IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jlogis/v5y2021i4p75-d662968.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

How Useful Is a Distributed Ledger for Tracking and Tracing in Supply Chains? A Systems Thinking Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Christian Straubert

    (Department of Business Administration, University of Bamberg, 96047 Bamberg, Germany)

  • Eric Sucky

    (Department of Business Administration, University of Bamberg, 96047 Bamberg, Germany)

Abstract

Background : The use of blockchain technology for tracking and tracing (T&T) in supply chains is the subject of lively debate in scientific literature. However, distributed ledger technology (DLT) does not have to have the characteristic blockchain structure and often performs better without such a structure. Generalized DLT for T&T in supply chains has rarely been discussed in the existing literature. Methods : This article presents an exploratory case study research of eight companies to identify the main goals, and problems that the companies have when they engage in T&T. This practical perspective is complemented by a theoretical systems thinking perspective. Based on these two foundations, we discuss the usefulness of blockchain technology and, more generally, DLT for T&T in supply chains. Results : Based on our analysis, DLT is only necessary in special cases, e.g., when the owners of the data have an interest in deleting the data, but the data stakeholders do not. In the other cases examined, DLT competes with other technologies, such as conventional, centralized databases in combination with digital signatures. Furthermore, it became evident that DLT can only be useful for supply chain tracing. The technological features of DLT do not provide any benefit for supply chain tracking, i.e., the timely communication of the status of a physical good. Conclusions : Distributed ledgers often have a disadvantage in that they are very complex and, therefore, expensive. DLT should preferably only be used when it is technologically necessary or the simplest/cheapest choice, which is probably not all that often. Finally, the usefulness of distributed ledger technology and its integrated smart contract technology is highly dependent on how easy it is to link the real physical world to a digital record/contract in an error-free and tamper-proof way. Currently, such a definite link exists only in very few cases and is often impossible.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian Straubert & Eric Sucky, 2021. "How Useful Is a Distributed Ledger for Tracking and Tracing in Supply Chains? A Systems Thinking Approach," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 5(4), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:5:y:2021:i:4:p:75-:d:662968
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/5/4/75/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/5/4/75/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Wang, Yingli & Singgih, Meita & Wang, Jingyao & Rit, Mihaela, 2019. "Making sense of blockchain technology: How will it transform supply chains?," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 211(C), pages 221-236.
    2. Peter Verhoeven & Florian Sinn & Tino T. Herden, 2018. "Examples from Blockchain Implementations in Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Exploring the Mindful Use of a New Technology," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 2(3), pages 1-19, September.
    3. Jamilya Nurgazina & Udsanee Pakdeetrakulwong & Thomas Moser & Gerald Reiner, 2021. "Distributed Ledger Technology Applications in Food Supply Chains: A Review of Challenges and Future Research Directions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-26, April.
    4. Moritz Berneis & Devis Bartsch & Herwig Winkler, 2021. "Applications of Blockchain Technology in Logistics and Supply Chain Management—Insights from a Systematic Literature Review," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 5(3), pages 1-15, June.
    5. Volodymyr Babich & Gilles Hilary, 2020. "OM Forum—Distributed Ledgers and Operations: What Operations Management Researchers Should Know About Blockchain Technology," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 22(2), pages 223-245, March.
    6. Gabriella M. Hastig & ManMohan S. Sodhi, 2020. "Blockchain for Supply Chain Traceability: Business Requirements and Critical Success Factors," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 29(4), pages 935-954, April.
    7. Mohit Goswami & Arijit De & Muhammad Khoirul Khakim Habibi & Yash Daultani, 2020. "Examining freight performance of third-party logistics providers within the automotive industry in India: an environmental sustainability perspective," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 58(24), pages 7565-7592, December.
