Digital Twins and the Internet of Things (IoT) are two of the most prominent recent concepts and technologies. The IoT supports many applications that merge the physical with the cyber world. This highlights the need for improved security. Here, we argue that digital twins can help in securing and strengthening the IoT by using them for interacting with the actual IoT devices. While most digital twins implementations are centralized, we propose to integrate Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs) and digital twins into the IoT to realize decentralized, secure, available, flexible, and auditable blockchain-based IoT services for IoT devices that follow the W3C Web of Things (WoT) standards. In this work, we present the design of SmartTwin, a blockchain-based digital twin framework for which we provide two different implementations using two different blockchains, we present the design trade-offs, and we discuss future research and development directions.
Digital transformation is unstoppable and ongoing process that affects all segments of our everyday lives such as healthcare, banking and finance systems, public administration, or postal and logistics systems. One of the main engines of this process, among many, is the use of cryptocurrencies. Both of these concepts are usually addressed from the firm perspective, but they should be considered from the individualâs perspective as well. Cryptocurrencies recently face increased cyber security threats, thereby affecting the digital transformation and posing additional challenges to it. Therefore, this paper gives a brief overview of security threats and challenges characteristic for cryptocurrency technology today and discusses what can be expected tomorrow. We provide insight how these challenges can affect digital transformation process and propose ways to increase the level of protection for both individuals and organizations.
B Kohl, M. KrĂŒger, Tobias Dietl, Michael Lechner · 8 authors
Abstract Digitalization in the metal forming industry needs to be improved to achieve the goals set by Industrie 4.0. Distributed-Ledger-Technology (DLT) has been identified as a promising foundation for tackling the underlying problem of consistent information exchange. DLT-based solutions have already been developed, but none explicitly covers the roll forming use-case. This paper presents a Hyperledger-Fabric-based blockchain network to fill this research gap. This network is specifically designed for the roll forming industry, while still aiming to meet general information exchange requirements. The roll forming use-case is divided into the material supply chain and a design/simulation workflow. Participants and parameters in these two data transfer chains have been validated with the help of industry experts. Running the conceptualized network on an on-premise server has allowed for a detailed evaluation. Feedback provided by experts of the roll forming industry shows the potential of the presented network. Furthermore, the presented solution covers requirements often neglected by existing approaches like large data handling, compatibility to existing interfaces, secure communication, and access rights definition. In summary, this paper provides a pioneering implementation and evaluation of a DLT-based solution for the roll forming industry and, therefore, a foundation for the next steps towards Industrie 4.0.
Open access
2 source records
Digital Transformation in Industry
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies
Blockchain systems are challenged by the so-called Trilemma tradeoff: decentralization, scalability and security. Infrastructure and node configuration, choice of the Consensus Protocol and complexity of the application transactions are cited amongst the factors that affect the tradeoffs balance. Given that Blockchains are complex, dynamic dynamic systems, a dynamic approach to their management and reconfiguration at runtime is deemed necessary to reflect the changes in the state of the infrastructure and application. This paper introduces the utilisation of Digital Twins for this purpose. The novel contribution of the paper is design of a framework and conceptual architecture of a Digital Twin that can assist in maintaining the Trilemma tradeoffs of time critical systems. The proposed Digital Twin is illustrated via an innovative approach to dynamic selection of Consensus Protocols. Simulations results show that the proposed framework can effectively support the dynamic adaptation and management of the Blockchain
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.
The reasons why supply chain management (SCM) needs blockchain technology include simplification of transaction procedures, time and cost reductions, and reliability improvement. This study emphasizes the necessity of introducing a blockchain-based joint logistics system to strengthen the competency of medical SCM and proposes a healthcare supply chain management (HSCM) competency measurement item through an analytic hierarchy process. The variables needed for using blockchain-based joint logistics are the performance expectations, effort expectations, promotion conditions, and social impact of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model, as well as the HSCM competency results in increased reliability and transparency, enhanced SCM, and enhanced scalability. By analyzing the importance of securing reliability based on blockchain technology in the establishment of a supply chain network for HSCM competency, we reveal that joint logistics can be achieved, and synergistic effects can be created by implementing the integrated database to secure HSCM competency. Strengthening partnerships, such as joint logistics, will eventually lead to HSCM competency. In particular, HSCM should seek ways to upgrade its competitive capabilities through big data analysis based on the establishment of a joint logistics system.
