Applications of Blockchain Technology in Logistics and Supply Chain Management—Insights from a Systematic Literature Review

Berneis, Moritz; Bartsch, Devis; Winkler, Herwig

doi:10.3390/logistics5030043

Cited by 35 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 33 publications

(59 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Indeed, Expert G gave this argument in our survey as a reason why blockchain technology is often not worth the effort. Furthermore, this result was also supported by other scientific studies (e.g., [31]).…”

Section: The Supply Chain Contextsupporting

confidence: 87%

How Useful Is a Distributed Ledger for Tracking and Tracing in Supply Chains? A Systems Thinking Approach

Straubert

Sucky

2021

Logistics

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: The use of blockchain technology for tracking and tracing (T&T) in supply chains is the subject of lively debate in scientific literature. However, distributed ledger technology (DLT) does not have to have the characteristic blockchain structure and often performs better without such a structure. Generalized DLT for T&T in supply chains has rarely been discussed in the existing literature. Methods: This article presents an exploratory case study research of eight companies to identify the main goals, and problems that the companies have when they engage in T&T. This practical perspective is complemented by a theoretical systems thinking perspective. Based on these two foundations, we discuss the usefulness of blockchain technology and, more generally, DLT for T&T in supply chains. Results: Based on our analysis, DLT is only necessary in special cases, e.g., when the owners of the data have an interest in deleting the data, but the data stakeholders do not. In the other cases examined, DLT competes with other technologies, such as conventional, centralized databases in combination with digital signatures. Furthermore, it became evident that DLT can only be useful for supply chain tracing. The technological features of DLT do not provide any benefit for supply chain tracking, i.e., the timely communication of the status of a physical good. Conclusions: Distributed ledgers often have a disadvantage in that they are very complex and, therefore, expensive. DLT should preferably only be used when it is technologically necessary or the simplest/cheapest choice, which is probably not all that often. Finally, the usefulness of distributed ledger technology and its integrated smart contract technology is highly dependent on how easy it is to link the real physical world to a digital record/contract in an error-free and tamper-proof way. Currently, such a definite link exists only in very few cases and is often impossible.

show abstract

Section: The Supply Chain Contextsupporting

confidence: 87%

How Useful Is a Distributed Ledger for Tracking and Tracing in Supply Chains? A Systems Thinking Approach

Straubert

Sucky

2021

Logistics

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The first cluster presents an overview of BCT in SCM and the second cluster shows possible concrete applications of BCT. In that second cluster, six papers each on luxury and food SC were found, as well as five papers on health SC [4]. The conducted literature review [4] (p. 7) was able to identify two functionalities of BCT that are very promising for SCM.…”

Section: Blockchain Technology In Supply Chain Management 21 Fundamentals Of Bct In Scmmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In that second cluster, six papers each on luxury and food SC were found, as well as five papers on health SC [4]. The conducted literature review [4] (p. 7) was able to identify two functionalities of BCT that are very promising for SCM. These are, firstly, the functionality as a secure, transparent database and, secondly, the application of Smart Contracts written on the BC.…”

Section: Blockchain Technology In Supply Chain Management 21 Fundamentals Of Bct In Scmmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In what remains of this paper, real-world examples are used to analyze the added value of BCT for each respective cluster. The examples identified in the conducted literature analysis serve as a basis [4] (pp. [10][11][12][13].…”

Section: Value Proposition Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For this purpose, the three clusters of Luxury, Food and Healthcare SC are analyzed in detail for the potential application of BCT to each. In a previous systematic literature review, we found that these three clusters are credited the greatest potential for BC adoption [4]. Therefore, it is evaluated whether the technology is currently mature enough for practical use in some areas.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Value Proposition Assessment of Blockchain Technology for Luxury, Food, and Healthcare Supply Chains

Berneis

Winkler

2021

Logistics

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: In relevant research, blockchain technology (BCT) is credited with great potential for supply chain management (SCM). However, even after more than 10 years of the technology’s existence, it is barely used for any self-sustaining applications. This raises the question of why BC cannot prevail against its alternatives. With this paper we want to identify criteria by which the added value of BCT can be measured. Furthermore, we want to evaluate how well the different supply chains (SC) exploit the added values of BCT. Methods: For this, we identified real-world examples and case studies for luxury, food, and healthcare SCs. These examples are described in detail and then analyzed for their added value compared to possible alternatives. Results: The results show that in the clusters of food and healthcare SCs, no general added value of BC over current best-practice solutions could be verified. Luxury SCs manage valuable products that are typically traded in small quantities. It is within this cluster that the implementation of BC can be justified best. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study shows that the application of BCT is especially beneficial for goods with a high value and low trade volume. In addition, the interface between reality and the digital twin should be as secure as the database or BC solution itself. Furthermore, the demand for transparency and immutability of data should be more important than the need to protect sensitive data. Finally, SC participants, especially the end customer, must also be able to appreciate the advantages of BCT.

show abstract

Robust Fraud Detection Mechanism

Maram¹,

Gampala²,

Muppidi³

et al. 2022

Cyber Security and Network Security

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Applications of Blockchain Technology in Logistics and Supply Chain Management—Insights from a Systematic Literature Review

Cited by 35 publications

References 33 publications

How Useful Is a Distributed Ledger for Tracking and Tracing in Supply Chains? A Systems Thinking Approach

How Useful Is a Distributed Ledger for Tracking and Tracing in Supply Chains? A Systems Thinking Approach

Value Proposition Assessment of Blockchain Technology for Luxury, Food, and Healthcare Supply Chains

Robust Fraud Detection Mechanism

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About