Short-shelf-life foods have received increasing attention in daily dietary practices due to their freshness and convenience. Compared with other food categories, they impose more stringent requirements on quality assurance and end-to-end traceability. To address the challenge of balancing timeliness in high-frequency real-time data collection with the authenticity of trusted information flow in short-shelf-life food supply chains, this paper proposes a trusted information collection mechanism based on lightweight blockchain technology. First, a multi-layer collaborative architecture is designed, encompassing the perception layer, edge gateway, blockchain layer, and application layer. By integrating off-chain storage with on-chain indexing, the mechanism effectively alleviates the storage and computational burden on the main blockchain. Second, the edge gateway layer incorporates a zero-knowledge interval proof module, enabling real-time, localized privacy compliance statements for sensitive data. Meanwhile, the blockchain layer adopts an PoA consensus mechanism, whereby authorized nodes perform rapid data verification and deposition. Finally, through theoretical analysis and simulation-based validation, the results demonstrate that the proposed mechanism not only enhances the real-time performance, authenticity, and privacy protection of data in short-shelf-life food supply chains, but also achieves high operational efficiency and scalability. This work thus provides a novel theoretical foundation and practical approach for trusted information collection in the context of short-shelf-life food supply chains.
The modern pharmaceutical supply chain needs robust transparent systems to protect drugs authenticity across all distribution stages because of rising counterfeit medicine threats. This paper develops an Internet of Things (IoT) blockchain framework which implements smart contracts for complete pharmaceutical product traceability together with drugs verification. The proposed solution architecture measures its performance through scalability, latency and throughput metrics. we developed a custom smart contract through optimized state control logic and low gas costs and efficient batch processing functions. The architecture ensures high-throughput operation because it keeps transaction processing times short for large transaction volumes. The system evaluation shows latency results between$\mathbf{1 8 0} \boldsymbol{-} \mathbf{2 5 0}$milliseconds with throughput results between 50–60 transactions per second and batch processing capabilities between 1,000 and 10,000 transactions which demonstrates its scalability and responsiveness. The framework offers an effective solution against counterfeit drugs using secure blockchain execution of IoT device data while preserving supply chain integrity and transparency and maintaining operational efficiency.
B A Mala, Clifford Thiyam, Deolin Avrel Saldanha, C. V. Dhatri · 5 authors
Food supply chains today face significant challenges, including inefficiencies, counterfeiting, and safety risks, largely due to inadequate traceability and transparency. This paper addresses these issues by leveraging a blockchain-based solution that utilizes Ethereum and smart contracts written in Solidity to document supply chain events-harvest, processing, shipping, and delivery-as an unalterable transaction. The proposed system was developed using a functional proof-of-concept web application in React.js and Web3.js to enable users to log in, authenticate, and access critical information such as product origin, transport conditions, and quality checks. This application fosters accountability and trust among all concerned. By conducting experimentation with the food based blockchain, this paper assesses the feasibility and explores challenges such as transaction fees, scalability, and system integration. The platform facilitates real-time information sharing, reduces reliance on intermediaries, and strengthens food safety practices. It provides all stakeholders with access to a single source of truth. In summary, this paper illustrates the pragmatic applicability of decentralized technologies in transforming supply chains.
Traditional food supply chains are plagued by issues related to transparency, traceability, and food safety, resulting in inefficiencies, delays, and risks of contamination. In Saudi Arabia, operations within many supply chains rely on centralized systems without any possibilities for tracking origins of the product, conditions monitored, or conformity with regulatory guidelines guaranteed. Farm-to-Fork is a blockchainbased food supply chain management platform that seeks to address these problems through the use of Ethereum smart contracts, IoT temperature monitoring, and a decentralized framework mainly in the Saudi Arabian ecosystem. Built incrementally using Agile methodology and tools like Solidity, Truffle, and Web3.js, the platform offers secure, automated, and transparent transactions. Data was collected through interviews and surveys with manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, indicating that $76.7 \%$ of the stakeholder’s experience visibility issues, $66.7 \%$ experience contamination detection issues, and $90 \%$ think blockchain would improve transparency and data security. Farm-to-Fork offers traceability automated temperature validation, and tamper-proof records, significantly improving efficiency, accountability, transparency, and food safety regulation enforcement, the platform offers verifiable, secure, and trustless supply chain processes, an improved standard of food traceability for Saudi Arabia.