Nada A. Nabeeh, Mohamed AbdelâBasset, Abduallah Gamal, Victor Chang
A blockchain, as a form of distributed ledger technology, represents the unanimity of replication, synchronization, and sharing of data among various geographical sites. Blockchains have demonstrated impressive and effective applications throughout many aspects of the business. Blockchain technology can lead to the advent of the construction of Digital Twins (DTs). DTs involve the real representation of physical devices digitally as a virtual representation of both elements and dynamics prior to the building and deployment of actual devices. DT products can be built using blockchain-based technology in order to achieve sustainability. The technology of DT is one of the emerging novel technologies of Industry 4.0, along with artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Therefore, the present study adopts intelligent decision-making techniques to conduct a biased analysis of the drivers, barriers, and risks involved in applying blockchain technologies to the sustainable production of DTs. The proposed model illustrates the use of neutrosophic theory to handle the uncertain conditions of real-life situations and the indeterminate cases evolved in decision-makersâ judgments and perspectives. In addition, the model applies the analysis of Multi-criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods through the use of ordered weighted averaging (OWA) and the Technique of Order Preference Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to achieve optimal rankings for DT production providers based on consistent weighted decision-makerâs judgments in order to maintain and to assure sustainability. An empirical study is applied to the uncertain environment to aid decision-makers in achieving ideal decisions for DT providers with respect to various DT challenges, promoting sustainability and determining the best service providers. The Monte Carlo simulation method is used to illustrate, predict, and forecast the importance of the weights of decision-makersâ judgments as well as the direct impact on the sustainability of DT production.
Industry 4.0 is leading society into a new era characterized by smart communications between consumers and enterprises. While entertainment and fashion brands aim to consolidate their identities, increasing consumersâ participation in new, engaging, and immersive experiences, other industry sectors such as food and drugs are called to adhere to stricter regulations to increase the quality assurance of their processes. The pharmaceutical industry is inherently one of the most regulated sectors because the safety, integrity, and conservation along the distribution network are the main pillars for guaranteeing the efficacy of drugs for the general public. Favoured by Industry 4.0 incentives, pharmaceutical serialization has become a must in the last few years and is now in place worldwide. In this paper, a decentralized solution based on non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which can improve the track and trace capability of the standard serialization process, is presented. Non-fungible tokens are minted in the blockchain and inherit all the advantages provided by this technology. As blockchain technology is becoming more and more popular, adoption of track and trace will increase tremendously. Focusing on the pharmaceutical industryâs use of track and trace, this paper presents the concepts and architectural elements necessary to support the non-fungible token solution, culminating in the presentation of a use case with a prototypical application.
R. Muruganandham, K. Venkatesh, S.R. Devadasan, V. Harish
Total Quality Management (TQM) facilitates the achievement of continuous quality improvement by implementing several strategies, techniques, system and tools. Out of them, ISO 9001 standard based Quality Management System (QMS) was adopted widely by the organisations for achieving continuous quality improvement. Yet the outcome has not been very effective due to the absence of immutability and traceability in the theory and practices of this approach. This deficiency can be overcome if blockchain technology is used. Hence, the need of the hour is to integrate blockchain technology with ISO 9001:2015 standard based QMS. In order to meet this need, a framework has been presented in this paper. This framework facilitates the usage of smart contracts and hyperledger for achieving traceability and immutability while operating the ISO 9001:2015 standard based QMS. Further, the application of Internet of Things and artificial intelligence are indicated for implementing this integrated framework to achieve the goals of implementing TQM. The paper is concluded by mentioning that implementation in organisations in which ISO 9001:2015 standard is under operation would facilitate to check the practical viability of the framework proposed in this paper.
