Today, smart supply chains are one of the main and growing applications of evolving technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain, which bring many benefits. IoT and blockchain security is a subset of cybersecurity that protects against IoT-related threats. Therefore, the simultaneous combination of these technologies and the creation of a supply chain based on the artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) and blockchain, in addition to increasing the performance of activities in supply chain processes, can also bring many security challenges to this smart supply chain. Because the data collected by IoT devices and stored in the blockchain-based systems that manage them are much more sensitive than traditional network security strategies.Due to the importance of this issue, in this study, an attempt has been made to analyse these security indicators in the AIoT and blockchain-based intelligent supply chain using a combined decision-making method in a fuzzy neutrosophic environment. Understanding these security measures will definitely help to implement more secure and powerful smart supply chains. The results showed that customer privacy criteria have the highest priority. The following priorities are authentication, Security challenges based on infrastructure, and network integrity.
Jens Hunhevicz, Pierre-Antoine Brasey, Marcella M. M. Bonanomi, Daniel Hall · 5 authors
This paper outlines why and how blockchain can digitally support and evolve the governance of collaborative project deliveries, such as integrated project deliveries (IPDs), to provide the foundation for novel and disruptive forms of organizational collaboration in the construction industry. Previous work has conceptualized IPDs as a common pool resource (CPR) scenario, where shared resources are collectively governed. Through the use of blockchain and smart contracts for trustworthy peer-to-peer transactions and execution logic, Ostrom's design principles can be digitally encoded to scale CPR scenarios. Building on the identified connections, the paper 1) synthesizes fourteen blockchain-based mechanisms to govern CPRs, 2) identifies twenty-two applications of these mechanisms to govern IPDs, and 3) introduces a conceptualization of the above relationships towards a holistic understanding of collaborative project deliveries on the crypto commons for novel collective organization of construction project delivery between both humans and machines.
Kroz rad se analizira fenomen non-fungible tokena koji su u periodu od 2018. do 2022. postali široko popularni, a njihove vrijednosti dosezale su po nekoliko desetaka milijuna američkih dolara u određenim situacijama. Analizira se pozadinska tehnologija koja je bila osnova za stvaranje tehnologije NFT-jeva, te objašnjava kako je blockchain bio predložan za iste, kao i analizira kako je razlika između kriptovaluta i NFT-jeva u jedinstvenosti. Radi se i pregled tržišta NFT-jeva, kao i udjeli različitih tipova tokena na tom tržištu. Prolazi se kroz rast vrijednosti po godinama, korelaciju vrijednosti kriptovaluta i NFT-jeva, a spominje se i razlika u otpornosti kriptovaluta i non-fungible tokena na svjetske ekonomske krize. Analizira se i korelacija između velikih prodaja i količine pretraživanja na internetu te se dotiče utjecaja krizi na medijsku raširenost NFT-jeva. Za kraj, radi se pregled nekih zanimljivijih kolekcija i primjeraka NFT-jeva i prikazuju zanimljivi načini upotrebe istih. Potom se i prolazi kroz probleme i brojne prevare na tržištu non-fungible tokena, te dotiče manjka regulacija na cjelokupno tržište i naposljetku promišlja bi li potencijalne regulacije pomogle razvoju tržišta.
Supply chain management (SCM) faces a critical security issue because of the asymmetry of information delivered to various parties in the ecosystem and the lack of corresponding supervision. In response, we propose the use of blockchain technology to address the SCM security issues and put forward a blockchain-based SCM framework. We apply design science paradigm to guide the blockchain-based SCM framework development and implementation of a proof-of-concept prototype. We use Hyperledger Fabric and Composer to develop the prototype artifact. Performance evaluation results issued from Hyperledger Caliper prove the superiority and robustness of the proposed blockchain-based framework in terms of security and efficiency requirements, and performance metrics including throughput and latency. Also, the evaluation results show that the IT artifact is stable, and the high stability can reduce the risks of system vulnerabilities and breakdown.
