Supply Chain Traceability Research Articles

Unraveling the Potential of Blockchain Technology in Enhancing Supply Chain Traceability: A Systematic Literature Review and Modeling with ISM

Unraveling the Potential of Blockchain Technology in Enhancing Supply Chain Traceability: A Systematic Literature Review and Modeling with ISM

Link between Digital Technologies Adoption and Sustainability Performance: Supply Chain Traceability/Resilience or Circular Economy Practices

Technological progress and digitalization have ushered in significant transformations in business strategies. At present, research is scarcely focused on the influence of the adoption of digital technologies (DTs) on establishing comprehensive relationships within the context of a circular economy (CE), and the supply chain (SC) framework to contribute to the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory. This study utilizes survey data collected from 235 manufacturing practitioners employed by Turkish manufacturing enterprises to explore a model elucidating the relationship between DTs adoption and sustainability performance (SP) through supply chain traceability (SCT), supply chain resilience (SCR), and circular economy practices (CEPs), based on 10R strategies. Through this linkage, this research accentuates that the exclusive integration of CEPs with digital technology solutions is insufficient for industrial enterprises to attain their long-term sustainability goals. It underscores the necessity of ensuring SCT and/or SCR in this context.

Enhancing Security and Traceability in Aerospace Supply Chains through Block Chain Technology

This study explores the impact of blockchain technology on aerospace supply chains, focusing on mitigating risks such as supply chain disruptions, counterfeit parts, and regulatory compliance challenges. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative analysis using data sourced from publicly available databases, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and reports from blockchain technology providers. Descriptive analysis identified supply chain disruptions (M = 3.74, SD = 1.17) as the most significant risk, followed by counterfeit parts (M = 3.34, SD = 1.20). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) demonstrated that part authentication and provenance tracking had the strongest impact on improving traceability (β = 0.40, p < 0.001) and transparency (β = 0.38, p < 0.001). A Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) revealed a positive return on investment, with cost-benefit ratios up to 2.31. Blockchain adoption was also found to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 25%, while improving operational efficiency through shorter procurement lead times and lower administrative costs. However, regulatory misalignment and interoperability challenges remain barriers to full adoption. The study concludes that blockchain is a transformative tool for enhancing traceability, security, and sustainability in aerospace supply chains.

Legality and land status origin in sustainable oil palm management: A case study of traceability in West Kalimantan supply chains amid EU Deforestation Regulations

Legality and land status origin in sustainable oil palm management: A case study of traceability in West Kalimantan supply chains amid EU Deforestation Regulations

IoT-GChain: Internet of Things-Assisted Secure and Tractable Grain Supply Chain Framework Leveraging Blockchain

The grain supply chain is crucial for any nation’s self-sustainability due to its huge impact on food security, economic stability, and the livelihoods of several people. The path grain takes from farmers to consumers is opaque and complicated, due to which consumers cannot trust grain quality and its origin. Although blockchain is widely used for fair and secure transactions between farmers and buyers, issues related to transparency and traceability in the grain supply chain, such as counterfeiting and middlemen involvement, have not been adequately addressed. To tackle these issues, a blockchain-based solution is proposed that unites farmers, warehouses, government central and state agencies, transporters, and food corporations on a single platform to enhance transparency, traceability, and trust among all parties. This system involves minting a non-fungible token (NFT) corresponding to each lot of grain approved by government officials. The NFT comprises grain quality, type, temperature data from sensors, weight, and ownership information, which updates as the grain lot moves across the supply chain from central agencies to state agencies and so on. NFTs enable stakeholders to track the grain lot from cultivation to end-users, providing insights into grain conditions and quality. An Internet of Things-based circuit is designed using a Digital-output relative humidity & temperature (DHT22) sensor, which offers real-time temperature and humidity readings, and geolocation coordinates are gathered from the GPS module across the supply chain. Farmers can directly interact with warehouses to sell grains, eliminating the need for middlemen and fostering trust among all parties. The proposed four-tier framework is implemented and deployed on the Ethereum network, with smart contracts interacting with React-based web pages. Analysis and results of the proposed model illustrate that it is viable, secure, and superior to the existing grain supply chain system.