Eka Lia Febrianti, Agus Suryadi, Ilwan Syafrinal, Andhika Andhika
Abstract: The global transition towards sustainable food systems faces significant challenges in vegetarian food supply chains, including transparency issues, distribution inefficiencies, and quality verification problems. This research proposes VegeChain development, a decentralized marketplace ecosystem based on smart contracts designed to transform vegetarian food supply chains and accelerate Meatless, Balanced, Green (MBG) program adoption. Using mixed-method methodology integrating blockchain system design, stakeholder analysis, and economic simulation, this research develops a comprehensive technology framework combining blockchain transparency, smart contract automation, and sustainable tokenomics with novel mathematical models. The system implements dynamic pricing algorithms based on Automated Market Maker (AMM) mechanisms, multi-objective optimization for supply chain efficiency, and reputation-based consensus protocols. Simulation results demonstrate that VegeChain implementation can improve supply chain efficiency by 35%, reduce food waste by 28%, and increase consumer trust by 42% measured through validated stakeholder satisfaction surveys (n=456) using 5-point Likert scales with statistical significance p<0.001. Technical innovations include Byzantine Fault Tolerant consensus with 99.9% reliability, gas optimization achieving 67% cost reduction, and real-time quality verification algorithms with 98.7% accuracy. Keywords: smart contracts; supply chain optimization; automated market makers; blockchain technology; sustainable tokenomics
UmaMaheswari Gurusamy, V Sangeetha, G PraveenKumar, A. Meenakshi
Purpose: This review paper examines the transformative potential of blockchain technology in addressing critical challenges within agricultural supply chains, including traceability, transparency, fraud prevention, and equitable value distribution. It aims to synthesize existing research and real-world applications to highlight how blockchain can create more efficient, sustainable, and fair food systems. Methodology/Approach: The study adopts a systematic literature review methodology, analyzing peer-reviewed articles, industry reports, and case studies from 2008 to 2024. Key frameworks and implementations, such as IBM Food Trust, AgriDigital, and TE-FOOD, are evaluated to identify patterns, benefits, and limitations of blockchain adoption in agriculture. Originality/Relevance: This paper contributes to the growing body of research on blockchain in agriculture by integrating insights from decentralized finance (DeFi), IoT, and AI, offering a holistic view of next-generation supply chains. It addresses gaps in scalability, regulatory challenges, and adoption barriers while proposing future trends like tokenization and predictive analytics. Key Findings: Blockchain enhances traceability, reducing food fraud and enabling rapid contamination tracking (e.g., Walmart’s mango traceability in 2.2 seconds). Smart contracts automate payments and compliance, empowering smallholder farmers with timely compensation. Integration with IoT and AI improves real-time monitoring and demand-supply matching, fostering sustainability. Challenges include scalability limitations, regulatory ambiguities, and the digital divide in rural areas. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions: The paper advances theoretical understanding by linking blockchain to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and farmer empowerment. Methodologically, it provides a framework for evaluating blockchain’s role in multi-stakeholder supply chains, emphasizing hybrid architectures and decentralized verification. The findings underscore blockchain’s potential as a foundational technology for equitable and resilient food systems.