This research explores the role of Blockchain Technology (BCT) integrated with Reverse Supply Chain Networks (RSCN) and evaluates the relationship between BCT and sustainability performance. A qualitative research design was employed to develop a conceptual framework for BCT in RSCN. This research collected and analysed primary and secondary data from four cases as focal-actors. These focal-actors are from multi-industries in Jordan, namely food, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and toys. These actors are lead-firms and have experience working with RSCNs and technology applications such as BCT. Primary data were acquired from interviews with managers working in these industries, which were supported by the analysis of secondary data that identified two types of themes: internally focused and externally focused BCT-integrated drivers of RSCNs. The analysis also identified how they leverage sustainability performance improvements, including their use of RSCN approaches and features. This research is one of the few attempts to explore BCT integrated into RSCN for better sustainability performance that contributes to the theoretical and practical knowledge of supply chains within emerging economies. All types of actors-as-stakeholders involved with national programs and projects can adopt the new framework. The key findings contribute to the field of RSCN where the adoption of BCT as a broad-based strategy to attain sustainability goals and reverse chain activities along the supply chain is a goal.
As the global market develops along with technological advances, especially the opening of markets in developing and underdeveloped countries, the logistics industry is considered by managers to be a useful tool to link different functions of corporate strategy. Logistics is the process of planning, implementing and controlling the movement of goods or information that are related to raw materials (inputs) and final products (outputs) from the point of origin to the point of consumption in order to meet customer requirements. The logistics industry brings about many positive effects, not only for the national economy but also for creating equal business opportunities for businesses of all economic sectors. However, large companies in the logistics industry still depend on EDI or APIS to exchange secure authentication data, which increase the security of operations within the industry, but this is the cause of a lot of confusion with serious consequences on the supply chain when it is too dependent on these systems. To minimize the risks and optimize the problems mentioned above, blockchain technology could help the logistics industry to operate optimally. In an era when everything is digitized, from personal information to financial transactions, choosing a system with high reliability and security becomes extremely important. Currently, there are many blockchain development services providers and it is essential to choose the investment in this technology that suits the characteristics and purposes of the logistics organization in question. This study aimed to propose a two-stage fuzzy multicriteria decision-making model for the assessment of blockchain development services providers for logistics organizations. The hybrid MCDM model was evaluated through a real-world case study at a logistics organization. The contribution of this work is the provision of useful guidelines for the evaluation and selection of blockchain technology services providers for logistics companies.
Research extends in all directions regarding the usage of blockchain technology in operations, logistics, and supply chain management. However, little is known about the role of blockchain in mitigating the risk of specific supply chain disruptions. Therefore, this paper investigates which disruptions in the supply chain can be mitigated through blockchain as well as how these issues can be alleviated. By utilising data collected from a systematic literature review, we find that blockchain mitigates disruptions that are related to specific supply and demand risks: behavioural uncertainties, poor information security, fraud and counterfeit risks, data loss and human errors, operational risks, transactional risks, foodborne illness risks, and information asymmetries. Blockchain is useful in these areas because, as a distributed ledger technology, it integrates the supply chain’s communication systems with a unified platform that improves information-sharing and processing capabilities. Our study represents a step towards improved understanding of blockchain’s positive impact in supply chain and information management-related fields.
