Blockchain technology into the logistics supply chain implementation effectiveness

Technologies currently have a tremendous impact on all spheres of economy, business and a state. They integrally change people’s conception of trade, property, and market entities interaction. Artificial intelligence, additive, informationommunication, green technologies, biotechnologies, and blockchain technologies development and implementation confirm their leadership importance and inevitability in relation to the activities traditional approaches. In the modern world only the companies with flexible vision, equipment and technologies able to instantly reform, adapt to new conditions and challenges, will benefit. The point at issue is Industry 4.0 as a new technological mode emergence

The intersection of blockchain technology and circular economy in the agri-food sector

A transition towards a circular economy within the agri-food sector requires the improvement of efficiency in resource utilization, the prevention of food loss or waste, whilst adopting regenerative agricultural practices. In addition to the technical challenges, the agri-food industry needs to address the food safety concerns resulting from biomass recycling processes. Increasingly, blockchain technology is gaining traction, moving towards more sustainable and precision agriculture. The blockchain is a decentralized, immutable, and shared database that records the provenance of digital assets, making it a suitable platform for traceability and food supply chain management. Despite its growing importance, the existing literature regarding these themes and the empirical evidence of blockchain-based solutions for a circular economy is rather fragmented. This paper offers a scoping review regarding the role of blockchain technology in the transition towards a circular food system. A total of 44 papers published in peer-reviewed journals were reviewed to identify new scientific insights into the application of blockchains within the agricultural sector. The results indicate that blockchain technology has a great potential in reducing food loss through optimized eco-efficiency (e.g., digitalization and integration with the Internet of Things) and by alleviating asymmetric information (by increasing transparency and reducing dependence on intermediaries). However, in the case of recycling efficiency, despite its potential, there remains a paucity of evidence regarding the use of blockchain technology in improving the residual valorization processes. Furthermore, there is a stream of literature focusing on the ability of blockchain-enabled traceability (e.g., for organic production or supply chain management). Yet, the role of blockchain traceability in the monitoring of risks from recycled biomass and the reporting of the sustainability performance in the supply chain has received scant attention within research literature. These results provide insights for supply chain management operations with the view of shifting towards a circular economy whilst also suggesting an agenda for future research areas

The Application of Industry 4.0 Technologies in Sustainable Logistics: A Systematic Literature Review (2012-2020) to Explore Future Research Opportunities

Nowadays, the market competition becomes increasingly fierce due to diversified customer needs, stringent environmental requirements, and global competitors. One of the most important factors for companies to not only survive but also thrive in today’s competitive market is their logistics performance. This paper aims, through a systematic literature analysis of 115 papers from 2012 to 2020, at presenting quantitative insights and comprehensive overviews of the current and future research landscapes of sustainable logistics in the Industry 4.0 era. The results show that Industry 4.0 technologies provide opportunities for improving the economic efficiency, environmental performance, and social impact of logistics sectors. However, several challenges arise with this technological transformation, i.e., trade-offs among different sustainability indicators, unclear benefits, lifecycle environmental impact, inequity issues, and technology maturity. Thus, to better tackle the current research gaps, future suggestions are given to focus on the balance among different sustainability indicators through the entire lifecycle, human-centric technological transformation, system integration and digital twin, semi-autonomous transportation solutions, smart reverse logistics, and so forth

How Blockchain Facilitates the Transition toward Circular Economy in the Food Chain?

Food loss and waste are two of the many problems that modern society is facing. To date, among many solutions, the circular economy is the one prevailing. A successful transition toward a circular economy (CE) requires the food sector to overcome the challenges of today's complex food supply chains such as information asymmetry, poor cooperation among stakeholders, and concerns about food safety. Blockchain, a form of distributed ledger technology, has been progressively gaining traction in supply chains in areas like data management, certifying product provenance and tracking products. Despite its importance, knowledge around the potential of the blockchain technology in facilitating the transition towards a circular economy in the agri-food sector is fragmented. This review provides evidence-based insights into the blockchain implementations in the food supply chains and the implications for CE. Our findings indicated four major areas that blockchain could accelerate CE in the agri-food sector: improving data utility; supply chain management efficacy; enhanced eco-efficiency; and superior traceability