Globalized supply chains are strained by fragmented data, multi-tier opacity, counterfeit risks, and costly disputes. Blockchain—a shared, append-only ledger—has been proposed to enhance transparency, traceability, and operational efficiency, yet real-world adoption reveals both breakthroughs and bottlenecks. This paper develops a deploymentminded view that integrates GS1 EPCIS/CBV standards for interoperable event data, permissioned ledgers for governance, and privacy-preserving proofs (zero-knowledge) to reconcile transparency with business confidentiality. We synthesize evidence from systematic reviews and flagship pilots (e.g., Walmart–IBM Food Trust) and contrast them with lessons from initiatives that wound down (e.g., TradeLens), extracting adoption patterns, KPI impacts, and failure modes. We then describe a reference methodology—data acquisition via EPCIS events, Fabric-based channels, and role-based access—plus an evaluation rubric for trace time, recall precision, dispute cycle time, and data-reconciliation costs. Results from literature-anchored benchmarks indicate orders-of-magnitude traceability lead-time (TLT) reductions (days → seconds) and measurable reductions in manual reconciliation, with gains contingent on standards compliance and high-quality “oracle” data. Finally, we map future directions—zk-proof rollups, interoperable digital product passports, and policy-aligned sustainability metrics—alongside candid limitations around ecosystem incentives, privacy, scalability, and data veracity. We conclude that blockchain can shift chains from reactive to verifiable and auditable networks when combined with data standards, sound governance, and selective privacy technologies rather than “full transparency” alone.
The cold-chain supply of perishable fruits continues to face challenges such as fuel wastage, fragmented stakeholder coordination, and limited real-time adaptability. Traditional solutions, based on static routing and centralized control, fall short in addressing the dynamic, distributed, and secure demands of modern food supply chains. This study presents a novel end-to-end architecture that integrates multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL), blockchain technology, and generative artificial intelligence. The system features large language model (LLM)-mediated negotiation for inter-enterprise coordination, Pareto-based reward optimization balancing spoilage, energy consumption, delivery time, and climate and emission impact. Smart contracts and Non-Fungible Token (NFT)-based traceability are deployed over a private Ethereum blockchain to ensure compliance, trust, and decentralized governance. Modular agents-trained using centralized training with decentralized execution (CTDE)-handle routing, temperature regulation, spoilage prediction, inventory, and delivery scheduling. Generative AI simulates demand variability and disruption scenarios to strengthen resilient infrastructure. Experiments demonstrate up to 50% reduction in spoilage, 35% energy savings, and 25% lower emissions. The system also cuts travel time by 30% and improves delivery reliability and fruit quality. This work offers a scalable, intelligent, and sustainable supply chain framework, especially suitable for resource-constrained or intermittently connected environments, laying the foundation for future-ready food logistics systems.
The medical supply chain is highly complex and vulnerable to inefficiencies, lack of transparency, and counterfeit drug infiltration, which threaten patient safety and healthcare reliability. Addressing these issues requires a secure, traceable, and automated framework to ensure product authenticity and regulatory compliance. This paper proposes a Blockchain-Based Medical Supply Chain Framework enhanced with smart contract enforcement and IoT integration. Built on Hyperledger Fabric, the system provides immutable records, auditable transactions, and fine-grained access control among stakeholders such as manufacturers, distributors, logistics providers, and hospitals. Smart contracts automate critical processes, including shipment validation, quality inspections, and payment authorization, while IoT sensors continuously monitor temperature and humidity to safeguard sensitive medical products. A prototype implementation was tested under simulated conditions, yielding a 34% reduction in transaction delays, 62% improvement in traceability, and 90% reduction in counterfeit infiltration. The results confirm the framework's effectiveness in enhancing efficiency, trust, and resilience in healthcare logistics.