Simon Laursen Bager, Boris Düdder, Fritz Henglein, Juan Manuel Hébert · 5 authors
Blockchain and distributed ledger technology (BC/DLT) provides distributed databases with decentralized governance, tamper-proof recording, high availability and non-copyable digital assets, which have made it a natural technological basis for supply chain management. In this paper, we introduce REALISTIC, a novel event-based modeling framework for supply chain networks (SCNs) that includes production processes . It extends McCarty’s Resources-Events-Agents (REA) accounting model with secure transformations , which, across the entire SCN, guarantee that certified output resources cannot be digitally produced ex nihilo , but require certified input resources of at least the same amount as what is produced. This generalizes the no-double-spend guarantee of current BC/DLT to (digital twins of) physical resources and their production. Authenticated human or robotic Internet of Things (IoT) actors digitally sign and cryptographically commit to the veracity of real-world events on an immutable database, without having to take responsibility for their aggregate consequences. User-specifiable interpretations, corresponding to queries and analytical functions in database systems, provide auditable aggregate information computed from recorded events across the entire SCN. This includes fine-grained and trustworthy tracing of final products through multiple stages of production processes, semi-finished products, quality certifications and transportation all the way back to their raw materials. We present a case study for an end-to-end coffee supply chain that tracks fine-grained and detailed information from a farmer’s coffee cherries to retail coffee bags, involving all its actors. Our model handles product provenance; auditable sustainability, quality and trade information; production processes from parchment via green to roasted coffee; product quality tests; farmer certifications; and transportation across the entire coffee supply chain. It is based on field work involving farmers, cooperatives, processors, traders, importers, and a major roasting company stretching from Colombia to Scandinavia. Its REALISTIC-based modeling is the foundation for the design of our prototype implementation, which includes Ethereum blockchain code, RDBMS-based server code and a web app client. Their source code is publicly available on GitHub.
Roshan Jahan, Abdul Majid, Alina Khan, Aksha Malik · 5 authors
Blockchain has emerged as a revolutionary alternative for ensuring authenticity, fostering trust, and improving transparency in supply chain management, particularly within the rapidly expanding secondary markets for luxury and collectible items. This article provides a comprehensive assessment and analysis of blockchain applications specifically designed to address significant issues, including counterfeit products, provenance verification, and consumer trust in the resale market. Users may access the transfer history, ownership history, and validity of a product due to the blockchain's decentralized and unchangeable record properties. Blockchain significantly enhances item traceability, elevates consumer confidence, and increases resale values due to the emphasis on verified authenticity in both empirical and theoretical research. While implementing the blockchain technology users faces considerable challenges that includes data security concerns, high infrastructure costs, extensive interoperability issues, and technological complexities across several sectors. This article focuses on critical implementation approaches via qualitative secondary research and methodical examination of academic publications, industry reports, and case studies, notably featuring the Aura Blockchain Consortium. The research shows that blockchain has the potential to transform the resale business by reducing transaction costs, enhancing efficiency, and fostering a reliable marketplace; nevertheless, ongoing developments and standardization are essential for wider use and integration. It encompasses smart contract-based Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), public versus private blockchain topologies, and the secure association of tangible items with their NFTs.
Today, the visibility of information and the traceability of physical flows have become a challenge to the supply chain's smooth operation, especially because they are difficult to process. Several studies have been done in response to this complexity to uncover practical solutions and more effective strategies for delivering services at the level of client expectations. This paper proposes blockchain technology as a solution that has the potential to deliver encouraging results in terms of supply chain sustainability, trust, traceability, and transparency.
Nowadays, people search sincerely and deeply for authenticated products with low impact on the environment. Especially with the current risks of fraud and counterfeiting and the successive crisis worldwide. The pandemic crisis Covid-19 makes the decision-makers convinced that the supply chain must be more resilient, robust, and sustainable to decrease the time that the supply chain remains disrupted or unfunctional when it faces an unexpected disruption or an unforeseen event wreaks havoc on a supply chain. This paper aims to review the use of blockchain technology(BT) in supply chains(SC). It presents a framework for achieving resilient supply chains by reviewing the literature and allowing the managers to take advantage of the benefits of Blockchain technology, overcome drawbacks, and delete barriers to the adoption of Blockchain technology. This paper presents the crucial features of Blockchain technology that will be an added value if the researchers and managers could take advantage of the positive side and overcome the negative one, which can potentially improve supply chain resilience (SCR). This research enables the stakeholders an overview of the advantages, disadvantages, and barriers of Blockchain technology that must be well managed to ensure an efficient implementation of Blockchain technology within a resilient supply chain.