A framework for modeling and simulating blockchain-based supply chain traceability systems

Traceability improves supply chain operations transparency, benefiting the overall performance and the end customer perception. Blockchain technology is a promising alternative to create robust traceability systems, as it promotes trust and supports information sharing based on data immutability. Despite the hype surrounding blockchain technology and the vast literature in the field, the effectiveness and efficiency of blockchain-based supply chain traceability systems remain uncertain across multiple industry sectors, due to the lack of empirical evidence. Considering its characteristics, simulation is a valuable tool to evaluate the performance of supply chain management processes and technology alternatives. However, a structured guide to support the building process of simulation models regarding blockchain in the supply chain is still missing, making it hard for modelers to create realistic simulation models. Thus, this work proposes a novel methodological framework with guidelines to develop HS models regarding supply chain traceability capable of integrating the main blockchain concepts for managerial purposes. Scenarios with different granularity levels may be designed through the combination of both discrete-event and agent-based simulation paradigms. The proposed approach integrates concepts and terminologies from foundational references, including the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model and the Global Traceability Standard (GTS). In addition, it is anchored on the ADACOR holonic architecture for the agentification process. Following the Design Science Research methodology, a proof-of-concept application is presented, based on a real-scale industrial case of a lobster supply chain from Canada. Results obtained reflect the framework's versatility to assist the development of a hybrid simulation model, as traceability is explored through the perspectives of time to react, item separation, temporal screening, and blockchain participation rate.

A decision support framework for best-fitting blockchain platform selection in sustainable supply chains under uncertainty

Despite blockchain’s potential to enhance visibility and traceability in sustainable supply chains (SCs), its adoption is complex due to the various criteria (e.g., interoperability and cost) required for the best-fitting platform selection. This study aims to investigate conflicting criteria in the blockchain technology (BT) platform selection process for decision-making under uncertainty. We propose a three-phase decision support framework to study BT adoption considering technological, organizational, and environmental contexts. In the first phase, after exploring the evaluation criteria from multiple contexts, the developed framework incorporates uncertainty and reliability to deal with the BT platform evaluation problem. Then, fuzzy cognitive map modeling, advanced by a Z-number-based inference system, is introduced to model the causal relationships between criteria. This is followed by implementing a hybrid learning algorithm to assess the impact of each criterion on adoption decisions. Finally, the fuzzy combined compromise solution embedded in the framework prioritizes BT platforms to identify the most suitable ones for sustainable SC. The findings imply that performance efficiency, implementation costs, maintainability and operability can significantly affect the BT platform selection decisions. The outcomes offer more stable, reliable, and distinguishable solutions for the proposed problem compared to the traditional approaches. The results introduce Hyperledger and R3 Corda as the best-fitting platforms for adoption based on the identified criteria.

“I Am Because We Are”: The Role of Sub‐Saharan Africa's Collectivist Culture in Achieving Traceability and Global Supply Chain Resilience

ABSTRACTPrior studies on traceability as an enabler of supply chain resilience (SCRes) have focused on large‐scale disruptions and developed country contexts. Few studies have focused on developing countries where chronic, small‐scale disruptions are common and resource scarcity means advanced digital technologies are rarely adopted. This research explores how traceability is achieved across upstream actors in two Ghanaian agri‐food supply chains and how this affects global SCRes. Social characteristics are shown to influence the risks inherent in supply chains, while traceability is both a direct and indirect SCRes enabler. Informed by the relational view, the roles of relation‐specific assets and governance mechanisms in maintaining traceability are explored. Supply chain‐wide relation‐specific assets are prioritized over dyadic relation‐specific assets. This original finding is explained by the importance of maintaining social ties over short‐term economic gains in a collectivist culture, leading to greater relational rents in the long term. A novel, informal third‐party governance mechanism that reduces formal contracting costs and provides flexibility and continuity to interfirm relationships is also identified, further facilitating the attainment of relational rents. The findings are explained in light of sub‐Saharan Africa's collectivist culture, encapsulated in the philosophy of ubuntu. Overall, the research theorizes on achieving supply chain traceability and thus enhancing global SCRes as a sociotechnical system incorporating technological and nontechnological systems that are socially embedded in the local context.

