Blockchain for supply chain

Traceability is one of the most important foundations of logistics; but to achieve the highest levels of transparency we would need a shared ledger that is updated and validated in real time with each network participant. This is exactly what Blockchain technology provides; It enables equal visibility of activities and reveals where an asset is at any point in time, who owns it and what condition it’s in.

For those of you that are not familiar yet with Blockchain technology, don't miss out the video below that explains in a few minutes how this technology works and why it can revolutionize the Supply Chain of the future.

Very summarized, some of the benefits of Blockchain technology in Supply Chain are:

- Reduce or eliminate fraud and errors

- Improve inventory management

- Minimize courier costs

- Reduce delays from paperwork

- Identify issues faster

- Increase consumer and partner trust

But how is Blockchain revolutionizing Supply Chain?

Let´s look at some of the biggest retailers in the world for example; Wall Mart and Carrefour.

Carrefour plans to use a Blockchain ledger to improve traceability of food in order to address damaged food issues and the brand damage impact this could have, but also the shift in consumer preferences towards added value on the transparency and sustainability of the food products sold.

Walmart has also made strides in incorporating Blockchain technology in its business. Walmart partnered with IBM to create a unique ledger among its network of suppliers as well. The retail giant plans to address the food quality and the cases of fictitious pickups to strengthen its logistics. IBM and Walmart ran tests on the pilot program on tracking mango shipments which cut tracking time from several days to two seconds.