Use of blockchain technology as supply chain management system involving air transport

Abstract

This article explores Blockchain Technology, and how it can be used in the context of information exchange between stakeholders in international supply chains and networks involving air transport. The article reviews the global experience with this technology of iconic companies (Maersk, Lufthansa, Walmart, Unilever, Nestle, Samsung, British Airways) in logistics and supply chain management. It highlights the features of international chains using air transport, which predominantly consist of two categories of goods: goods with high added value (electronic devices and their components, fashion industry products, jewelry) and goods with strict delivery time requirements (pharmaceuticals, live animals, perishable products, e-commerce products and mail). The study shows that perishable goods have great potential for increasing airline cargo turnover. However, at present, there is no single universal tool for managing their supply chains since the tools used (ERP, SRM, TMS, WMS) do not provide complete transparency of information exchange between all stakeholders. The most problematic stage in the delivery to control steps in the delivery of perishable goods by air occur on the ground, while goods are being handled at the airport of departure and the airport of destination. Difficulties arise while checking the correctness of paperwork, labeling and information authenticity about the product origin. The article suggests using block chain blockchain technology in combination with IoT and smart-contract technologies for SCM of perishable products using air transport. The use of this technology allows to reduce the time of document verification procedures. Customs clearance and phytosanitary control could be vastly improved. Overall tracking and monitoring of a product from the moment of its production to the destination simplifies the identification of any counterfeits, improves the quality of food safety control. A greater level of control becomes possible in logistics operations, to determine liability in possible delivery conditions’ violations cases. Overall optimization of the logistic processes, automatization of the execution of verified financial transactions can be achieved. The use of these technologies in combination with innovative technologies for food quality control will significantly reduce logistics costs in the supply chains of perishable products.