Industry 4.0 supply chain nexus: sequential mediating effects of traceability, visibility and resilience on performance

PurposeThe research frontier concerning the relationship between Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and supply chain performance (SCP) in manufacturing is currently lacking in a comprehensive examination. This study examines the relationship between I4.0 adoption and SCP. Additionally, the study examines the mediating effects of supply chain traceability (SCT), supply chain visibility (SCV) and supply chain resilience (SCR), both individually and sequentially.Design/methodology/approachThe data were garnered from 510 managers of manufacturing firms, and PLS-SEM was applied to examine the sequential mediation effect of SCT, SCV and SCR between I4.0 and SCP.FindingsResults indicate a statistically significant direct relationship between I4.0 adoption and SCP. Furthermore, SCT mediates the impact of I4.0 on SCP. Similarly, results showed that SCV mediates the impact of I4.0 on SCP and SCR mediates the impact of I4.0 on SCP. Moreover, the relation between I4.0 adoption and SCP is substantially influenced by the sequential effects of SCT, SCV and SCR. The study provides novel empirical evidence by investigating the sequential mediation roles of SCT, SCV and SCR between I4.0 adoption and SCP through the lens of the resource-based view (RBV) perspective.Practical implicationsPolicymakers must prioritize the promotion of I4.0 integration to strengthen the performance of manufacturing supply chains (SC). This can be achieved by improving traceability, visibility and resilience within these SCs.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in its use of the sequential mediation effect of SCT, SCV and SCR between I4.0 and SCP under the theoretical lens of RBV.

Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience: the Impact of Blockchain & Emerging Technologies on Traceability

Supply chain traceability is an invaluable tool for companies to gain a competitive advantage today. The ever-changing global business environment, unpredictable market conditions, and changing consumer preferences call for agile supply chain systems. The pandemic helped reveal the vulnerabilities within the supply chain networks that need addressing. Various challenges, such as data reliability and integration, affect the current supply chain traceability and must be addressed. Such factors lead to inefficiencies within the system, which affect the process and lead to inconsistencies. The paper uses a systematic literature review to identify recent challenges and solutions to supply chain traceability. An analysis of blockchain technology's role in promoting transparency and security in supply chain systems was conducted. Lastly, an in-depth analysis of how improving traceability can help the supply chain networks build resilience.

Halal Product Assurance at Traditional Markets in Luwu Raya Based on Halal Supply Chain Traceability

The purpose of this study is to explore halal products in the Greater Luwu Market using halal supply chain treacebilit. the research intends to develop practical guidelines and recommendations for market operators and regulators to implement and maintain Halal assurance systems effectively. Ultimately, the goal is to promote consumer confidence in Halal products available in these traditional markets and contribute to the broader objective of standardizing Halal practices in the region. This study uses qualitative research by collecting data in the form of random interviews with economic actors of producers, distribution, and consumers in the Greater Luwu market. The results of the study found that first there are three sources of supply of goods or commodities in the Greater Luwu Market, namely outside the city , collectors of goods and land products themselves. Secondly, the application of halal awareness indirectly in the Greater Luwu community, which in fact is mostly Muslim, makes halal supply management in the Greater Luwu market run according to the provisions even though there is no specific tool to detect supply, so that the availability of halal food ingredients in the Greater Luwu market can be said to be easy to find and still dominant.