Focusing on the case analysis of advanced smart ports

학위논문(석사) -- 서울대학교대학원 : 행정대학원 글로벌행정전공, 2023. 2. Lee, Soo-young.본 연구에서는 최근 각광받고 있는 스마트 항만의 개념과 항만 경쟁력과의 관계를 고찰해 보고, 선진 스마트 항만에 대한 다각적인 분석을 통해 우리나라 스마트 항만 발전 방향에 대한 시사점을 도출하고자 하였다. 이를 위해 A. Molavi 외의 연구에서 확립된 스마트 항만 평가 척도의 4가지 측면, 운영측면(Operation), 환경측면(Environment), 에너지 측면(Energy), 그리고 안전과 보안 측면(Safety & Security)의 분석틀을 활용하여 스마트 항만 개발과 발전에 가장 앞선 네덜란드의 로테르담 항만과 독일의 함부르크 항만의 정책 분석을 시도하였다. A. Molavi 외의 연구는 측정 가능한 스마트화 지수를 발전시켜 각 항만의 스마트화 정도를 가늠하고 장단점을 파악할 수 있게 하기 위한 취지에서 개발되었다. 하지만 본 연구에서는 스마트 항만의 평가 척도를 활용하되 질적인 분석으로 접근하여 정책 활용 측면에서 유용한 시사점을 도출하는데 목적을 두었다. 또한 동일한 틀을 활용하여 현재 부산 컨테이너 터미널의 스마트 항만 발전 계획을 분석하고 발전방향 설정에 도움을 주고자 하였다. 우선 운영 측면에서 선진 스마트 항만들은 항만 내 하역 전 과정의 완전 자동화를 달성하였고, 이에 그치지 않고 항만 내 모든 과정을 4차 산업혁명의 첨단 기술들을 활용하여 무인화와 효율화를 추구하였다. 이 과정에서 A.I, IoT, 블록체인 등 4차 산업혁명의 핵심 기술들을 적극 활용하여 항만의 전체적인 모습을 변화시켜 가고 있으며, 비용절감과 생산성 증대 등 직접적인 효과뿐만 아니라 글로벌 물류의 핵심 구심점으로써 스마트 항만의 가능성을 발전시켜 나가고 있다. 이를 통해 항만 경쟁력 향상은 물론 물류 포털로써의 지위를 선점하기 위한 경쟁도 심화되고 있다. 환경 측면에서는 친환경 항만에 대한 관심이 증대되고 있다. 항만은 더 이상 도시와 분리되어 존재하는 독립된 영역이 아닌, 인접 도시 주민들과 상호 영향을 주고받으며 발전하는 호혜적인 관계를 구축해야 한다는데 공감대가 형성되고 있다. 이를 위해 그동안 항만 활동을 통해 야기되었던 환경 오염 문제를 줄이고 지역사회에 기여하기 위한 노력들이 활발히 진행되고 있다. 전력에 기반한 친환경 하역장비로 대체하고, 선박의 연료를 친환경 연료로 전환하는 노력이 진행 중이다. 항만 내 유휴부지를 활용해 신재생에너지를 발전하고 인근 지역에 공급하는 방안과, 항만의 환경 문제를 IoT 기술을 활용하여 실시간으로 감시하고 공유하는 시스템을 구축하여 항만의 지속 가능한 발전을 의도하며 탄소 중립 사회로의 진전에 중요한 역할을 자처하고 있다. 에너지 측면에서는 스마트 항만이 미래 수소 사회의 핵심 공급 기지가 될 전망이다. 해상 물류와 육상 물류가 결합되는 기능적 이점을 활용하여 수소의 생산과 저장, 분배 등 수소 경제의 핵심 인프라를 항만 내 구축하고 항만 기능과의 결합을 시도하고 있다. 이를 위해 선진 항만들은 대규모 파이프 라인을 건설하는 프로젝트들을 진행하며 미래를 준비하고 있다. 안전과 보안 측면에서는 항만이 첨단 기술 활용의 경연장이 되고 있다. 항공 및 해상, 수중 드론 등 첨단 장비들을 활용하여 드넓은 항만을 가상 현실세계인 트윈 타워에 이식하고 인공지능에 의한 실시간 관리 감독이 가능한 시스템이 구축되고 있다. 항만 내 하역작업의 무인화는 안전사고의 위험을 획기적으로 줄일 수 있을 뿐만 아니라, 사각 지대가 없는 관리 감독도 가능해져 항만 내 재난사고와 밀입국 등의 문제를 근본적으로 변화시킬 것으로 기대되고 있다. 하지만 선진 스마트 항만에서 추구하는 근본적인 방향은 세계 물류의 핵심 포털을 구축하는 것이며 이를 위해 항만의 역할은 기존의 지역적인 한계를 넘어 기능적으로 그리고 물리적으로 팽창하고 있다. 우리나라의 경우 일찍이 자동화 항만의 발전을 시작한 유럽 항만은 물론 인근 중국과 싱가포르의 자동화 항만과 비교해도 뒤쳐지고 있는 것이 현실이다. 이를 만회하기 위해 중앙 정부 차원에서 스마트 해상물류체계 구축 전략을 수립하고 2030년 스마트 항만의 본격적인 운영을 계획하고 있다. 하지만 본 계획은 전반적인 물류 기능 중 하위 요소로 스마트 항만을 인식하고 있으며, 이는 스마트 항만을 자동화 항만이라는 좁은 측면에서만 바라보고 있는 것으로, 항만의 미래 잠재력에 대한 선진 항만들의 인식과는 큰 차이가 있다고 하겠다. 또한 스마트 항만의 발전 과정에서 민간 기업과 항만 이해관계자들이 적극적으로 참여하고 협력하여 스마트 항만의 모습을 그려가는 선진 항만과는 달리 우리나라의 경우 여전히 정부 주도 발전 방식을 고수하고 있으며, 가장 주도적인 역할을 해야 할 항만 공사들의 역할이 미미한 것은 한계라고 하겠다. 그리고 향후 탄소 중립 사회로의 이행의무 등 환경적인 문제와 친환경 에너지로의 전환이 중요시되고 있는 시점에서 이에 대한 근본적인 전환계획이나 항만의 새로운 역할에 대한 고민이 부족한 것도 비교 연구를 통해 도출할 수 있었다. 유럽의 항만들과는 달리 수소 경제로의 이행에 있어 항만의 핵심적 역할이 빠져 있다는 것은 스마트 항만에 대한 인식 부족에서 비롯된 것으로 보이며 이에 대한 정책적 개선이 필요한 것으로 보인다.This study examines the relationship between the concept of smart ports and port competitiveness, which have recently been in the spotlight, and attempts to derive implications for Korea's smart port development direction through various analysis of advanced smart ports. To this end, this research attempted to analyze the policies of Rotterdam Port in the Netherlands and Hamburg Port in Germany, which are most advanced in smart port development and development, using the analysis framework of four smart port evaluation measures established in A. Molavi et al. In terms of operation, advanced smart ports achieved complete automation of the entire loading and unloading process in the port, and not only this, but all processes in the port were pursued for unmanned and efficient use of the advanced technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution. In terms of the environment, interest in eco-friendly ports is increasing. There is a consensus that ports should no longer be independent areas that exist separately from cities, but should establish reciprocal relationships that interact and develop with residents of neighboring cities. In terms of energy, smart ports are expected to become a key supply base for the future hydrogen