Blockchain Papers

Riktesh Srivastav

No abstract is available for this record.

Brian Guarino

Overall equipment effectiveness is taught as an industrial convention: three factors, availability times performance times quality, adopted because decades of practice found them useful. This paper proves that it is not a convention. Over the minimal variable set of discrete manufacturing, and with piece count admitted as a base dimension alongside time, the Buckingham π theorem forces exactly three independent dimensionless groups, and those three groups are exactly the availability, performance, and quality factors. The two formulas every OEE practitioner learns, the factored form A × P × Q and the collapsed form τG/T_p, are revealed as the factored and telescoped presentations of one and the same π monomial. Nakajima wrote down the correct answer in 1988. The theorem that makes it inevitable is proved here. The move that makes this work is dimensional rather than statistical. Counts of a specified entity are treated as quantities of a kind rather than as bare numbers, exactly as the International System treats amount of substance for the mole. With the unit dimension U in the basis, ideal cycle time carries T U⁻¹, throughput carries U T⁻¹, and count ratios become true π groups instead of informal percentages. Without U the count variables are dimensionally invisible, the matrix loses a row, and the machinery of the theorem cannot see the structure it is about to reveal. Nothing metaphysical is claimed for U; the instrumental reading, that U is the bookkeeping dimension of a specified countable product, carries every result in the paper. Two completeness theorems. Theorem 1 establishes that over the base dimensions T and U the minimal set {T_p, T_r, τ, N, G} admits exactly three independent groups and that the OEE triple is a complete basis, so every dimensionless quantity constructible from those five variables is a product of powers of availability, performance, and quality. Theorem 2 establishes a completeness result of exactly parallel shape for the statistical layer: over the single dimension of a quality characteristic, the set {Δ, σ, δ} admits exactly two groups, and the capability pair C_p = Δ/(6σ) and the centering index k = 2δ/Δ is a complete basis. The demonstrated capability index C_pk = C_p × (1 − k), the sigma level Z = 3C_pk, rolled throughput yield, and a closed form for normalized Taguchi loss all follow as members of that basis. The extension ladder. Each variable appended to the minimal set introduces no new base dimension until energy enters, so each purchases exactly one further independent group, and at every rung the new group already has a name on the factory floor. Total calendar time gives TEEP. Takt time gives takt coverage. Mean time between failures and mean time to repair give the reliability burden and with it the classical inherent availability as an exact identity, together with a ledger that resolves the opaque quantity 1 − Π_A, the availability loss that OEE reports but cannot explain, into named and separately actionable channels. Changeover time gives the SMED setup burden. Energy gives an efficiency group that only the rank form of the theorem can find, since a naive count of base dimensions predicts three groups and would wrongly conclude that no independent energy group exists. The flow variables give the Factory Physics WIP efficiency together with a closed identity for process cycle efficiency, PCE = Π_F × u, which tells a diagnosing engineer whether poor flow is an inventory problem or a starvation problem. The bridge law. The two layers join at exactly one point. For a process in statistical control with normally distributed output, the capability pair determines a ceiling on the quality group, Π_Q* = Φ(3C_p(1 − k)) + Φ(3C_p(1 + k)) − 1. Determination runs one way: capability sets a ceiling that operations can fail to reach but cannot exceed, and the gap between the ceiling and the observed quality group is itself diagnostic, because an in-control capable process that nonetheless scraps parts is losing them to special causes and startup transients rather than to inherent spread. Consequences for the canon. The Six Big Losses of total productive maintenance and the eight wastes of Lean close one to one against the group registry, each located in the group whose degradation it names. Lean and Six Sigma are re-read as dimensional analysis performed on two different variable sets, the flow variables and the spread variables, by communities that did not know they were doing it, which is offered as an explanation of why their merger into a single methodology worked in practice. The normalized Taguchi loss acquires the closed form ΛQ = (9C_p²)⁻¹ + k², which separates the spread term from the centering term additively and repairs a known defect of Taguchi practice, whose signal-to-noise ratios take logarithms of dimensional quantities. The composite and what it changes. A plant-level composite, Ψ_Plant = Ψ_OEE × Γ_Demand × Γ_Energy × Γ_Flow, becomes an additive loss ledger under logarithms. Because the composite is a product, its log-elasticity with respect to every factor is exactly unity, so no factor carries more marginal leverage than another and improvement priority is set entirely by headroom, which is precisely what the ledger measures. A worked injection-molding line scored over one operating week returns Ψ_OEE = 0.680, a respectable value squarely inside the typical industrial band, while the composite returns Ψ_Plant = 0.0638. The ledger says why: flow contributes seventy-six percent of the log deficit. A single-lever intervention table follows. Buying uptime, the move a manager reading only the OEE number would make, returns 1.12 fold. Cutting work in process to its critical level multiplies the composite eightfold, from 0.064 to 0.510, without touching availability, performance, or quality at all. The intervention that feels natural is not the intervention that pays, and the framework tells them apart before a dollar is spent. Scope and limitations, stated plainly. The bridge law assumes statistical control and normality; for non-normal characteristics the ceiling must be computed from the fitted distribution. Reliability enters through a renewal approximation. The minimal set is single-product, and clamping conventions are declared wherever imposed, with the raw unclamped groups always reported alongside. The worked example is synthetic. Its inputs are constructed to be consistent with published benchmark values rather than drawn from a single instrumented plant, so it demonstrates the machinery and its diagnostic reading but is not an empirical validation; full single-plant instantiation with direct measurement is the subject of the next paper in this program. The paper positions itself explicitly against five bordering literatures, the OEE literature, process-physics dimensional analysis, the dimensional analysis tradition inside operations management, data envelopment analysis and index numbers, and Factory Physics, and states its priority claim as scoped to that survey, with correction from the community invited.

