Blockchain for logistics tracking and anti-counterfeit protection

Abstract

Despite being popularized by Bitcoin, blockchain constitutes to a larger research field of distributed computing systems. In distributed systems, a trust-less network of computational nodes can synchronize on a consistent set of data without the need for a central authority. With Industry 4.0, large amounts of data are produced within supply chains between their facilities and production lines in order to evaluate efficiencies and enhance automation. As such, there is an increasing need to validate datasets provided by the different vendors in the supply chain ecosystem and store the data in an efficient and secure manner. The blockchain would be useful in verifying these datasets via consensus algorithms on the network while maintaining the integrity of the data stored via cryptographic hash functions. This also ensures traceability of the manufactured products within supply chains.