Sathish Kumar A P, K. Saravanan, T Monica, Nithish Kumar. K
The logistics industry faces increasing demands for secure, transparent, and efficient handling of shipment documents and compliance data across the globe. This work presents a blockchain-based architecture integrated with a decentralized private IPFS cluster storage system to ensure dynamic, privacy-preserved, tamper-proof document exchange and real time tracing of the related transactions across supply chain stakeholders. By leveraging Ethereum based smart contract, the system facilitates shipment validations, and delivery confirmations without intermediaries, while the AES encrypted documents are stored off-chain using IPFS to reduce blockchain bloat and enhance scalability. Users joining the platform automatically contribute to the storage network by hosting IPFS nodes, ensuring decentralized participation. The inclusion of end-to-end encryption using Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH) strengthens data authenticity and confidentiality during transmission. The stakeholders are allowed to connect and disconnect from the network dynamically without any centralized authority in a plug and play fashion. The system ensures immutable recordkeeping, real-time access to critical data, and improved trust among entities such as shippers, carriers, customs, and financial institutions. This approach addresses key challenges such as data traceability, secure access, and compliance reporting, offering a robust, scalable, and future-ready solution for modern logistics and cross-border trade documentation. By uniting blockchain and decentralized storage, the architecture promotes operational resilience, auditability, and seamless collaboration across the global supply chain. The work is evaluated using Ethereum based Sepolia testnet to test its integrity and standard performance metrics which demonstrates the effectiveness of the implementation.
Medium-sized businesses in the apparel sector often face challenges in ensuring product authenticity, manual sales reporting, and inventory management errors. This study designs and implements a blockchain-based e-commerce platform integrated with Non-Fungible Token (NFT) technology to ensure the authenticity of products and enhance customer trust. The system issues digital certificates using NFTs, while blockchain provides transparent and tamper-proof verification. The research employs a mixed-method approachqualitative needs analysis and quantitative system evaluation including NFT generation time, transaction latency, and load testing. Results show that the system achieves an average NFT minting time of 1.8 seconds and supports up to 250 concurrent transactions with 98.7% success rate. User surveys ($\mathrm{n}=30$) indicate 92% satisfaction with usability and trust improvement. This study contributes a novel hybrid model combining ecommerce usability with blockchain immutability, and provides a secure, scalable reference architecture for trustless online retail platforms.
Agri-food supply chains face issues of fragmented data, insufficient traceability, and poor tracking of environmental parameters regarding maintaining quality control, transparency, and sustaining consumer trust. This study integrates IoT and blockchain technologies to fill those gaps in food quality assessment and traceability. To facilitate greater transparency within the system, captured data undergoes storage on a decentralized blockchain network which ensures immutable security while guaranteeing audit-ready records for all transactions within their infrastructure. Proof of stake smart contracts automatically verify set conditions bound to quality checks then issue notification alerts when predetermined values are breached triggering automated alerts. In addition to these smart contracts, this research builds systems that use blockchains as databases for tracing products enabling all participants to monitor the position and parameter quality of items at every node within the network. As with any system, the proposed one must undergo validation in terms of performance evaluation on key metrics which include latency, scalability, accuracy of quality prediction, data integrity and trust among stakeholders. The results obtained experimentally show that there is an increase in visibility as well as the possibility to trace in IoT and blockchain aided decision support systems. Further work will aim to expand the model towards supporting interoperability for worldwide supply chains as well as integrating AI-driven predictive analytics for preemptive management of food quality.
Blockchain technology has been widely explored for enhancing transparency, traceability, and security in food supply chains. However, existing blockchain implementations rely on single distributed ledgers, causing interoperability and privacy concerns. This paper introduces FoodFresh, a novel multi-chain blockchain approach that allows food supply chain stakeholders to maintain individual blockchains while ensuring interoperability via a decentralized relay hub. The system is evaluated using real-world supply chain datasets, analyzing efficiency, transaction latency, and security improvements. Results demonstrate enhanced traceability, improved data privacy, and increased scalability. Future work includes expanding cross-chain communication protocols and exploring AI integration for predictive analytics.