Thomas Twenhoeven, Kai Hoberg, Moritz Petersen

Purpose Sharing information is crucial for the success of supply chains. However, sharing information requires a careful balance between privacy and transparency. This study aims to explore the potential of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to improve this balance by enabling partial information sharing. Design/methodology/approach The authors apply a three-stage methodology to inductively generate a set of use cases for ZKPs in SCM. The authors expand and validate this set of use cases through a series of interviews and analyze the technology based on the use cases and further insights generated in the interviews. Findings The authors find that ZKPs can provide trust and privacy, increase speed and reduce costs across supply chain functions and relationships. The authors identify the two mechanisms responsible for these benefits and theorize on the relationship between the novel type of trust provided by ZKPs and interpersonal trust. Research limitations/implications This explorative study shows that ZKPs have the potential to make a substantial impact on SCM. They increase the attractiveness of information sharing and enable transactional relationships where more strategic relationships were previously required. However, their implementation and reliance on accurate input data require further investigation. Originality/value The authors expand existing literature on partial information sharing by investigating the partial sharing of one individual item of information. In doing so, the authors explore a novel technology with unique characteristics relevant to SCM. To the authors’ knowledge, they conduct the first study regarding ZKPs in SCM.

Gözde YANGINLAR

This study seeks to fill a gap in the understanding of how blockchain smart contracts may improve logistics service quality and investigate the drivers of blockchain smart contracts.Semistructured interviews were carried out with ten logistics professionals to collect data.According to the findings, the drivers of using blockchain smart contracts in the logistics industry comprised the strongest predictor amongst security, traceability, decentralization, transparency, efficient information sharing, and automation factors.The identified drivers of blockchain smart contracts could be used by logistics practitioners as a "road map" for the development of appropriate solutions to successfully strengthen logistics service quality within the logistics industry.The results indicate that blockchain smart contracts enhance payment transaction security, increase end-to-end visibility, and improve delivery timeliness.Moreover, this technology optimizes routing, advances fleet management, and reduces logistics costs.The existing literature focuses on the approaches to applying theoretical, technical, or operational benefits of blockchain smart contracts, but fails to propose a deep dive into logistics service quality.This research appraises blockchain smart contracts by assessing and suggesting how they can enhance logistics service quality.

