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Matching supply chain management challenges with blockchain applications

Moritz Berneis (Chair of Production and Operations Management, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Cottbus, Germany)
Herwig Winkler (Chair of Production and Operations Management, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Cottbus, Germany)

Supply Chain Management

ISSN: 1359-8546

Article publication date: 13 November 2024

Issue publication date: 19 November 2024

127

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the potential of blockchain technology in the field of supply chain management (SCM). The research is motivated by the emerging significance of blockchain as a disruptive technology that can potentially address a range of challenges faced by SCM professionals globally.

Design/methodology/approach

In our approach, this paper utilized a knock-out criteria approach to break down 150 identified challenges in SCM to a more manageable number of 12. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was then used to prioritize these challenges in order of their relative importance and suitability for resolution through blockchain.

Findings

The analysis identified key challenges to be addressed by blockchain technology in SCM. Most notably, it highlighted concerns related to price stability and global financial flows, which closely intertwine. Another significant group of issues pertains to tracking, tracing and the demonstration of sustainability, thus suggesting a substantial potential for blockchain application in these areas. The fifth notable challenge revolves around establishing ownership rights over digital assets or software.

Originality/value

This study identified key challenges in SCM with significant potential for blockchain intervention including price stability, global financial flows, tracking, tracing and the establishment of digital asset ownership. Research gaps exist despite notable progress in applications such as inflation control and tracking – especially in areas like ownership rights and e-commerce. The findings indicate that blockchain has the potential to address SCM challenges and that further exploration and implementation are necessary.

Keywords

Citation

Berneis, M. and Winkler, H. (2024), "Matching supply chain management challenges with blockchain applications", Supply Chain Management, Vol. 29 No. 6, pp. 1063-1077. https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-12-2023-0615

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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