Coffee is consumed worldwide, with its supply chain starting with coffee growers, who benefit least from it. Across its production, distribution, and commercialization processes, there are risks and issues that could damage the safety and authenticity of this product. Therefore, the coffee industry is looking for innovative technologies that allow traceability in the coffee supply chain. In this context, blockchain technology offers a promising solution as it supports traceability via a decentralized system that allows immutable records and transparent access; it also promotes collaborative work and removes intermediaries by generating trust between participants. This systematic literature review describes the state-of-the-art in research and development about the use of blockchain technology to improve traceability in the coffee supply chain. We also outline the open challenges that remain to be addressed in this field. We use the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology to achieve this goal. Our findings suggest that the developments are mainly conceptual designs and prototypes, focusing on tracing products and verifying their authenticity using the Ethereum or Hyperledger blockchains. Also, our results show various challenges on the technology side, like efficiency improvements, integration with other technologies, infrastructure, and a lack of standards. There are also challenges at the management level, like the necessity of agreements for traceability processes, data governance, willingness to invest and pay, education, and support to deploy the technology on farms. After overcoming these open challenges, blockchain technology can improve traceability and increase value for stakeholders in the coffee supply chain.
This article studies the benefits, challenges and future potential of combining blockchain, Distributed Ledger Technologies and Artificial Intelligence in digital agriculture. Their convergence presents significant opportunities in critical areas of agriculture, such as supply chain traceability, financial inclusion, environmental monitoring, and decentralized data governance. These technologies can shape the future of digital agriculture by developing inclusive, intelligent, and decentralized systems that are both technologically advanced and aligned with social equity and environmental sustainability.
Bar Hoter, Moran Koren, Dorit Nitzan, Stav Shapira · 5 authors
Food and nutrition insecurity is a growing global challenge, exacerbated by crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions in supply chains caused by geopolitical events. This study introduces a hybrid Web3-Web2 system to enhance food security through monitoring the transaction-based food system at a national level. The system comprises elements based on blockchain technology and business intelligence (BI) in the state of Israel. By combining the decentralization, transparency, and immutability of blockchain with some functionalities of Web2 applications, the system enables real-time monitoring and optimization of Israel’s food supply chain. The blockchain component, a natural candidate for storing transaction-based data, ensures data integrity, traceability, and trust among stakeholders, while the BI dashboards facilitate data-driven decision-making and efficient resource allocation. The system implements smart contracts to automate compliance verification while maintaining transaction privacy through strategic data partitioning between public and private storage. The system also leverages graph-based network analysis to identify inefficiencies, minimize food waste, and enhance supply chain sustainability. We discuss how technology can address food security challenges and outline pathways for implementation, offering a model for other nations facing similar issues.
Статията изследва въздействието на новата институционална икономика (НИЕ) върху аграрния сектор, като акцентира върху ролята на смарт договорите за намаляване на транзакционните разходи и повишаване на икономическата ефективност. НИЕ разглежда институциите като ключов фактор за координация и управление на икономическите взаимодействия, особено в условия на висока несигурност, специфичност на активите и опортюнистично поведение. Смарт договорите, базирани на блокчейн технология, се представят като иновативен механизъм за автоматизиране на процесите на договаряне, мониторинг и изпълнение на споразумения. Те елиминират необходимостта от посредници, минимизират риска от човешки грешки и увеличават прозрачността във веригата на стойността. Използвайки стохастични модели, статията оценява ефективността на разходите за преки вложения, договорна работа и обслужване на дълга при три сценария – базов, оптимистичен и песимистичен. Резултатите показват значителен потенциал на смарт договорите да трансформират аграрния сектор чрез намаляване на транзакционните разходи и подобряване на рентабилността, особено при пълно внедряване. Въпреки това, приложението им е ограничено от недостатъчно развита инфраструктура, липса на технологични умения и неясноти в регулаторната рамка. Статията подчертава необходимостта от целенасочена институционална подкрепа за преодоляване на тези бариери. Изследването допринася към литературата с интердисциплинарен подход, свързващ теоретични модели и практически анализи, предоставяйки основа за развитие на устойчиви политики в аграрния сектор.
