Modernizing the Supply Chain of Airbus by Integrating RFID and Blockchain Processes

Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, has been gaining momentum within the aviation industry for improving efficiencies in the supply chain. RFID technology is not new, with many manufacturers outside of aviation being more responsive as early adopters to the technology. Currently, many of the full-scale implementation organizations from late adopters, have strategically integrated RFID technology into the manufacturing supply chain to tag parts and for airports/airlines to track baggage and passengers throughout their airport journey. Literature remains rather sparse in the implementation and success factors within the aviation supply chain as a number of businesses have kept much of the details discreet to differentiate themselves from the competitors. In this case study, we have examined the state of the early adopters in aviation to implement RFID technology into their supply chain for tracking parts, identifying information, logistics media, and other process improvements in component maintenance management. Airbus, who was the first in the aviation industry to adopt RFID will be examined. The paper examines the increasing numbers of airports/airlines use of RFID to track baggage and passengers with technology. Using information from published secondary data, we review the early adopters of RFID in aircraft manufacturing who are employing RFID to the improve supply chain and how airports/airlines usage of RFID has transcend to passenger tracking to improve airport operational efficiency and to increase passenger satisfaction. By identifying key trends in the aviation supply chain and the value-added in manufacturing and passenger experiences, this paper presents areas in need of further empirical research in order to understand the key success factors with RFID implementation in aviation

Blockchain takes to the skies : an assessment of blockchain applications in the airline industry

Recently, the airline industry increasingly turned towards blockchain technology and started investigating potential use cases. Despite the clear interest in the emerging technology, academic contributions in this field remain scarce. This dissertation strives to close this research gap and explore promising blockchain use cases and their value for the airline industry. Moreover, factors important for the successful implementation of the use cases are discussed. The research questions were answered following a qualitative approach in the form of ten expert interviews, supplemented by the examination of secondary literature. A quantitative approximation of the qualitative insights was adopted to capture the value of the use cases. An order of relevance was established for the initial 14 use cases based on which four promising blockchain use cases, namely “loyalty points”, “aircraft parts provenance”, “travel distribution landscape” and “passenger ID management” were identified. Quantitative approximation of qualitative insights indicated that the use case “loyalty points” is likely to create the most value as compared to the remaining three use cases. For successful implementation, it is vital to avoid considering the technology as a solution searching for problems to be solved and clearly identifying the measurable economic impact of a given use case. Additionally, strategic implications, enablers and roadblocks, as discussed in this study, must be considered. Looking ahead, mainstream adoption of blockchain technology in the airline industry is only expected by approximately 2024. Future research could be directed towards the individual analysis of promising use cases presented in this study.Recentemente, o setor das companhias aéreas direcionou-se cada vez mais para a tecnologia “blockchain” e começou a investigar possíveis casos de uso. Apesar do claro interesse pela tecnologia emergente, as contribuições academicas neste campo permanecem escassas. Esta dissertação procura diminuir a escassez de pesquisa e explorar casos promissores do uso de “blockchain” e o seu valor para o setor aéreo. Além disso, são discutidos fatores importantes para uma implementação bem sucedida dos casos de uso. As perguntas do estudo foram respondidas seguindo uma abordagem qualitativa na forma de dez entrevistas com especialistas, complementadas pelo exame de literatura secundária. Uma aproximação quantitativa dos insights qualitativos foi adotada para capturar o valor dos casos de uso. Uma ordem de relevância foi estabelecida para os 14 casos de uso iniciais, com base nos quais foram identificados quatro casos promissores de blockchain, como “loyalty points”, “aircraft parts provenance”, “travel distribution landscape” e “passenger ID management”. A aproximação quantitativa das informações qualitativas indicou que o caso de uso "loyalty points" provavelmente criará o maior valor em comparação com os restantes três casos de uso. Para uma implementação bem-sucedida, é essencial evitar considerar a tecnologia como uma solução, procurando problemas a serem resolvidos e identificando claramente o impacto economico mensurável de um determinado caso de uso. Além disso, implicações estratégicas, facilitadores e obstáculos, como discutido neste estudo, devem ser considerados. Olhando para o futuro, a adoção convencional da tecnologia “blockchain” no setor de transporte aéreo é esperada apenas em aproximadamente 2024

Emerging Technology IS Course Design: Blockchain for Business Example

IS curricula require constant updating to accommodate the emergence of new technologies. Designing and delivering effective emerging technology courses within the constraints of existing programs remains an important challenge faculty face. This paper presents a template for approaching these courses from a learning theory perspective. Results of tests of this template, developed for teaching blockchain, indicate that it successfully strikes the balance needed in an IS program while simplifying the work of designing the structure of an emerging technology course. Additionally, this design was able to deliver this success in an online format, which can be a more challenging format for observing application of knowledge. Blockchain is a disruptive emerging technology opportunity for businesses to unlock value through trusted and “smart” peer-to-peer transactions, wherein smart means businesspeople can custom design processes for verification and transfer of assets. The blockchain example provided here includes a flexible 7-scenario design targeted to enable a constructive, project-based learning approach focused on authentic learning experiences. The template as applied to blockchain may be used directly or adapted for easier development of other emerging technology courses