Novel authentication of African geographical coffee types (bean, roasted, powdered) by handheld NIR spectroscopic method

African coffee is among the best traded coffee types worldwide, and rapid identification of its geographical origin is very important when trading the commodity. The study was important because it used NIR techniques to geographically differentiate between various types of coffee and provide a supply chain traceability method to avoid fraud. In this study, geographic differentiation of African coffee types (bean, roasted, and powder) was achieved using handheld near-infrared spectroscopy and multivariant data processing. Five African countries were used as the origins for the collection of Robusta coffee. The samples were individually scanned at a wavelength of 740–1070 nm, and their spectra profiles were preprocessed with mean centering (MC), multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), and standard normal variate (SNV). Support vector machines (SVM), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), neural networks (NN), random forests (RF), and partial least square discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) were then used to develop a prediction model for African coffee types. The performance of the model was assessed using accuracy and F1-score. Proximate chemical composition was also conducted on the raw and roasted coffee types. The best classification algorithms were developed for the following coffee types: raw bean coffee, SD-PLSDA, and MC + SD-PLSDA. These models had an accuracy of 0.87 and an F1-score of 0.88. SNV + SD-SVM and MSC + SD-NN both had accuracy and F1 scores of 0.97 for roasted coffee beans and 0.96 for roasted coffee powder, respectively. The results revealed that efficient quality assurance may be achieved by using handheld NIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics to differentiate between different African coffee types according to their geographical origins.

Revolutionizing Agriculture: Innovative Techniques, Applications, and Future Prospects in Precision Farming

Precision agriculture (PA) represents a transformative approach to farming, employing advanced technologies to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. This review article provides an in depth analysis of the latest innovations in PA techniques, their diverse applications, and future directions. Precision agriculture is revolutionizing the agricultural landscape by integrating sophisticated tools such as GPS, remote sensing, Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics. These technologies enable farmers to monitor and manage variability in crop production meticulously, optimize the use of inputs, and enhance overall farm management practices. The key innovations in PA include the development and application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS), which facilitate accurate mapping and variable rate technology (VRT) for site specific input management. Remote sensing technologies, encompassing both satellite imagery and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), provide critical insights into crop health, soil conditions, and weather patterns, allowing for proactive and informed decision making. The integration of IoT in agriculture involves deploying sensors and connected devices to monitor soil moisture, temperature, and other environmental parameters in real time. This integration supports precision irrigation, climate monitoring, and efficient resource utilization. Big data analytics further enhances PA by processing vast amounts of data to generate actionable insights, enabling predictive analytics and decision support systems (DSS) that aid in optimizing farming operations. The article explores the applications of these advanced techniques in crop management, resource use optimization, and environmental stewardship. Examples include variable rate application of fertilizers, precision irrigation systems, and automated machinery such as drones and robotic harvesters. These innovations lead to significant improvements in crop yields, resource efficiency, and sustainability. Moreover, the review addresses the challenges associated with the adoption and implementation of PA technologies. These challenges include data management complexities, high initial costs, limited accessibility, and the need for technical expertise. The article discusses potential solutions such as cloud computing, machine learning algorithms, government subsidies, collaborative models, and comprehensive training programs to mitigate these barriers, the review highlights the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and enhanced connectivity through 5G networks as pivotal developments that will further revolutionize precision agriculture. AI and machine learning will enhance predictive modeling and automated decision making, while blockchain will ensure transparency and traceability in supply chains. Enhanced connectivity will facilitate real time monitoring and collaborative platforms, driving efficiency and innovation in farming practices.

Synergizing Sustainability: Green HRM and Green SCM Impacting Business Performance (Reflections through Supply Chain Traceability and Eco-centricity)

Synergizing Sustainability: Green HRM and Green SCM Impacting Business Performance (Reflections through Supply Chain Traceability and Eco-centricity)

Smell the Perfume: Can Blockchain Guarantee the Provenance of Key Product Ingredients in the Fragrance Industry?