As global industries confront mounting complexity, regulatory mandates, and urgent sustainability targets, end‑to‑end transparency has become nonnegotiable. Design for Traceability (DfT) delivers a transformative blueprint—encoding traceability into the very DNA of products and materials. By harnessing Smart Identification Technologies (SIT)— including Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), Near Field Communication (NFC), QR codes, IoT sensors, and blockchain—DfT establishes immutable “digital DNA,” realized through interoperable Digital Product Passports (DPPs) and Material Passports (MPs). These passports grant real‑time visibility, secure authentication, and frictionless data exchange, catalyzing circular resource loops while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.The DfT framework is anchored by five interdependent pillars: Lifecycle‑Centric Design: Embeds traceability at inception via modular architecture, durable materials, and design-for-disassembly, extending product life and simplifying end-of-life recovery. Digital Traceability Infrastructure: Constructs a secure, interoperable data ecosystem by integrating SIT and distributed ledger technology, enabling continuous monitoring, analytics, and decision support through DPP and MP integration. Circular Business Models: Transitions from one‑time sales to service‑based offerings, remanufacturing, and R‑strategies (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), unlocking new revenue streams and preserving asset value. Stakeholder Collaboration: Builds shared platforms and decentralized governance to unite manufacturers, regulators, consumers, and recyclers in transparent data‑sharing networks, strengthening trust and supply‑chain resilience. Regulatory Alignment: Integrates traceability into corporate strategy to anticipate stringent sustainability mandates, leveraging digital audits and transparent reporting for streamlined compliance. By interweaving these pillars, DfT empowers organizations to mitigate supply‑chain risks, optimize resource utilization, and accelerate the shift toward a resilient, transparent circular economy. This holistic framework equips policymakers, industry leaders, and designers with actionable strategies to embed sustainability, accountability, and innovation at every stage of the product lifecycle.
Figueiredo, Bernardo J. R., Ferreira, Marco P. M., Matos, João, Cova, Marco
A new approach to asset management and traceability emerges upon the integration of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and Digital Twin (DT) technology. While NFTs are widely used in digital art and gaming, their potential for securing real-world assets in DT simulations remains under-explored. A generic NFT-driven DT simulation platform could transform asset management by enhancing traceability, optimizing operations, and fostering sustainability within and across industries. In livestock management, DTs can model individual animals in real time, capturing data on health and growth. Linking this data to NFTs ensures ownership and provenance, improving traceability and accountability. Similarly, in manufacturing, DTs can identify inefficiencies, reducing waste and energy use. It is pressing to improve decision-making and operational efficiencies throughout distinct contexts. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted following PRISMA. The goal was to build a solid, unbiased foundation for our research, contribute lasting value to the community, and identify where our work can make the most impact. From an initial set of 114 papers, the authors screened and classified the most relevant. This led to a final selection of 8 papers for full-text reading and in-depth analysis. They are presented in detail and compared in order to depict the current state of the art in the field. Results reveal a significant gap concerning the topic, particularly highlighting the absence of simulation environments that align with the previous proposal presented by the authors: a comprehensive NFT-driven and DT simulation platform that transforms NFT-based asset management from static ownership records to dynamic, provides simulation operational tools, enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and performance optimization for real-world assets.
This study investigates the application of blockchain technology in cross-regional agricultural product traceability platforms to address challenges such as information silos, data tampering risks, and inefficient regulatory coordination in traditional systems. Using blockchain's distributed ledger, smart contracts, and consensus algorithms, a framework is proposed to boost transparency, collaboration, and data security. Pilot case analysis in East China shows production data completeness improved from 72.4% to 98.6%, logistics real-time update rate reached 95.3%, cross-regional collaboration time reduced by 81.3%, data tampering incidents dropped by 96.7%, and quality safety incidents fell by 77.9%. The integration of cross-chain technology, multi-center collaboration mechanisms, and privacy protection techniques further ensures end-to-end traceability and stakeholder trust. Results highlight blockchain's potential to foster a secure, transparent, and efficient agricultural supply chain for cross-regional circulation.