society. Taking advantage of the functional advantages of combining marine logistics and land logistics, the core infrastructure of the hydrogen economy, such as hydrogen production, storage, and distribution, is built in ports and attempted to combine them with port functions. In terms of safety and security, ports are becoming a competition for the use of advanced technology. Using high-tech equipment such as aviation, sea, and underwater drones, a system that allows real-time management and supervision by artificial intelligence is being established by transplanting a wide port into a virtual reality twin tower. In the case of Korea, the reality is that it is lagging behind not only European ports that started the development of automated ports early but also automated ports in neighboring China and Singapore. To make up for this, the central government has established a "smart maritime logistics system construction strategy" and plans to operate smart ports in earnest in 2030. However, this plan recognizes smart ports as a sub-factor of the overall logistics function, which only looks at smart ports in the narrow aspect of automated ports, which is very different from advanced ports' perceptions of the future potential of ports. In addition, unlike advanced ports in which private companies and port stakeholders actively participate and cooperate in the development of smart ports, Korea still adheres to the government-led development method, and the role of port authorities to play the most leading role is insignificant. In addition, at a time when environmental problems such as the obligation to transition to a carbon-neutral society in the future and the transition to eco-friendly energy are becoming important, this comparative study was able to derive the lack of concern about the fundamental transition plan or the new role of ports. Unlike ports in Europe, the absence of a key role in the transition to a hydrogen economy seems to stem from a lack of awareness of smart ports, and policy improvements are needed.Chapter 1. Introduction １ 1.1. Study Background １ 1.2. Scope and Method of Study ２ Chapter 2. Theoretical Discussions and Prior Study Reviews ４ 2.1. Theoretical discussion of smart ports ４ 2.1.1. Significance of Ports ４ 2.1.2. Development of Ports ５ 2.1.3. Prior Study of Smart Ports ６ 2.1.4. Smart Port Index (SPI) ９ 2.2. Theoretical discussion of port competitiveness １１ 2.2.1 The Concept of Port Competitiveness １１ 2.2.2. A Prior Study on Port Competitiveness １３ 2.2.3. Port Competitiveness and Performance Evaluation １５ 2.3. The relationship between smart ports and port competitiveness １７ 2.3.1. Smart Port Components and Port Competitiveness １７ 2.3.2. Trends in Smart Port Development ２３ 2.4. Results of previous study review ２７ 3.1. Analysis Targets and Data ２８ 3.2. Analytical Model ２９ Chapter 3. Case Analysis ３２ 3.1. Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands) ３２ 3.1.1. Background and Status of Smart Port Introduction ３２ 3.1.2. Operational Aspects of Smart Port ３４ 3.1.3. Environmental Aspects of Smart Port ３７ 3.1.4. Energy Aspects of Smart Port ３９ 3.1.5. Safety and Security Aspects of Smart Port ４１ 3.1.6. Implications ４３ 3.2. Port of Hamburg (Germany) ４５ 3.2.1. Background and Status of Smart Port Introduction ４５ 3.2.2. Operational Aspects of Smart Port ４８ 3.2.3. Environmental Aspects of Smart Port ５１ 3.2.4. Energy Aspects of Smart Port ５３ 3.2.5. Safety and Security Aspects of Smart Port ５５ 3.2.5. Implications ５６ 3.3. Port of Busan (S.Korea) ５８ 3.3.1. Background and Status of Smart Port Introduction ５８ 3.3.2. Operational Aspects of Smart Port ６０ 3.3.3. Environmental Aspects of Smart Port ６２ 3.3.4. Energy Aspects of Smart Port ６３ 3.3.5. Safety and Security Aspects of Smart Port ６４ Chapter 4. Conclusion ６６ 4.1. Results of Research ６６ 4.2. Policy Implications ７０ 4.3. Limitations of Research ７４ Bibliography ７６ Abstract in Korean ８２석