Tan Gürpinar, Mehmet Akif Gulum

Global supply chains face increasing disruptions from cyber threats, geopolitical instability, extreme weather events, and a range of economic, social, and environmental sustainability challenges. As these disruptions intensify, enhancing Supply Chain Resilience (SCR) has become a strategic priority. This study investigates how Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) can contribute to SCR by mitigating vulnerabilities and strengthening key capabilities within global supply chains. A qualitative research approach is employed, utilizing expert evaluations to examine DLT’s impact on supply chain vulnerabilities and capabilities. Five workshops were conducted with 25 industry professionals from logistics, IT, procurement, and risk management. Experts examined how DLT could address disruptions stemming from supplier instability, poor traceability, and regulatory and environmental pressures, while highlighting its potential to drive ethical sourcing and environmentally responsible practices. The structured discussions were guided by theoretical frameworks and expert evaluations were synthesized into two analytical matrices illustrating DLT’s influence on SCR. The findings reveal that the contribution of DLT to SCR and sustainability is highly context-dependent, with its effectiveness hinging on how it is embedded within governance structures and aligned with the interplay of complementary technologies. Building on these insights, the study presents the DLT-LFL (Distributed Ledger Technology–Learning Feedback Loop) framework, which integrates sensing, decision-making, adaptation, and predictive learning from distributed operational data, allowing supply chains to better anticipate disruptions, adjust processes dynamically, and continuously strengthen resilience and sustainable practices. The study also develops a practical checklist to assess how effective DLT applications and their integration with predictive and AI-driven analytics reduce vulnerabilities, strengthen capabilities, mitigate risks, and support adaptive decision-making.

Sylwia Nowak

Rules of origin are a core element of any free trade agreement, but their complexity can present significant challenges for efficient and compliant use. This paper discusses the challenges and opportunities in automating origin calculations for businesses involved in cross-border trade. It focuses on the role of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, customs software and Long-Term Supplier Declarations (LTSDs) in simplifying compliance with preferential origin rules. Focusing on the United Kingdom’s trade, the paper outlines key factors businesses must consider to effectively automate origin management, such as rules interpretation, data quality, legal documentation and supplier cooperation. The potential roles of distributed ledger technology (DLT) and automation within customs declarations software are also explored.

Yajing Wang, Jian Li, Shichao Zhu, Shouyang Wang · 5 authors

No abstract is available for this record.

M. Siva Ramkumar, M. Arun, Gokul Gopan, Jayant Giri · 5 authors

Supply chain resilience is vital for ensuring smooth operations, especially in logistics, where transparency and risk mitigation are critical for managing disruptions. Integrating blockchain technology offers a robust solution to enhance supply chain visibility and minimize risks across logistics networks. Traditional supply chain systems often face challenges such as lack of transparency, inefficient tracking, and susceptibility to fraud, leading to risk management vulnerabilities. These issues are exacerbated by the reliance on centralized systems, which can lead to information silos and delayed decision-making in times of disruption. We propose a Supply Chain Resilience using Blockchain Technology (SCR-BCT) framework to address these challenges. SCR-BCT leverages blockchain's decentralized and immutable nature to enhance transparency, facilitate real-time tracking, and ensure the authenticity of data across the supply chain. The framework enables automated compliance checks and secure transaction records by integrating smart contracts and distributed ledgers. The proposed method can monitor shipments, track products from origin to destination, and trigger risk mitigation protocols during unforeseen events like delays or disruptions. This system empowers all stakeholders with realtime visibility and ensures accountability at each stage of the logistics process. The research findings suggest that SCR-BCT significantly enhances supply chain resilience by improving transparency, reducing fraud, and enabling faster, data-driven responses to risks, leading to more reliable and efficient logistics operations.

Chigozie Athanasius Nnadiekwe, Ikechi Saviour Igboanusi, Jae‐Min Lee, Dong-Seong Kim

The proposed framework leverages Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) to revolutionize supply chain management by ensuring product authenticity. Each product document stored in a repository is minted as an NFT. The NFT is a digital twin of the product's certification, containing metadata for tracking its origin, authenticity, and key details. When a buyer verifies the product's authenticity, the NFT is burned as a final step, ensuring that the product cannot be re-certified without a new issuance. This framework creates a transparent, tamper-proof, and decentralized system to enhance trust and accountability in the supply chain. By integrating the Ethereum-based Pure Chain network and smart contracts, this solution benefits from high availability, immutability, and the ability to automate key processes. The system verified and retrieved the base URI of a designated product identity (ID) whose NFT was stored in a GitHub repository. A vulnerability check of the smart contract codes with solidcheck.io shows that the smart contracts are 84 % secured with no serious security threats, as all considerations were made in the contract code design.

Petri Helo, Yuqiuge Hao, Angappa Gunasekaran

Non-fungible tokens (NFT) are secured storage methods for unique and non-interchangeable data items. While NFTs are commonly associated with digital arts and the cryptocurrency market, the paper explores their potential in industrial applications, particularly within operations and supply chain management. The paper introduces the technology and key processes of NFTs, providing a foundation for understanding their application in operations and supply chains. The design science method is employed by conducting requirement collection with a small group of experts and based on this a set of potential applications for operations and supply chain management is outlined. Five use case applications are presented from the requirements management point of view. The artefact developed in the process is a sample implementation, demonstrating how NFTs can be practically employed to address specific operational requirements. The results indicate that physical components, digital assets, uniqueness of the entity, contracts, security, and multiple stakeholders collectively enable various use cases where NFTs can provide value.