Digitalization and Its Impact on Commercial Aviation

The purpose of this thesis was to study the concept of digitalization and to examine its impact on the commercial aviation industry. Digitalization and the numerous developments deriving from it constitutes a comprehensive framework that is consequential for any industry, and especially for the commercial aviation industry. This particular relevance arises primarily from the rapidly evolving nature of the industry, and furthermore components such as the cost structure, security and competition intensity play an important part. Digitalization has historically been defined in multiple dissimilar ways due to its constantly developing nature. The definition used in this thesis will combine the proliferation of mobile devices and internet-based technologies with other significant innovations such as Big Data, Automation and 3D-printing. This definition will not stand alone, but instead it will be combined to fit the context of the commercial aviation industry. The findings indicate that investing in significant digital technologies commercial airlines can potentially increase their customer satisfaction as well as their operational efficiency considerably. The specific digital trends contributing to the customer satisfaction are the internet and the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and Blockchain, whereas Augmented Reality (AR), Automation and 3D-printing affect the operational flight performance. The successful adaptation of these technologies can potentially lead to improvements in the overall efficiency-, cost-, flexibility- and security related performance of the airline. However, prior to focusing on the individual trends, it is vital to acknowledge the current capabilities of the firm. Furthermore, the company needs to develop a solid digital strategy and implement that strategy successfully. An ad hoc set of mind is advisable in addition to an approach that promotes trial and failure

An enabling framework for blockchain in tourism

This viewpoint article proposes an enabling framework that identifies the use of various blockchain technologies in tourism and their applications (digitalization, automation, disintermediation, and intelligent environment) across the different stages of travel (pre-trip, during the trip, and post-trip). As we know, the tourism sector contributes immensely to world GDP and job creation. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, even after two years since it first appeared, continues to adversely impact the tourism prospects of countries across the world due to nationwide lockdowns and travel restrictions. As the world tries to adapt to the “new normal,“ the tourism sector is forced to re-think its ways of doing business and bring about innovations to facilitate the new norms of contactless and safe transactions. Also, the sector, more than ever, need to effectively deal with its inherent challenges such as transparency and credibility of information, fraudulent practices, opportunistic behavior of intermediaries, and foreign currency risks. Blockchain technology can transform the tourism sector by offering innovative solutions that address its pressing issues. However, our current understanding of blockchain application in tourism is quite limited, with previous work being largely fragmented and narrow in terms of both scope and application. We foresee that the insights offered in this viewpoint, including the framework, will advance both theory and practice and facilitate the implementation of blockchain-enabled solutions across different travel stages

Wpływ technologii Blockchain na zrównoważoną wydajność w zarządzaniu łańcuchem dostaw

This article discussed the major effect of blockchain technology for sustainable performance in Supply chain management (SCM). Blockchain technology is a technology that performs several operations without letting the information get lost. This digital technology of blockchain will show the potential to reshape the management of supply chain operations in various companies. We will investigate the impact of blockchain technology in relation to efficiency and sustainability. As an example recently the operations in the airport industry have been improving due to technological advances as blockchain technology is handling all the information in the warehouses about product delivery and services in SCM. This technology allows companies to track all types of transactions more securely and transparently and blockchain technology shows benefits, especially in terms of improving Operational Management. The technological disruptions that have an effect on operations must include A-CDM (Airport collaborative decision-making) disruption management and there should be a collaborative network where everyone shares mutual trust and common culture in order to avoid disruption. Airports are still under research in terms of managing blockchain technology efficiently and effectively. The database which is decentralized causes the transactions to be transparent, reliable, traceable, and efficient to supply chain management. This article will be useful to understand the importance of blockchain technology for maintaining sustainability in the operations of SCM along with that we will take an example of SCM in the airport industry to understand how this technology is used there.W tym artykule omówiono główny wpływ technologii blockchain na zrównoważoną wydajność w zarządzaniu łańcuchem dostaw (SCM). Technologia blockchain to technologia, która wykonuje kilka operacji, nie pozwalając na utratę informacji. Ta cyfrowa technologia pokaże potencjał do zarządzania operacjami łańcucha dostaw w różnych firmach. Zbadamy wpływ technologii blockchain na wydajność i zrównoważony rozwój. Przykładowo,  operacje w branży lotniskowej poprawiają się dzięki postępowi technologicznemu, ponieważ technologia blockchain obsługuje wszystkie informacje w magazynach o dostawie produktów i usługach w SCM. Technologia ta pozwala firmom na bezpieczniejsze i bardziej przejrzyste śledzenie wszystkich rodzajów transakcji, a technologia blockchain przynosi korzyści, zwłaszcza w zakresie poprawy zarządzania operacyjnego. Zakłócenia technologiczne, które mają wpływ na operacje, muszą obejmować zarządzanie zakłóceniami A-CDM (wspólne podejmowanie decyzji w porcie lotniczym) oraz powinna istnieć sieć współpracy, w której wszyscy podzielają wzajemne zaufanie i wspólną kulturę, aby uniknąć zakłóceń. Lotniska wciąż są przedmiotem badań pod kątem wydajnego i efektywnego zarządzania technologią blockchain. Zdecentralizowana baza danych sprawia, że transakcje są przejrzyste, niezawodne, identyfikowalne i wydajne w zarządzaniu łańcuchem dostaw. Ten artykuł będzie przydatny do zrozumienia znaczenia technologii blockchain dla utrzymania zrównoważonego rozwoju w operacjach SCM na przykładzie SCM w branży lotniskowej, aby zrozumieć, w jaki sposób ta technologia jest tam wykorzystywana

