To read this content please select one of the options below:

Exploring blockchain implementation in the supply chain: Learning from pioneers and RFID research

Remko van Hoek (Department of SCM, Sam M. Walton College of Business, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA)

International Journal of Operations & Production Management

ISSN: 0144-3577

Article publication date: 25 October 2019

Issue publication date: 20 November 2019

5596

Abstract

Purpose

There is great interest in blockchain in the supply chain yet there is little empirical research to support the consideration of the technology. Ferdows (2018) calls for research aimed at learning from pioneers in the field and Gartner points out that the interest in blockchain holds similarities to the interest surrounding RFID 15 years ago. As a result, there may be opportunities to leverage insights from RFID research to inform the consideration of blockchain. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the Reyes et al. (2016) framework for the implementation of RFID may inform the consideration of blockchain in the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage approach is used to explore RFID implementation considerations from the Reyes et al. (2016) RFID implementation framework, using an initial exploration of managers interested in blockchain using a focus group and a survey and to more in depth explore three case companies pioneering blockchain.

Findings

Several RFID implementation considerations can inform the consideration of blockchain but there are also differences in considering blockchain. A framework is developed that details considerations found to be relevant by implementation stage.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the limited amount of empirical research on blockchain in the supply chain and advances research beyond the consideration of use cases into the exploration of actual implementation of blockchain in the supply chain. The decision framework developed both leverages and nuances findings from RFID research and can inform managerial decision making. It also adds to research a multi-stage approach to implementation and uncovers rich opportunity to further learn from pioneers.

Keywords

Citation

van Hoek, R. (2019), "Exploring blockchain implementation in the supply chain: Learning from pioneers and RFID research", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 39 No. 6/7/8, pp. 829-859. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-01-2019-0022

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

Related articles