Attia Hussien Gomaa

Lean Six Sigma 4.0 (LSS 4.0) represents a transformative evolution of Lean Six Sigma, integrating Industry 4.0 technologies to drive smart manufacturing excellence. By leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Digital Twins, and Big Data Analytics, LSS 4.0 enables realtime decision-making, predictive intelligence, and autonomous process optimization, enhancing efficiency, agility, and resilience in modern industrial environments. This paper introduces a conceptual framework for LSS 4.0, redefining the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) methodology through IoT-driven process monitoring, AI-powered predictive analytics, and digital twin simulations. This transformation shifts manufacturing from reactive control to predictive and autonomous optimization, reducing variability, defects, and waste while maximizing productivity, resource efficiency, and sustainability. By leveraging data-driven decision-making, intelligent automation, and predictive maintenance, the framework enhances process reliability, prevents defects, and improves operational performance. Despite its advantages, LSS 4.0 presents challenges, including technological complexity, workforce upskilling, and organizational resistance. This study underscores the critical role of leadership-driven digital transformation, AI-augmented decision-making, and targeted skill development in fostering an innovation-driven manufacturing culture. Additionally, blockchain for secure supply chain traceability, augmented reality (AR) for enhanced humanmachine collaboration, and edge computing for decentralized intelligence are explored as key enablers of LSS 4.0’s full potential. Leadership commitment, cross-functional collaboration, and AI-driven Lean workflows are identified as essential success factors. Aligning digital transformation strategies with Lean principles and fostering a culture of continuous innovation is crucial for realizing LSS 4.0’s full benefits. Finally, this study highlights future research directions, emphasizing Industry 5.0 advancements such as human-centric automation, collaborative robotics, and sustainable smart manufacturing—key drivers in building adaptive, intelligent, and resilient industrial ecosystems.

Kebing Chen, Liwei Xu, Shengbin Wang, Dong Lei

We study the optimal channel selection and blockchain strategy of a capital-constrained manufacturer who sells the green product through an online platform. Blockchain technology (BCT) can be used by the manufacturer to increase consumer confidence in the value of green product. We first show that the manufacturer’s financing strategy is characterized by two thresholds that depend on the manufacturer’s channel selection and blockchain strategy. BCT increases wholesale and retail prices, but it does not always increase product greenness and demand. We find that the manufacturer’s ability to bear the blockchain cost correlates with his financial standing as well as the platform’s operation mode. Furthermore, we show that the agency mode should be selected by the manufacturer only when the commission rate falls below a specified threshold. We also examine the impact of commission rate on the platform’s operational strategy and channel consistency. Furthermore, under the agency model, we show that there is always a “win-win” situation in green cost-sharing cooperation regardless of the manufacturer’s financial state. However, such a “win-win” situation only exists in financing circumstances under the reselling mode. Finally, the extended model explores the relationship between channel strategies and risk preferences of the manufacturer under demand uncertainty.

Guoli Pu, Wanfu Qiao

Purpose Given the sudden disruption caused by COVID-19, knowledge sharing between organizations has become a meaningful way to improve supply chain resilience. However, there is still a lack of in-depth research on how to reduce the threat to knowledge sharing caused by increased levels of relational risk. With the emergence of new digital technologies, whether blockchain governance can control relational risk and replace traditional relational governance remains to be demonstrated. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a cross-sectional survey approach in which quantitative data are collected from 300 participants from Chinese manufacturing enterprises to test the hypotheses. Findings The results show that relational and blockchain governance can significantly and complementarily reduce the level of relational risk in knowledge sharing. When the relational risk is at a low, medium or high level, the best matches of relational and blockchain governance are low-level relational governance–low-level blockchain governance, high-level relational governance–low-level blockchain governance and high-level relational governance–high-level blockchain governance, respectively. Practical implications The findings of this study have important practical implications for manufacturing enterprises in terms of how to choose reasonable governance modes to manage relational risk behaviour according to different relational risk levels to better understand the positive role of knowledge sharing in supply chain resilience. Originality/value The antecedent variables of knowledge sharing in previous studies are based on transaction cost theory or relational theory and have not moved beyond the original theoretical framework. This paper addresses this limitation, puts knowledge sharing in the academic context of digital technology, considers blockchain governance into the process of relational risk-knowledge sharing and defines blockchain governance, which is a novel approach in the supply chain resilience management literature.