Naif Al Azmi, Ghaleb Sweis, Rateb J. Sweis, Farouq Sammour
The construction industry plays an essential role in economic development since it is one of the largest industries all over the world. Blockchain has the potential to reshape the structure of all accessible networks in the future. Construction businesses are increasingly interested in embracing blockchain technology to improve supply chain sustainability performance and supply chain resilience in times of globally increasing risks and volatility. This study evaluates the readiness of actors involved in the producing of concrete goods to emphasize the necessity to bring blockchain into the construction industry, as it may be a solution for supply chain resilience and long-term sustainable growth. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in collecting and analyzing the data and testing the hypotheses. Data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed to 300 employees who work within the biggest concrete producing companies in Saudi Arabia. 120 respondents completed the questionnaires. Additionally, confirmatory semi-structured interviews with experts in supply chain financing, IT departments, and procurement departments have been conducted; the study’s findings revealed a low level of blockchain knowledge within Saudi Arabia’s construction industry, since (90%) of respondents have not worked with Blockchain technology. Several technologists barely understand it, and the level of readiness is very low. However, there is a lot of potential, and it is worth investing in it combined with other technologies such as BIM technology. In this study, the authors have sought to provide a measure of Saudi professionals’ attitudes and understanding of blockchain technology solutions within the construction industry in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the study’s novelty aimed to provide a grasp of the conceptual, theoretical, and fundamental features of blockchain technology in the construction industry, as blockchain solutions could benefit the global economy by increasing levels of monitoring, tracing, and confidence in international supply chain resilience.
A successful construction safety management process involves systematic collection, management, and distribution of a significant amount of data through various means including stakeholders’ safety records, inspection procedures, risk assessment analyses, daily reports, preventive control tasks, incidents reports, and post-incident investigations. Despite the tremendous efforts and research in construction safety, still little is known about a systematic method for safety data management that provides accessibility, transparency, reliability, consistency, and traceability. This study aims to address this gap in knowledge by developing a novel information management framework for construction safety processes using blockchain. The proposed framework utilizes distributed ledger technology (DLT) to offer a new architecture of trust for reliably sharing information among all entities involved in a construction project who may not trust one another. The proposed method is designed based on a private blockchain system that maintains a decentralized control of information through permissioned channels to provide a shared view of reliable safety data and records that are accessible, traceable, and immutable. The outcomes of this study contribute to the existing body of knowledge and current state of practice in integrated safety management (ISM) systems that aim to protect construction workers and public through providing timely, reliable, and complete information to all entities involved in a project.
Jacob Lohmer, Elias Ribeiro da Silva, Rainer Lasch
Scholars are increasingly examining how the distributed blockchain technology can counter specific supply chain and operations management challenges. Various research approaches emerge from different scholarly backgrounds, but the interrelation of research areas and current trends has not been adequately considered in a systematic review. We employ a data-driven content analysis approach to examine previous research on blockchain technology in operations management and supply chain management. We investigate the extent to which blockchain technology was considered in scholarly works, structure the research efforts, and identify trends, interrelated themes, and promising research opportunities. Quantitative and qualitative content analysis is conducted on an extensive literature sample of 410 articles. Results indicate an optimistic attitude due to potentials such as tracking and tracing abilities, efficiency increases, and trust-building. Conceptual studies dominate the literature set, with increasing qualitative research efforts. Grand theories are seldomly addressed in the studies. Blockchain technology is outlined as particularly useful when combined with other technologies like IoT. We also identified sustainability implications of the technology, such as enabling transparency for SC stakeholders. Cryptocurrencies can facilitate further efficiency gains if legal uncertainties are reduced. The study is concluded with managerial and theoretical implications and future research opportunities.
An inspection is a crucial construction process that ensures that building works and workers comply with prescribed codes, standards, and building progress. The traditional inspection is characterized by physical effort and onerous paperwork. The emergence of e-inspection 1.0 has meant the adoption of computerized means to ease the paperwork burden, although physical onsite presence has remained mandatory. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the dispatch of inspectors difficult and has prompted governments worldwide to explore alternative inspection approaches that harness the latest information antitamper and traceability technologies, such as blockchain. In this paper, we refer to these approaches as “e-inspection 2.0.” This research reports the urgent need for e-inspection 2.0 to guarantee construction quality, compliance, and progress amid pandemic conditions. Using the design science research method, it then proposes a blockchain-based solution to address authenticity and traceability concerns and facilitate e-inspection 2.0. The system is validated through a case study of a modular construction project in the Hong Kong–Pearl River Delta construction nexus. We find that rigorous technological solutions can render e-inspection 2.0 reliable. However, existing regulations are far from amenable to such inspections. Therefore, we call for an extension of the pandemic e-inspection 2.0 expediency to common practice in a post-pandemic era through the development of robust technological instruments and the amendment of inspection regulations.
