit tools, audit policy, and audit logs, many audit frauds are reported on a daily basis. To make the audit process transparent and secure, this research proposes a blockchain-enabled framework SSFTA to aid software auditors in conducting a transparent and effective audit process. The proposed framework is evaluated using a case study. The findings demonstrated that the suggested framework makes the auditing process simple and transparent.
Fake news, misinformation and disinformation have significantly increased over the past years, and they have a profound effect on societies and supply chains. This paper examines the relationship of information risks with supply chain disruptions and proposes blockchain applications and strategies to mitigate and manage them. We critically review the literature of SCRM and SCRES and find that information flows and risks are relatively attracting less attention. We contribute by suggesting that information integrates other flows, processes and operations, and it is an overarching theme that is essential in every part of the supply chain. Based on related studies we create a theoretical framework that incorporates fake news, misinformation and disinformation. To our knowledge, this is a first attempt to combine types of misleading information and SCRM/SCRES. We find that fake news, misinformation and disinformation can be amplified and cause larger supply chain disruptions, especially when they are exogenous and intentional. Finally, we present both theoretical and practical applications of blockchain technology to supply chain and find support that blockchain can actually advance risk management and resilience of supply chains. Cooperation and information sharing are effective strategies.
Matthew Quayson, Chunguang Bai, Lihua Sun, Joseph Sarkis
Abstract Globally, firms face increasing pressure to efficiently utilize resources and minimize costs and may do so through sustainable supply chains and circular economy practices. Emerging technologies, such as blockchain, to enable a circular economy have become a new industrial paradigm. However, firms require building dynamic capabilities through blockchain, which can be key to realizing circular economy model. This study introduces a framework for building blockchainâdriven dynamic capabilities for a circular supply chain. We further use the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method to evaluate three major dynamic capabilities and 18 subâdynamic capabilities and their interrelationships. The mining industry in Ghana sets the stage for this analysis. The study results show that although blockchainâdriven sensing dynamic capability, seizing dynamic capability, and reconfiguring dynamic capability are crucial for developing a circular supply chain, they do not strictly follow a sequence and overlap. We highlight various causeâeffect relationships, providing insights into the role of sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring dynamic capabilities. That information is important to firms, stakeholders, and partners to draft an appropriate strategy to build blockchainâdriven dynamic capabilities for developing a circular supply chain.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate how Blockchain Technology (BCT) can support the implementation of Lean Automation. We conducted a systematic literature review to understand how BCT is being implemented in the supply chain management (SCM) domain and to evaluate how this technology can be used to reduce inefficiencies in supply chains. Firstly, we developed a holistic taxonomy of wastes to identify the most common non-value activities. Then, both inductive and deductive content analyses were performed, the latter being coded using the taxonomy. Our findings identified the most common BCT-based application themes in SCM and ways that this technology can be used to support future implementation of Blockchain-enabled Lean Automation (B-eLA). Additionally, we proposed a future research agenda. The study provides important contributions at the intersection between BCT, lean production, and Industry 4.0 within the context of SCM and seeks to exploit BCTâs potential to improve businessesâ efficiency, effectiveness and productivity.
Mohammod Abul Kashem, Mohammad Shamsuddoha, Tasnuba Nasir, Asma Akter Chowdhury
In response to significant disruption, supply chain optimization became sensitive to increasing consumer expectations, unexpected demand fluctuation, and inventory costs. Proactive movement, understanding, and empowerment have fostered the beneficial results of supply chain optimization, cooperation, and operational resilience. These pioneering activities are critical to achieving a paradigm shift in the supply chain, even agility in response to changing demand. However, sophisticated analytics such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain are supposed to overcome these challenges to make smarter decisions on a daily basis. Due to these facts, this study aimed to model AIâs and blockchainâs role in supply chain optimization by conducting a systematic literature review based on the idealized framework of Rejeb et al. (2022) and the SALSA mechanism. In addition, this paradigm-shifting approach will provide fairer views and options for managing forecasting, planning, monitoring, and reporting across the entire supply chain. The emphasis remains on real-time accuracy, easy access, and optimization of operational indicators such as sales, visibility, and end-to-end supply chain operations at all times and from any location. It will be an eye-opening experience to enable stakeholders and partners to communicate information collaboratively, consistently, and efficiently.
Purpose: Rapidly developing information technology increases expectations for obtaining much more efficient structures by providing accurate, sufficient and secure information sharing in supply chains as well as in many other fields. Traceability is a critical element in supply chain management, especially in security-sensitive sectors such as food, medicine, etc. Blockchain is a decentralized record platform that provides traceability, transparency and security, and it shows promise in alleviating traditional supply chain management problems and making a positive contribution. This article aims to improve the relevant literature by revealing the level of impact of blockchain technology on supply chain management.Methodology: First of all, a traditional closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) network was designed and modeled. Then, the main model was developed by creating four more scenarios for different applications of the blockchain technology to the existing model and the application results were analyzed.Findings: This paper demonstrated the implementation of blockchain technology in forward and reverse flows activities coordination for effective and efficient supply chain management, and the resulting gains by developing appropriate models through explanatory scenarios. The implications showed that blockchain technology could significantly reduce supply chain costs.Originality: While blockchain technology is gaining attention, there are very few studies focused on its integration into the supply chain. Apart from the applications in the field of finance, the most important contribution and originality of the study is the application of the blockchain to CLSC from different aspects as partial, full, only forward flow and only reverse flow.
Sunil Tiwari, Pankaj Sharma, TsanâMing Choi, Andrew E. B. Lim
In global supply chains, third-party logistics (3PL) services have proven to be critically important in helping many supply chain agents with distribution tasks so that they can focus on their core competencies of product development and manufacturing. However, there are many inadequacies in current global supply chains that affect the functions of 3PL. These shortcomings have necessitated digital transformation in many businesses. This digitalization enhances information sharing and supply chain visibility, which improves supply chain performance; however, it may create challenges regarding cybersecurity and data quality. Blockchain technology (BCT), with features such as being highly secure and distributed, can help. In this paper, we examine the literature and identify challenges associated with 3PL and how BCT can be used for 3PL. Then, we conduct interviews with four innovation/project managers of well-established logistics companies to uncover the status of BCT adoption in 3PL and the challenges that are hampering the adoption of this technology. Finally, we propose a framework together with a decision roadmap for BCT implementation.