Sunil Kumar, Karan Singh, Aadya Bubber

The healthcare industry grapples with numerous challenges related to the authenticity, traceability, and integrity of products, particularly pharmaceuticals, within its supply chain. Counterfeit drugs, diversion, and tampering are rampant issues that not only jeopardize patient safety but also undermine the credibility of the entire healthcare ecosystem. Blockchain technology, with its inherent characteristic of immutability and transparency, coupled with Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), offers a promising solution to combat these challenges. This paper primarily focuses on the registration process of pharmaceutical products. The proposed work of this paper contains multiple access controls for different smart contracts. By leveraging the blockchain's distributed ledger, each transaction and interaction within the supply chain can be recorded securely. NFTs, as unique digital assets, can be used to represent individual pharmaceutical products or batches, ensuring their authenticity and enabling seamless traceability. Moreover, the integration of smart contracts in a blockchain-based system can automate the compliance process, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards at each stage of the product's registration process with ownership details.

Héctor Cañas, Josefa Mula, Francisco Campuzano Bolarín

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies generate new opportunities for developing smart models, algorithms and tools to support supply chain (SC) production planning and control (PPC), or smart PPC (SPPC 4.0). Paired with opportunities, challenges arise in integrating sustainability and resilience in SC network design (SCND) according under I4.0. The main novelty of this paper is to propose two multi-objective models that integrate strategical and tactical PPC decisions into a sustainable-resilient SC under I4.0 towards SPPC 4.0. Sustainability is incorporated in terms of reducing costs and CO2 emissions, and a job creation factor. Resilience is incorporated in terms of contracting support suppliers. To solve the multi-objective models, the augmented epsilon constraint method (AUGMECON) was used. This algorithm minimises a target objective function while it treats the others as constraints. Our experiments indicate that AUGMECON is sensitive to the choice of epsilon values. Furthermore, a synthetic data generation tool called SR1-SR2_SynthDataGenerator was developed. This tool generates input datasets to validate and evaluate our models against benchmarks. A stochastic model (SR2) is also proposed that, with small datasets, takes 8.39 seconds to solve. The proposed models can be useful for industries that seek sustainable and resilient SCs to adapt to changing environments.

Mike Brookbanks, Glenn Parry

Purpose This study aims to examine the effect of Industry 4.0 technology on resilience in established cross-border supply chain(s) (SC). Design/methodology/approach A literature review provides insight into the resilience capabilities of cross-border SC. The research uses a case study of operational international SC: the producers, importers, logistics companies and UK Government (UKG) departments. Semi-structured interviews determine the resilience capabilities and approaches of participants within cross-border SC and how implementing an Industry 4.0 Internet of Things (IoT) and capitals Distributed Ledger (blockchain) based technology platform changes SC resilience capabilities and approaches. Findings A blockchain-based platform introduces common assured data, reducing data duplication. When combined with IoT technology, the platform improves end-to-end SC visibility and information sharing. Industry 4.0 technology builds collaboration, trust, improved agility, adaptability and integration. It enables common resilience capabilities and approaches that reduce the de-coupling between government agencies and participants of cross-border SC. Research limitations/implications The case study presents challenges specific to UKG’s customs border operations; research needs to be repeated in different contexts to confirm findings are generalisable. Practical implications Operational SC and UKG customs and excise departments must align their resilience strategies to gain full advantage of Industry 4.0 technologies. Originality/value Case study research shows how Industry 4.0 technology reduces the de-coupling between the SC and UKG, enhancing common resilience capabilities within established cross-border operations. Improved information sharing and SC visibility provided by IoT and blockchain technologies support the development of resilience in established cross-border SC and enhance interactions with UKG at the customs border.