Barbara Balon, Krzysztof Kalinowski, Iwona Paprocka
Today, enterprises are multitasking, with branches set up all over the world. Virtual enterprises are created to make better use of existing resources, improve the quality of manufactured products and agilely respond to customer requirements. In order to fully meet the requirements of enterprises, a decentralized structure of data registration and transmission and authentication of network users is needed. The information collected via the Internet of Things and flowing based on the properties of the Blockchain (BC) network facilitates enterprise resource planning and enables the integration of internal processes, especially when planning, changing the current or introducing new production. The aim of this paper is to present the concept of using a common data register in BC technology, which enables a number of applications related to the automation of the process of selecting human resources for production tasks. The paper presents an analysis of the problem related to the integration of production scheduling and human resource management with blockchain technology. Also presented is a literature analysis on scheduling, blockchain technology and data storage in the blockchain network. The analysis presents how the blockchain network works and how exactly it fits into production engineering with its advantages and disadvantages. An employee evaluation method based on the resource work history and determination of its current value within individual competencies is presented. The integration of production scheduling and human resource management with the use of BC technology is simulated. The most important advantage is faster and more effective planning thanks to the elimination of all intermediary channels in the flow of production transactions. Production tasks are balanced with production capacity in entities belonging to the virtual enterprise in parallel. For future research, different online planning algorithms will be developed and compared to achieve consortium members' consensus on production and human resources planning.
Customers want to experience unique products that suit their individual preferences. Therefore, companies are looking for ways to produce personalized products by moving away from traditional production models. Technologies such as blockchain, IoT, and cyber-physical systems have an important role in adopting the personal custom production model. In this study, a reliable and optimized mass customization framework is proposed. The framework has three main contributions. First, the use of Blockchain provides advantages in terms of data persistence, traceability, transparency, and reliability. Second, the production process is optimized by using artificial intelligence methods. A decision support mechanism is proposed for customers who will place orders. As a combination of the contributions, the proposed mass customization framework covers the processes from ordering to production. In addition to contributions such as facilitated customization and reliable data, energy saving in production is increased with the proposed framework. Simulation results show that energy savings between 10 and 47% are achieved.
Srihari Moorthy, S Balakrishanan, K Nithish, Rahfar Nisha R · 5 authors
This paper aims to study the current deficits in the supply chain and logistics industry and how cutting-edge technologies will be able to solve the problems. Ideas such as blockchains are being used for integrity & immutability during logistic operations and to use Artificial intelligence to maximize the efficiency of the supply chain operations. Using pre-existing data and research papers we will determine the feasibility and sustainability of using these technologies in the supply chain and logistics industry. This paper will also discuss about the Blockchain and machine learning models and difficulties in implementing these technologies in the supply chain and logistic industry.
This paper explores how the new metaverse concept can be validated, applied, and scaled up to enhance, transform and revitalize traditional manufacturing industries. Researchers have widely discussed the advantages of the metaverse. Still, the necessity of its application in manufacturing systems has yet to be studied, and there is a lack of a comprehensive system framework and collaborative governance system to support the implementation of metaverse manufacturing. In order to meet these challenges, this paper proposes a blockchain-based trusted collaborative governance system for metaverse manufacturing, establishes a value-oriented metaverse trusted manufacturing framework in terms of both value-added and cost-reduction, and constructs a method for the essential elements of metaverse collaborative governance. The research will provide theoretical support and practical ideas for applying metaverse in the manufacturing field, thus promoting the actual arrival of the metaverse generation.
Albina V. Pomogalova, E. A. Donskov, Vasiliy Elagin, Andrei Vladyko
The analysis of potential load on the blockchain node of the Internet of Vehicles and the evaluation of the possibility of application of blockchain technology is carried out in the work. The work discusses concepts and approaches for building the architecture of Internet of Vehicles with the integration of blockchain technology. Within the framework of the ongoing research, the main principles of constructing a testbench with integration of blockchain networks Ethereum and Waves, research methodology and analysis of the obtained results are reflected in the work. The paper detailed the main principles underlying the study and considered scenarios for the use of blockchain technology as a special case of distributed ledger technologies.
Abhiram Haridas, Adil Abdul Samad, D Vysakh, K. Deepak Lawrence · 5 authors
Autonomous machine-to-machine interaction with minimal human interference is one of the defining features of cyber-physical systems that are expected to become ubiquitous as the manufacturing industry enters the fourth industrial revolution. Blockchain technology could emerge as a technology that underpins cyber-physical systems because of its various desirable characteristics. This paper describes the design and implementation details of two components of a blockchain-based data model for the additive manufacturing industry. A smart contract framework is proposed for the creation and execution of agreements between design companies and 3D printing companies. It facilitates the verification and automatic enforcement of these contracts. The framework incorporates a dedicated platform for the management of design files for intellectual property (IP) protection-related use cases. This helps to control the usage and distribution of IP, which is a crucial requirement for a data management solution for the industry. The proposed platforms have been implemented using the Ethereum software stack and its advantages and use cases have been explored.