Although many studies have proclaimed the potential benefits of blockchain technology for supply chain traceability, there are very few examples of successfully scaled blockchain traceability solutions. Here, we examine the challenges in adopting blockchain-based traceability solutions using the case of a complex globally fragmented industry—the fragrance sector. Fragrances are used in a vast number of products. Leading brands make substantial claims about the origin, production methods, certifications and environmental and social sustainability of the fragrances in their products. We categorize the types of traceability-related claims made and examine the potential use of blockchain to support them. The industry exemplifies the challenges in ensuring supply chain traceability in globally dispersed supply chains. The research highlights the potential of blockchain-based traceability solutions but identifies four major challenges—bringing together supply chain partners for a blockchain initiative, disclosing and sharing more information than is common in buyer-supplier relationships, ensuring information encoded on a blockchain provides an accurate record of a product’s journey through the supply chain and involving parties such as regulatory and industry bodies in blockchain initiatives. The challenges identified are reflected in supply chains that are fragmented and globally dispersed, showing why the uptake of blockchain-based traceability has been limited in such sectors.

Uprising Smart Technology Based Solutions: Food Safety and Traceability in the Cold Supply Chain through Digital Technologies

Uprising Smart Technology Based Solutions: Food Safety and Traceability in the Cold Supply Chain through Digital Technologies

Pioneering food safety: Blockchain's integration in supply chain surveillance

Ensuring food safety in a world facing escalating demand and complex supply chains is a pressing challenge. Despite increasing awareness, obstacles such as information distribution, financial limitations, and insufficient infrastructure impede food safety efforts. Blockchain technology presents a promising solution by improving transparency and traceability in supply chains, which are essential for tackling food safety issues. This study explores the integration of blockchain into food safety frameworks, emphasising its compatibility and potential to transform food production and distribution. Drawing on literature, it identifies key challenges to blockchain adoption, including regulatory frameworks and interoperability issues, and proposes strategies such as government intervention and standardisation to overcome them. Ultimately, blockchain holds immense promise in revolutionizing food safety practices, ensuring safe and nutritious food for all.

Constructing an intelligent agent-centric framework for supply chain traceability with blockchain integration

Constructing an intelligent agent-centric framework for supply chain traceability with blockchain integration

The conceptual model of Indonesian palm oil supply chain based on blockchain

Abstract Indonesia is the world’s largest producer and consumer of palm oil. However, the palm oil supply chain faces numerous challenges related to actors, traceability, transparency, and sustainability. To address these issues, a conceptual model for a blockchain-based palm oil supply chain in Indonesia is proposed. The model aims to leverage the decentralized and immutable nature of blockchain technology. It incorporates components such as smart contracts, distributed ledgers, and data sharing mechanisms to enhance traceability, transparency, and sustainability in the palm oil supply chain. The research utilized the SSM (Soft System Methodology) and CATWOE (Customer, Actor, Transformation, Worldview, Owner, Environment) methodologies. The actors involved in the palm oil supply chain include smallholders, plantation companies, third-party suppliers, middlemen, traders, palm oil mills, refineries, distributors, retailers, and consumers. The blockchain conceptual model is structured based on a sustainable supply chain model that considers economic, social, and environmental aspects. Blockchain transactions regulate the process of supply chain actors, while stakeholders such as the government, financial institutions, palm oil research organizations, NGOs, and consumers are involved. The blockchain-based supply chain model is expected to address the key issues of the palm oil supply chain, aiming for a sustainable supply chain system. By implementing this model, it is anticipated that the palm oil industry can achieve greater accountability, transparency, and environmental sustainability.

Leveraging Blockchain for Enhanced Visibility and Sustainability in the Energy Sector Supply Chain

The energy sector faces significant challenges related to supply chain traceability, including issues with transparency, data integrity, regulatory compliance, and fraud prevention. Blockchain technology, with its decentralized, transparent, and immutable ledger, offers promising solutions to these challenges. This review explores the application of blockchain technology in enhancing supply chain traceability in the energy sector. It examines the potential benefits in terms of visibility, data integrity, compliance, and sustainability, and discusses real-world applications, challenges, and future directions. Case studies from renewable energy, fossil fuels, and smart grids illustrate blockchain's impact. Despite the promising benefits, technical, regulatory, and implementation challenges remain. Future research and development, along with supportive policy frameworks, are essential for realizing blockchain's full potential in transforming the energy supply chain into a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable system.