Yang Liu, Wei Fang, Taiwen Feng, Mengjie Xi

Purpose Although blockchain technology holds significant promise in influencing supply chain resilience (SCR), its effectiveness depends on a variety of factors. However, given that blockchain adoption in SCR is still in its infancy, there is a lack of empirical research to reveal the critical success factors maximizing its efficacy. This study aims to apply an organizational information processing theory (OIPT) perspective to explore how transformational supply chain leadership (TSCL) can facilitate the deployment and connection of blockchain technology to meet the imperatives of enhancing SCR. Design/methodology/approach This study used a two-wave survey method to gather data from 317 Chinese manufacturers to empirically examine the hypothesized relationships. Findings The findings suggest that the adoption of blockchain technology enhances both the proactive and reactive dimensions of SCR, and these effects can be realized through the mediating role of TSCL. Furthermore, the positive effect of blockchain technology on TSCL is strengthened in the context of dysfunctional competition. Practical implications These findings suggest that companies can only enhance the benefits of disruptive technologies, such as blockchain, by fully integrating them into the operational and supply chain processes. Originality/value This research offers novel insights into the specific processes of how blockchain technology can be used to enhance SCR. It also deepens our comprehension of how digital technology can be optimally harnessed within the framework of OIPT, thus providing a contribution to the literature on emerging technologies and SCR.

Abdullah Kaid Al‐Swidi, Mohammed A. Al‐Hakimi, Hussam Al Halbusi, Jaithen Abdullah Al Harbi · 5 authors

This study aims to empirically investigate the effect of blockchain technology (BCT) adoption on supply chain resilience (SCR), with the mediating role of supply chain integration (SCI) and the crucial effect of environmental dynamism (ED) as a moderator. Based on data collected from firms operating in the automotive industry in India, the proposed model was tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equations Modelling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS software. The empirical results showed a positive effect of BCT on SCI, which in turn affects SCR. Importantly, SCI acts as a full mediator in the BCT-SCR relationship, which is moderated by ED, that is, the effect of BCT on SCR via SCI is strong when ED is high. This study offers the groundwork for operationalizing BCT in a supply chain context. It also contributes to SCR research by investigating how SCI mediates the effect of BCT on SCR. In addition, this study found a moderating effect of ED on the relationship between BCT and SCI. These results provide insights to auto manufacturers on ways to enhance SCR and ensure safe supply chain operations.

Beatrice Marchi, Lucio Zavanella, Simone Zanoni

For businesses specializing in ameliorating goods, such as seasoned cheese, traditional financing models pose unique challenges. Inventory financing relies heavily on past performance, often overlooking the inherent value increase associated with proper aging. This can lead to limited access to capital, hindering growth and operational stability. Warehouse financing emerges as a specialized solution specifically designed for businesses with maturing inventory. Lenders recognize the future value potential of these goods, offering secured loans based on anticipated market appreciation. This approach unlocks immediate cash flow, empowering businesses to cover operational costs, invest in expansion, or manage cash flow fluctuations. This study develops and discusses inventory problems for the specific class of "ameliorating" products, integrated with the warehouse financing technique, to combine the two topics and highlight their main features but above all their scientific and practical importance. The models proposed are focused on a decentralized scenario (single actor perspective) and a centralized scenario (supply chain perspective) to compare the optimal solution in terms of the aging period while maximizing the annual profit. Furthermore, from the supply chain perspective, a multi-supplier single-manufacturer supply chain is proposed with a deteriorating raw material (i.e., fresh milk). While cheese is a prime example, warehouse financing can benefit a diverse range of businesses dealing with ameliorating goods (such as wines, coffee, and aged spirits).

Tibor Krenický, Kostiantyn Dyadyura, Dmitriy Dmitrishin, Sergii Grybniak · 5 authors

Abstract The emergence and subsequent popularization of lean manufacturing have become one of the most significant for improving the efficiency and productivity of operations. The use of lean manufacturing tools and methods leads to the elimination of waste in the organization. Traditional information systems that allow organizations to share information about resources while managing process performance and traceability have a number of disadvantages such as security, interoperability, and transparency. Currently, distributed ledger technology (block-chain) is widely used for this purpose. This article presents a study of decentralized management of the implementation of a distributed ledger infrastructure, which is selected based on the characteristics of the production system. This study proposes a framework that analyzes lean production methods using simulation and data envelopment analysis (DEA) to accommodate the underlying multi-objective decision-making problem. The current study examines the impact of the simultaneous application of RCA technology, lean manufacturing methods, and distributed ledger technology on the total time, costs, and time of production processes.