Blockchain Technology Applications and Security
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies
The automotive industry appears to be a particularly attractive application case for blockchain technology adoption. Blockchain is one of the innovations that has much potential to change current business processes in German original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and enable new services for their customers. This paper combines collective case study and in-depth interviews to explore the potentials and existing challenges of blockchain technology-based applications at German OEMs. The results suggest that blockchain applications have advantages in aggregating product information, securing transaction information, and establishing a reliable supply chain. Based on the TOE (technology, organisation and environment) model, our case study shows that the biggest obstacles for blockchain technology adoption in the automotive supply chain include: technology immaturity, lack of guidance and industry standards, non-cooperation of chain members, and legislative ambiguity. Based on auto manufacturers investigated, blockchain technology is perceived to have great potentials in reducing process costs, ensure product quality, and enhance the automotive supply chainâs visibility and digitisation.
ManMohan S. Sodhi, Zahra Seyedghorban, Hossein Tahernejad, Danny Samson
In this paper, we explore why usersâ experiences with emerging supply chain technologies comprise inflated expectations followed by disappointment in the early stages of adoption, as per the Gartner Hype Cycle. We used âaffordance theoryâ to study how managers perceive emerging technologies to explain their adoption experience. Affordance theory indicates that perceived benefitsâand goals and constraintsâdepend on the interaction between technology and the users, not on the technology alone. First, we used the literature for two purposes: first, to obtain characteristics of blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) as emerging technologies; and second, to itemize generic goals, affordances, and constraints in adopting any supply chain technology. Next, we asked 400+ supply chain managers to select those affordances, constraints, and goals that they viewed as pertinent to their organizationsâ supply chains for whichever of these three technologies they were implementing. Finally, we compared the responses across technologies for individual respondents (who selected more than one technology) and within the pool of respondents. We found that respondents who selected more than one technology made distinct selections individually for the different technologies relevant to them. The pooled responses across all respondents, however, prioritized the aggregated goals, affordances, and constraints in the same way, regardless of the technology, the organization, or the network features of the supply chain. Overall, it appears that the characteristics of the technology do not inform user expectations at the early stages of adoption. This initial disconnectâbetween characteristics and expectationâmay explain the âinflated expectationsâ followed by the early âtrough of disappointmentâ with emerging technologies in the Gartner Hype Cycle, as users focus on obtaining the same benefits for the supply chain from any new emerging technology. Only subsequent shared experiences can lead to the long âslope of enlightenment.â
The purpose of this study is to present a framework for characterising challenges to the adoption of blockchain technology (BCT) in the logistics sector. The TOE (Technical, Organisational, and Environmental) framework was developed based on a literature survey building upon existing work and a new empirical study consisting of fifteen interviews in five logistics companies. The study uses TOE as a theoretical framework and classifies the identified elements from literature and interviews into categories and subcategories to construct a decision framework. The paper identifies the elements for BCT adoption in Logistics Supply Chain (LSC). The framework can assess the challenges of BCT adoption and subsequently adapt the implementation phase to manage the process better. Practitioners may derive valuable insights about the elements that enable BCT adoption in LSCs and formulate the strategy for using BCT for creating a data driven real-time LSC.
Industry 4.0 is a new level of value chain organization and management , which is likely to change the way processes, supply chain, and business models operate , which is why many companies are evaluating the concepts and applications synthesized under the term Industry 4.0 to develop their own business strategies, which under this new industrial disruption, which is founded on some basic principles such as interoperability, virtualization, decentralization, real-time capabilities, service orientation, etc., and where there are, for example, smart factories capable of creating virtual copies of the physical world, monitoring physical processes, self-managing, optimizing, and making decisions autonomously in real time. The need to integrate processes within enterprise between ERP and shop-floor level and also across enterprise boundaries for optimal and collaborative environment, to highlight the importance of real time information access in order to make decision and to show the importance of predictive maintenance in a production environment prompted this research. Information obtained from industries were analyzed. The results however, showed that industry 4.0, if fully adopted would increase production of goods and services and also save time consumed during production stage.