Publishing and using record-keeping structural information in a blockchain

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role blockchain can play for record-keeping by exploring what information from a record-keeping system it is possible to publish to a blockchain. A credible approach is presented, followed by a discussion on both benefits and limitations.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is a combination of theorised possibilities verified with practical software implementation. The basis for the work is relevant record-keeping and blockchain literature.

Findings

The results show that it is possible to separate the formal record keeping structure from content, and this opens for new possibilities when integrating record keeping and block chain technologies. However, the approach does come with some limitations.

Research limitations/implications

The approach is beneficial where there is a record-keeping standard that has a clearly defined metadata model, and that also makes use of globally unique identifiers. Privacy legislation, for example, GDPR, may limit the scope of an implementation of the approach.

Originality/value

The originality lies in presenting an approach whereby a record-keeping standard is analysed, separating structural and content information to publish structural information to a blockchain.

Citation

Sødring, T., Reinholdtsen, P. and Ølnes, S. (2020), "Publishing and using record-keeping structural information in a blockchain", Records Management Journal, Vol. 30 No. 3, pp. 325-343. https://doi.org/10.1108/RMJ-09-2019-0056