Dimosthenis Kifokeris, Algan Tezel

Blockchain is a form of digital distributed ledger, referring to databases decentralized across numerous users, facilitating peer-to-peer transactions by eliminating or reducing the need for intermediaries to conduct, validate, or authenticate them.It is characterized by transparency, data immutability and traceability, and consensus processes validating cryptographic signatures.The architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) industry is increasingly interested in blockchain.Lean construction (LC), a value-focused production management concept, has long been challenging conventional project management practices in AECO.Lack of conversation, however, surrounds whether and how blockchain can (or should) impact LC developments -and vice versa.And if that impact exists -is it significant enough to create value for the related stakeholders?This article offers a conceptual synergistic framework of interactions between blockchain and LC, which can facilitate an understanding on whether there is value in their combined use.A systematic literature review and analysis serve as the foundation of this research.The findings show that LC can be facilitated by blockchain through trust building for relational procurement, data recording for some key activities (e.g.offsite construction, Last Planner System), and streamlining some non-value activities (e.g.payments).In return, blockchain can gain relevance for project management practices when it is defined and implemented in a LC framework.Also, LC can help improve blockchain-related workflows and decision making.

Sulafa Badi

In the construction industry context, misalignments in the supply chain pose significant challenges, hindering successful project delivery. To address these issues, blockchain technology emerges as a promising IT-based solution for achieving supply chain alignment. A conceptual model is developed based on the service-dominant logic theory that explores the impact of blockchain on supply chain alignment and co-created value outcomes within the Business-to-Business (B2B) construction context. Through a questionnaire-based approach, data were collected from 324 respondents in the global construction industry, which was then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings demonstrate the positive impact of implementing blockchain technology on competency, behavioural, process, and expectations alignment among supply chain partners. These improvements in alignment collectively contribute to the realization of supply chain value outcomes. These results emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach combining technology with alignment efforts to realize blockchain-enabled value co-creation in construction supply chain management.

Xiaole Chen, Vernon Ning Hsu, Guoming Lai, Yang Li

Companies have increasingly used supply chain financing instead of bank financing when engaging with financially constrained suppliers. We investigate the effectiveness of different financing mechanisms at supporting supply chain responsibility. We consider a decentralized supply chain where a buyer sources from a financially constrained supplier who borrows from either a bank or the buyer to finance his production. The buyer audits the supplier for responsibility compliance and will refuse to accept and pay for the order if the supplier fails the audit. We find that under conventional bank financing, the bank is concerned with the supplier's audit failure and will raise the interest rate. This not only hinders the supplier's compliance effort but also hurts the profitability of every stakeholder. In contrast, under buyer financing, the buyer may offer the supplier a low interest rate to motivate him to be more compliant when the supplier's collateral is of low value. However, if the supplier's collateral is of high value, the buyer may be tempted to set a high interest rate to exploit the supplier—leading to a reduction in supplier's compliance and supply chain profitability. Thus, we conclude that buyer (bank) financing is more preferable for encouraging responsibility when the supplier has low (high) collateral. Our findings suggest that buyer financing may not always be an effective approach for encouraging supply chain responsibility. As such, we propose an alternative mechanism under which the buyer offers a reward to the supplier if he passes the audit while the supplier continues to borrow from a bank. We prove that this combination of bank financing and buyer reward always improves the compliance level and in most cases increases the total supply chain profit. It is even more effective than buyer financing in encouraging responsibility especially when the supplier's collateral is of low value.

Shafique Ur Rehman, Muhammad Usman, Yudi Fernando, Diyana Kamarudin · 5 authors

Purpose This paper aims to model the mediating effects of facilitating conditions and innovativeness in the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and blockchain technology (BT) on manufacturing supply chain performance (MSCP). Design/methodology/approach Partial least square structural equation modelling was used to test the goodness of the model fit and hypotheses by using SmartPLS 3.3.3. Data was collected from 464 managers in Pakistan’s automotive industry through a stratified random sampling technique. Findings IIoT, BT, facilitating conditions and innovativeness significantly enhanced the MSCP. Therefore, the mediation between facilitating conditions and innovativeness to IIoT and BT adoption was significant in the MSCP. Practical implications The adoption of digital technology to improve the MSCP can assist companies in reducing the cost of complex procurement, production and distribution processes through secured and efficient operations. Furthermore, organisations must establish a conducive atmosphere that fosters experimentation, collaboration and resource allocation towards technological advancements to capitalise on the advantages of these technologies effectively. Originality/value This study developed a research model integrating IIoT technology, BT, facilitating conditions and innovativeness to determine the MSCP under the resource-based view theory. The outcome of this study could help organisations design a framework to improve supply chain performance by integrating innovativeness.