    8. Houssein Hellani & Layth Sliman & Abed Ellatif Samhat & Ernesto Exposito, 2021. "On Blockchain Integration with Supply Chain: Overview on Data Transparency," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 5(3), pages 1-23, July.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Chuangneng Cai & Xiancheng Hao & Kui Wang & Xuebing Dong, 2023. "The Impact of Perceived Benefits on Blockchain Adoption in Supply Chain Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-24, April.
    2. De-Qing Ma & Xiao-Qing Wang & Xue Wang & Jin-Song Hu, 2023. "Achieving Triple Benefits in a Platform-Based Closed-Loop Supply Chain: The Optimal Combination between Recycling Channel and Blockchain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-40, February.
    3. Niu, Baozhuang & Mu, Zihao & Cao, Bin & Gao, Jie, 2021. "Should multinational firms implement blockchain to provide quality verification?," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    4. Kumar, Sourabh & Barua, Mukesh Kumar, 2023. "Exploring the hyperledger blockchain technology disruption and barriers of blockchain adoption in petroleum supply chain," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    5. Abderahman Rejeb & Karim Rejeb & Steve Simske & Horst Treiblmaier, 2021. "Blockchain Technologies in Logistics and Supply Chain Management: A Bibliometric Review," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 5(4), pages 1-28, October.
    6. Li, Feng & Du, Timon C. & Wei, Ying, 2021. "With whom should I work? Ratings consideration for partner selection in a P2P supply chain network," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    7. Niu, Baozhuang & Dong, Jian & Liu, Yaoqi, 2021. "Incentive alignment for blockchain adoption in medicine supply chains," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    8. Amin Vafadarnikjoo & Hadi Badri Ahmadi & James J. H. Liou & Tiago Botelho & Konstantinos Chalvatzis, 2023. "Analyzing blockchain adoption barriers in manufacturing supply chains by the neutrosophic analytic hierarchy process," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 327(1), pages 129-156, August.
    9. Choi, Tsan-Ming & Siqin, Tana, 2022. "Blockchain in logistics and production from Blockchain 1.0 to Blockchain 5.0: An intra-inter-organizational framework," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    10. Maximilian Klöckner & Christoph G. Schmidt & Stephan M. Wagner, 2022. "When Blockchain Creates Shareholder Value: Empirical Evidence from International Firm Announcements," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 31(1), pages 46-64, January.
    11. Wang, Chengfu & Chen, Xiangfeng & Xu, Xun & Jin, Wei, 2023. "Financing and operating strategies for blockchain technology-driven accounts receivable chains," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 304(3), pages 1279-1295.
    12. Yuling Sun & Xiaomei Song & Yihao Jiang & Jian Guo, 2023. "Strategy Analysis of Fresh Agricultural Enterprises in a Competitive Circumstance: The Impact of Blockchain and Consumer Traceability Preferences," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-18, February.
    13. Deqing Ma & Pengcheng Ma & Jinsong Hu, 2024. "The Impact of Blockchain Technology Adoption on an E-Commerce Closed-Loop Supply Chain Considering Consumer Trust," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-41, February.
    14. Sunghun Chung & Keongtae Kim & Chul Ho Lee & Wonseok Oh, 2023. "Interdependence between online peer‐to‐peer lending and cryptocurrency markets and its effects on financial inclusion," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 32(6), pages 1939-1957, June.
    15. Chang, Jasmine (Aichih) & Katehakis, Michael N. & Shi, Jim (Junmin) & Yan, Zhipeng, 2021. "Blockchain-empowered Newsvendor optimization," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 238(C).
    16. Ma, Deqing & Hu, Jinsong, 2022. "The optimal combination between blockchain and sales format in an internet platform-based closed-loop supply chain," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 254(C).
    17. Bin Shen & Ciwei Dong & Stefan Minner, 2022. "Combating Copycats in the Supply Chain with Permissioned Blockchain Technology," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 31(1), pages 138-154, January.
    18. Md Al Amin & Dewan Hafiz Nabil & Roberto Baldacci & Md. Habibur Rahman, 2023. "Exploring Blockchain Implementation Challenges for Sustainable Supply Chains: An Integrated Fuzzy TOPSIS–ISM Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-25, September.
    19. Zhang, Tianyu & Dong, Peiwu & Chen, Xiangfeng & Gong, Yu, 2023. "The impacts of blockchain adoption on a dual-channel supply chain with risk-averse members," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 114(C).
    20. Xue Wang & Deqing Ma & Jinsong Hu, 2022. "Recycling Model Selection for Electronic Products Considering Platform Power and Blockchain Empowerment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-44, May.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:5:y:2021:i:4:p:75-:d:662968. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.