Airport Passenger Processing Technology: A Biometric Airport Journey

A passengers’ traveling journey throughout the airport is anything but simple. A passenger goes through numerous hoops and hurdles before safely boarding the aircraft. Many airports today are implementing isolated solutions for passenger processing. Some of these technologies include automated self-service kiosks and bag tag, self-service bag drop-off, along with automated self-service gates for boarding and border control. These solutions can be integrated with biometric systems to enhance passenger handling. This thesis analyzes the current passenger processing technology implemented at airports around the world and their associated challenges that passengers face. A new passenger processing technology called a biometric single token identification (ID) is presented as a solution to help alleviate current issues. By using a medium-sized international airport as a case study, the results show that a single token ID is beneficial to the time it takes to process a passenger. Furthermore, it demonstrates that implementation of a single token ID with self-service technology can provide enhanced passenger travel experience, improving operational process efficiency, all while ensuring safety and security

Aviation of the Future: What Needs to Change to Get Aviation Fit for the Twenty-First Century

The world around us has changed dramatically, particularly since the beginning of the twenty-first century, mainly due to the broad availability of the Internet. Inventions such as smart phones, apps, virtual face to face conversations, coupled with the rise of Facebook, Google, Amazon & Co. added a lot of speed to this development. The digital revolution empowers the consumer and determines ever increasing expectations. At the same time, latest tech developments such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), blockchain, voice and more create opportunities never seen before. However, the aviation industry to a large extent has remained stuck in legacy processes and their decades old technology. It also suffers from low profit margins. With a few exceptions, aviation management overall struggles on how to adapt to the real-time and agile environment. Digital transformation activities have started both in operational and commercial areas, but fundamental underlying platforms and culture change in most cases have not yet been addressed. This chapter explains reasons behind key pain points of the industry, what activities are ongoing and the main areas that need to change to get into shape for the current dynamic environment

On the high-quality development of “blockchain +” enabled smart tourism

Promoting the integrated application of blockchain technology and smart tourism is conducive to improving the efficiency of smart tourism public service platform and guiding the innovation of tourism public service mode; It is conducive to cultivating the new connotation of smart tourism development and activating the new driving force of tourism development; It is conducive to cultivating new forms of tourism and providing new opportunities for the development and transformation of tourism. Many regions have laid out tourism and smart tourism as demonstration application fields for the deep integration of blockchain and real economy. Its basic orientation is to build blockchain tourism platform, establish multi-party consensus mechanism, build blockchain tourism credit management system, expand application fields and enrich application scenarios. In order to accelerate the high-quality development of tourism enabled by “blockchain + smart tourism”: Firstly, accelerate the research, formulation and introduction of relevant policy implementation plans; secondly, build a smart tourism ecological engineering system supported by blockchain technology; thirdly, try to build a blockchain tourism credit management system to solve the market pain points; fourthly, focus on promoting tourism consumption blockchain points to build a global tourism chain.

UNDERSTANDING THE DETERMINANTS OF BLOCKCHAIN ADOPTION IN SUPPLY CHAINS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN CHINA

This study adopts affordance approach to understand how supply chain managers interpret the possible benefits that can be performed within blockchain-enabled supply chain applications. With a focus on governance efficiency improvement, the impacts of traceability and transparency affordance on uncertainty reduction were examined from the perspective of transaction cost theory in supply chain industry. Partial least squares – structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data collected from 364 experienced supply chain managers in China. The results revealed that traceability affordance exerted significant impacts on environmental and trading partner uncertainty rather than transparency affordance, which in turn affected the adoption intention. This study contributes to the extant literature by embedding transaction cost in blockchain affordances. The findings are useful in guiding practitioners to improve blockchain system design for reducing uncertainties in supply chain environment, leading to a higher adoption rate of blockchain technology