BLogCHAIN: proof-of-concept and pilot testing of a blockchain application prototype for construction logistics in Sweden

Blockchain technology has a potential for construction logistics, also within Sweden. In this paper, a proposal of a blockchain system and its practical implementation is presented (the BLogCHAIN prototype). Its was preliminarily tested during the early construction of a school in Sweden, in November-December 2020. Methodologically, we reviewed studies on blockchain for construction logistics, interviewed the BLogCHAIN testers (suppliers and contractor’s operatives), and understood the test’s practical outcomes through sociomateriality. Our results include the confirmation of envisioned benefits when implementing BLogCHAIN (e.g. reducing accounting rework), but also a simplification from its initial conceptualization, mainly due to rigidly established work practices

NFT Certificates and Proof of Delivery for Fine Jewelry and Gemstones

Fine jewelry is a unique class of ornaments composed of precious metals and gemstones. Premium-grade metals such as gold, platinum, and sliver, and gemstones such as pearls, diamonds, rubies, and emeralds are used use to make fine jewelry. Paper-based certificates are typically issued by retailers and producers for fine jewelry and gemstones as a proof of origin, sale, ownership, history, and quality. However, paper certificates are subject to counterfeiting, loss, or theft. In this paper, we show how non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and Ethereum blockchain can be used for digital certification, proof of ownership, sale history, and quality, as well as proof of delivery for fine jewelry and gemstones.We present the proposed system design and architecture with sequence diagrams covering key interactions for jewelry production, purchase, and sale, along with algorithms related to NFT minting, auctioning, ownership management, and physical delivery. We demonstrate that our proposed NFT and blockchain-based solution can provide superior alternative in terms of verifiability, traceability, immutability, and security when compared with paper-based certification and traditional auctioning, delivery and ownership management. We make our developed smart contracts and testing scripts publicly available on GitHub

A conceptual digital business model for construction logistics consultants, featuring a sociomaterial blockchain solution for integrated economic, material and information flows

In this paper, a new digital business model for independent construction logistics consultants, which features the conceptualization of a sociomaterial blockchain solution for integrated information, material and economic flows, is proposed.Theoretically, we offer an understanding of the economic flow, stress the optimization of construction logistics through flow integration, analyse current approaches to understanding blockchain, adopt sociomateriality to envision a suitable blockchain solution, and consider the way blockchain can constitute part of the value proposition of a related digital business model. Methodologically, we systematically reviewed the literature on blockchain-related construction research, and conducted empirical studies on independent logistics consultants in the Swedish context for more than a year. On the one hand, the literature review reveals that core blockchain properties can generate value for construction logistics (e.g. shared ledger structure and reduction of accounting rework) – however, apart from visions and prototypes, there currently exist no use cases, and potential implementational constraints and security issues are limitedly considered. One the other hand, the empirical findings show that independent construction logistics consultants in the sociomaterial Swedish context are suitable candidates for the proposed digital business model. By combining the literature and empirical insights, a permissioned private proof-of-authority blockchain solution integrating the supply chain flows in a generic sociomaterial setting is conceptualized. This solution is then embedded in the value proposition of a digital business model for an independent construction logistics consultant. The proposition includes, among others, improved process management and increased productivity, while the consultants’ competitive advantage through innovation is facilitated. Other business model segments, like key resources, are also updated via the blockchain solution, while some, like channels, are not significantly affected. To not hinder the realization of this digital business model, issues like the lack of blockchain awareness, and the existing power balances within sociomaterial constellations, have to be addressed

Blockchain-based raw material shipping with PoC in Hyperledger Composer

In today’s world, a lot of various kinds of raw materials are shipped from one place to another as per the requirement of industries. This shipping process involved many multiple levels with multiple personalities or authorities. The intermediates may be influenced by some illegal external factors and there may be some theft or modification in the raw material which is in the shipping process. This generates a significant loss if the material is of high cost. Presently, the advancements in information technology precede a method to restrict this loss and it is blockchain. Blockchain technology is an essential feature in enabling a comprehensive view of events back to origination. The shipping chain of raw materials that provides integrity and tamper resistance for raw materials in the shipping process is proposed in the manuscript. we have also provided proof of concept (PoC) in Hyperledger Composer with performance evaluation.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A Systematic Literature Review of Blockchain-Based Traceability Solutions

Blockchain technology shows great potential in providing object-related end-to-end traceability in complex multitiered supply networks. However, the first systematic literature reviews indicate the immaturity of current blockchain-based solutions and highlight difficulties in assessing their object traceability capabilities. Therefore, this paper provides a systematic literature review of blockchain-based traceability solutions and analyses their object-related mapping capabilities. As the systematic literature reveals, the vast majority of the identified traceability solutions deal with low-complexity architectures without the ability to map objects' compositional changes. Here, food and medical supply chains represent the most dominant domains. Supply chains in the automotive and manufacturing domain place the highest requirements for mapping object-related supply chain events. In this context, solutions incorporating the tokenisation of objects show the most advanced object-related mapping capabilities. However, the identified advanced solutions show limitations regarding their ability to map object deletions, aggregations, and disaggregations. Furthermore, current blockchain-based traceability solutions provide only limited validations based on industrial case studies

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT INTEGRATION WITH BLOCKCHAIN

Maintaining the integrity of data within the supply chain is a challenge. Many current implementations lack a capability to provide a trustworthy system for the stakeholders in a supply chain, making communication amongst stakeholders easy but unreliable. Organizations are considering blockchain technology as it provides access control, immutability, transparency and trust amongst the stakeholders in a supply chain. This project is an investigative study on the benefits and challenges of implementing blockchain technology in supply chain management, a framework for integration of blockchain technology, and a project prototype which shows a blockchain use case implementation in supply chain management. The research was based on questions addressing the issues of supply chain disruptions, disruption consequences, and ways blockchain technology can help, while showing the challenges in the blockchain technology. The use cases show the implementation of blockchain technology, the benefits of the implementation framework, and a prototype application. Based on the conclusions from the results of the case studies, this study provides a recommendation for organizations willing to implement blockchain technology in their supply chains. The areas for further research identified in this project include: building a prototype to ensure data integrity amongst stakeholders in a blockchain; contrasting the advantages and disadvantages of blockchain technology; showcasing the implementation of blockchain technology in various industries through case studies; establishing a framework for an organization to get them started on blockchain technology

Blockchain Based Open Network in Technology Intermediation

Blockchain technology is developing using in reliable applications which can be designed to achieve decentralization and trustless. Based on the open network innovation theory, this paper proposes a technical intermediary management idea based on blockchain technology to improve the efficiency of technology intermediaries, providing accurate, reliable information and cutting cost for the market. This study demonstrates the advantage of blockchain to technology intermediaries. First, on a specific level, it can provide openness, transparency, decentralization and anonymity services. Second, the current industrial innovation elements are analyzed. blockchain improve the efficiency of technology intermediary, prevent risks and to make up for the shortcomings of traditional intermediaries. It has revolutionized the traditional technology intermediary. As this happens, it can revolutionize traditional technology intermediaries.Comment: 7 pages,2 figures,2019 IEEE International Symposium on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TEMS-ISIE