In addition to being a revolutionary technology for all industries, the Internet of Things; has also shown its potential in processes such as supply chain. With the advancement of technology and the emergence of the new era, the challenges of the traditional supply chain that follows a path from top to bottom (suppliers of raw materials to final consumers) are revealed. Also, due to environmental issues and the increasing speed of the changes in the needs of customers in various industries, including the retail industry, which has undergone many changes with the emergence of innovation, the entire path of the supply chain requires the implementation of strategies such as agile and green supply chains and achieving smartness. Therefore, emerging technologies such as The Internet of Things play a significant role in the agility and greenness of the entire retail supply chain. The presence of blockchain technology with decentralized data archiving in supply chain processes based on the Internet of Things guarantees the security of big data and helps in optimal data performance. This helps the agility of supply chain processes. In this chapter, dimensions, components, and key indicators effective in the implementation of an agile smart supply chain based on transformative technologies are examined.
Despite the promising features of blockchain, such as enhancing efficiency, transparency, immutability, cost savings, and traceability, the technology is still not widely adopted across industries. The oil and gas industry uses state-of-the-art engineering solutions for oil and gas exploration but substantially lags behind in using innovative digital technologies that can improve operational excellence. This study proposes a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework for assessing blockchain adoption strategies. The framework builds on critical factors for blockchain adoption and four adoption strategies — single use, localization, substitution, and transformation. Data were collected from ten experts in the Norwegian oil and gas industry using a structured web survey. The Bayesian Best Worst Method (BWM), a probabilistic MCDM method, was used for analysis. The results suggest that three sub-criteria, which are lack of expertise about technology, lack of supply chain partner collaboration, and reducing operation cost, have the most impact on the adoption process. As for blockchain adoption alternatives, the fourth phase, that is, transformation, is the most preferred in the context of the Norwegian oil and gas industry. The proposed framework lays the foundation for companies to understand the critical elements that need improvement to accelerate the blockchain technology adoption process.
Purpose In the digital transformation era, the construction industry is not immune to unintended consequences and disruptions of distributed ledger technologies like blockchain. At the micro-level, construction organizations need an in-depth understanding of blockchain risks to take proactive strategies for being on the safe side. This study seeks to answer “What are the risks associated with blockchain technology from the firm-level perspective? And how can this disruptive technology overshadow the business objectives and impact organizational criteria?” Design/methodology/approach The current research proposes a novel model for risk assessment based on the trapezoidal fuzzy ordinal priority approach (OPA-F) in the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) context. The proposed model handles uncertainties of experts' judgment around three primary parameters: the importance of organizational criteria, the impact of blockchain risks on criteria and the probability of risk occurrence. Findings The case study shows that organizational “communication and information” is exposed to the most blockchain risk. On the contrary, blockchain has less to do with an organization's “corporate social responsibility.” Furthermore, effective blockchain risk management can bring about cost efficiency, quality and improved customer experience for this case study. In the end, the authors develop a conceptual blockchain risk management framework based on findings. Research limitations/implications This study will broaden researchers' horizons regarding “blockchain in construction context” and “blockchain risk management.” Practical implications Furthermore, executives looking for blockchain-based solutions can benefit from research findings and lessons learned from this case study before decision-making. Lastly, the risk assessment model based on trapezoidal OPA-F can be used both for research purposes and industrial decision problems. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is for the first time that the OPA-F is employed in a risk assessment model. Also, the original OPA-F is extended to trapezoidal OPA-F using trapezoidal fuzzy numbers, and it is the first attempt to evaluate blockchain risks facing construction organizations and develop a blockchain risk management framework accordingly.