Expert Group of the Swiss Alliance for Data-intensive (NTN-Network)
At a glance
- Project leader : Michael Lustenberger
- Deputy of project leader : Florian Spychiger
- Project budget : CHF 7'000
- Project status : completed
- Funding partner : Innosuisse (Nationale thematische Netzwerke NTN / Swiss Alliance for Data-intensive Services)
- Contact person : Michael Lustenberger
Description
EEvery business is closely observing new technologies like Big
Data Analytics, AI and Internet of Things as we all can see and
understand its rich potentials. However, a new technology that just
appeared on the horizon seems to be not yet understood by many
people and companies. Thereby it is clear for experts: what the
Internet was for communication will be the Blockchain technology
for transactions. With the Blockchain technology a decentralized
transaction register (distributed ledger) is managed by a network
of computers and can be only changed by a predefined consensus
rule.
From our previous research we have identified so far four main
implications of the Blockchain technology for the Supply Chain
Management:
1) Transparency: Public data and information which are accessible
at all times and displayed in real time on a Blockchain, increases
transparency along the supply chain.
2) Trust: Blockchain technology can replace intermediaries, which
implies the technology creates the confidence that data is correct
and synchronized at all times. Blockchain technology thus creates a
single point of truth within an entire supply chain network.
3) Security: The data and smart contracts stored on a Blockchain
cannot be changed or manipulated without consensus among the
participants. A single point of failure can be avoided.
4) Automation: Supply chain processes such as payments, customs
clearance, data or document transfers can be automated via smart
contracts.
Our vision is to deepen the knowledge about the potential of the
Blockchain technology in Supply Chain Management together with
interested companies and research institutes from the Swiss
Alliance for Data-Intensive Services. Every company and industry
should understand how this technology works and how it will
transform the operations and management of supply chains. Within
the group of experts, concrete questions shall be raised and
explored in the area of the four identified supply chain topics
with the aim to better understand the full potential of the
Blockchain technology in Supply Chain Management.