Industry 4.0 and sustainability: Towards conceptualization and theory

Both Industry 4.0 and sustainability have gained momentum in the academic, managerial and policy debate. Despite the relevance of the topics, the relation between Industry 4.0 and sustainability \u2013 revealed by many authors \u2013 is still unclear; literature is fragmented. This paper seeks to overcome this limit by developing a systematic literature review of 117 peer-reviewed journal articles. After descriptive and content analyses, the work presents a conceptualization and theoretical framework. The paper contributes to both theory and practice by advancing current understanding of Industry 4.0 and sustainability, especially the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on sustainability practices and performance

Exploring Cloud Adoption Possibilities for the Manufacturing Sector: A Role of Third-Party Service Providers

As the manufacturing sector strides towards digitalization under the influence of Industry 4.0, cloud services have emerged as the new norm, driving change and innovation in this rapidly transforming landscape. This study investigates the possibilities of cloud adoption in the manufacturing sector by developing a conceptual model to identify suitable cloud-based solutions and explores the role of third-party service providers in aiding manufacturers throughout their cloud adoption journey. The research methods consist of a comprehensive literature review of the manufacturing industry, digital transformation, cloud computing, etc., followed by qualitative analyses of industrial benchmarks case studies and an investigation into an application of the developed model to a hypothetical food manufacturing company as an example. This study indicates that cloud adoption can yield substantial benefits in the manufacturing sector, including operational efficiency, cost reduction, and innovation, etc. The study concludes that the developed conceptual model provides a practical framework to identify the most suitable cloud-based solutions during the cloud adoption process in the manufacturing context. In addition, third-party service providers like Capgemini are capable of not only filling the technical gaps but also consulting strategic directions and innovations for their client organizations, hence playing a vital role in driving the industrial digital transformation process. With an extensive mapping of their capabilities, a set of recommendations intended to assist Capgemini in enhancing capabilities and improving competitive performance in the market has been offered

Logistics and Agri\u2010Food: Digitization to Increase Competitive Advantage and Sustainability. Literature Review and the Case of Italy

This paper examines the current challenges faced by logistics with a focus on the agri\u2010food sector. After outlining the context, a review of the literature on the relationship between logistics and strategic management in gaining and increasing competitiveness in the agri\u2010food sector is con-ducted. In particular, the flow of the paper is as follows: after examining the aforementioned managerial problem and its broader repercussions, the paper proceeds to address two main research questions. First, how and by which tools can digitization contribute to improving supply chain management and sustainability in logistics? Second, what are the main managerial and strategic implications and consequences of this for the agri\u2010food sector in terms of efficiency, effectiveness, cost reduction, and supply chain optimization? Finally, the paper presents Italy as a case study, chosen both for its peculiar internal differences in logistical infrastructures and entrepreneurial management between Northern and Southern regions (which could be at least partially overcome with the use of new technologies and frameworks) and for the importance of the agri\u2010food sector for the domestic economy (accounting about 25% of the country\u2019s GDP), on which digitization should have positive effects in terms of value creation and sustainability