Marios Vasileiou, Leonidas Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Christina Kleisiari, Pantelis Z. Lappas · 10 authors
Abstract The globalization of contemporary Food Supply Chains (FSCs) has introduced complexities involving multiple actors, food product transportation, and diverse information. Traditional information systems in FSCs face challenges in ensuring transparency and traceability due to the inherent complexities of multi-actor involvement, global transportation, and diverse information, making it difficult to ascertain product origin and processes, exacerbating issues such as food loss, safety concerns, and financial hazards. Blockchain technology, in conjunction with ancillary technologies, offers potential solutions to these challenges. This systematic literature review endeavors to comprehensively explore the multifaceted dimensions of blockchain’s role in FSC management, with an emphasis on food safety and traceability, across six thematic areas, each guided by distinct criteria. These areas include general information, FSC application, factors of blockchain adoption, blockchain platform, ancillary technologies, and the related impact of blockchain adoption. From the 2097 documents found, 122 full-text articles were assessed, and 61 were included and classified in this study based on criteria. These criteria underscore blockchain's capacity for transparency, resilience, and sustainability in FSCs. The results further indicate that blockchain's integration within the FSCs has unveiled a tapestry of possibilities and considerations that underpin its transformative potential in business systems. Blockchain’s inherent traits of transparency and immutability can enhance traceability, mitigate food fraud, and facilitate consumer trust, reshaping the information system’s implementation in the FSC landscape. However, challenges such as integration complexities, data quality, scalability, and regulatory concerns should be addressed. Through these challenges, Artificial Intelligence (AI) arises as a potential solution complementing Blockchain. This amalgamation can effectively tackle certain existing obstacles, such as ensuring data accuracy and system compatibility, while providing stronger solutions for food safety and fraud prevention. The implementation of a comprehensive blockchain solution requires strategic collaboration, technological refinement, and regulatory alignment to fully realize its benefits and address the intricate management challenges of traditional FSC information systems.
Ensuring traceability, compliance certification and cold chain integrity in frozen food supply chains remains a persistent challenge, exacerbated by fragmented monitoring systems, manual audits and vulnerability to data manipulation. This study presents a conceptual design for a blockchain-enabled compliance architecture that addresses these challenges by integrating real-time Internet of Things (IoT) data acquisition, permissioned blockchain-based data storage and smart contract-driven compliance automation. Following a Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, the research focuses on the initial phases (problem identification, objective specification and artefact conceptualization) providing a structured foundation for future demonstration and evaluation. The proposed design is structured across three interdependent layers: (1) a Data Acquisition Layer that ensures continuous and secure sensor-based monitoring; (2) a Data Storage Layer that leverages blockchain for immutable recording and transparent auditability; and (3) an Application Layer that integrates smart contracts for automated compliance enforcement and user interfaces for stakeholder interaction. By translating regulatory compliance requirements into a modular, blockchain-based design, this work contributes to the theoretical grounding of decentralized regulatory infrastructures in agri-food systems. The proposed architecture embodies design principles that may inform similar traceability systems across other regulated supply chains. Although empirical validation is forthcoming, the conceptualization serves as a scaffold for future DSR iterations and contributes to design knowledge in the domain of digital compliance architectures.
Giovanni Farina, Alexander Kocian, Gianluca Brunori, Stefano Chessa · 21 authors
Traceability plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, safety, and transparency of supply chains, where transportation stakeholders are fundamental to the efficient movement of goods. However, the diversity of actors involved poses significant challenges to achieving these goals. Each organization typically operates its own information system, tailored to manage internal data, but often lacks the ability to communicate effectively with external systems. Moreover, when data exchange between different systems is required, it becomes critical to maintain full control over the shared data and to manage access rights precisely. In this work, we propose the concept of interoperable traceability. We present a model that enables the seamless integration of data from sensors, IoT devices, data management platforms, and distributed ledger technologies (DLT) within a newly designed data space architecture. We also demonstrate a practical implementation of this concept by applying it to real-world scenarios in the agri-food sector, with direct implications for transportation systems and all stakeholders in a supply chain. Our demonstrator supports the secure exchange of traceability data between existing systems, providing stakeholders with a novel approach to managing and auditing data with increased transparency and efficiency.