In times of globally distributed value creation networks, supply chains are becoming increasingly complex and vulnerable to failures and disruptions. Transparency is therefore becoming increasingly important and is an important component of modern supply chain management.
The blockchain technology is designed to provide the required information faster, more securely and more transparently. The technology promotes the traceability of all upstream and downstream supply chain operations, ensures compliance with various regulations and creates trust. This makes the technology particularly interesting for the pharmaceutical industry, which is constantly striving to create more transparency and security in the supply chain. In the food industry, the demand emerges primarily from the increased consumer awareness. Today's customers want to know where the food comes from and which ingredients have been used. In order to meet the required transparency, the blockchain technology with its properties is of great importance. The blockchain is a decentralized, distributed database system in which transaction data is synchronized in real time via the network. Each participant of the blockchain network thus receives the latest transaction data as well as the entire history of all transactions stored in the blockchain. Due to the decentralized distribution and constant synchronization of the data, it is extremely difficult to manipulate them.
The project consortium pursues three innovation goals. One objective is to develop a supporting procedure for the selection and implementation of suitable supply chain transparency solutions. Furthermore, the project focuses on the continuous assurance of status information along the entire supply chain with the help of blockchain technology. On this blockchain-based end-to-end status information, individual processes in the supply chain will then be automated, for example through the use of smart contracts.
Fact Sheet:
Duration: 2019 - 2021
Partners: Modum.io, Vifor Pharma, Hilcona, Grieshaber Logistics Group, SAP (Switzerland) AG, GS1 Switzerland
Sponsor: Innosuisse – Swiss Innovation Agency