Application of Blockchain, Driverless Transportation Systems and Digital Technology in Supply Chain

Blockchain Technology and its implications on the Food Industry

This section contains five (5) questions. Answer any four (4) questions.

1. The term ‘Big Data Analytics’ is rising in mention and being used very frequently. Explain your understanding of this term giving examples of its application.
2. Explain what are ‘Digital Twins’ and what are the objectives and advantages of this system. You may explain your answer using an Industry example.
3. What is your understanding of the term ‘eProcurement’ and how is it used in business?
4. Explain what ‘Supplier Collaboration Portals’ are, and how they can be an effective solution for managing suppliers.
5. Given the huge possibilities, it is also important to look at the possible limitations and obstacles of SCIT. List 4 limitations and obstacles of SCIT.

This section contains three (3) cases. Please answer ALL THREE.

Initially, the Blockchain concept was developed to secure the financial transactions of the crypto-currency Bitcoin. Recently, the applications of Blockchain technology have begun to revolutionize different aspects of SCOM. The central idea is to increase visibility and efficiency based on record-keeping in the SC. Blockchain applications to SCOM become more and more important to enhance the scale and scope of digital processes along with creation of information pipeline systems and SC finance applications.

A Blockchain is a decentralized database that exists as copies in a network of computers. It is a chain of blocks, because the data and information stored is captured in blocks. It is also a platform to execute the so called ‘smart contracts’ as transactions. The list of all transactions is stored as copies throughout all further evolvements on numerous computers (a network of even hundreds of computers). As a result, if an illegal or unauthorized modification takes place on one of the computers, it can be traced back for verification purposes. The copies are checked regarding their consistency from the perspective of the value (e.g., if the verification value is the same on all but one computer, the manipulation is detected). Thus, the Blockchain is a technology that cannot be manipulated. Participating organizations benefit from high visibility through a secure data sharing mechanism, enabling them to plan with a greater certainty. Blockchains store the data about the location of assets at any point in time, the ownership or the custodianship of assets, and their transactional status.

The Blockchain, a relatively simple technology, is expected to be used extensively in sourcing processes, e.g., for contract management, archiving of customs documents, certificates at deliveries, or for patent management. Contracts in SCs often involve multi-party agreements, with regulatory and logistical constraints. Further complexities may arise from operations in different jurisdictions, as well as dynamic features embedded in the contracts. The flow of information in an SC plays a critical role in the efficiency of the operations. Regulatory processes (e.g., customs) can be expedited using Blockchain by improving confidence in documentations. This, in turn, can result in reductions in wastage, risk and insurance premiums.

Q: Using the description of Blockchain above, apply the theory to provide practical insights and suggestions for application in the Food Industry.

DTS are mainly used in intralogistics and the warehousing. Such DTS increase safety during loading and unloading of materials and finished goods. These devices assist operators in every step from goods receipt and storage to order picking and preparation for shipment. In addition to the classical driverless transportation devices have been used decades, smart features are related to their precise positioning, guiding, route optimization, machine diagnostics, or real-time condition or loading monitoring abilities. DTS can operate individually or be coupled and connected.

Generally, DTS provide a higher reliability of operations due to a reduction in human errors, leading to higher productivity in warehousing or intralogistics and cost savings. There are numerous use cases of DTS and we will take a look at some examples.

Q: Using the description of Driverless Technology above,  provide practical insights and suggestions for application in the Transportation Industry.

Many of the digital technologies that belong to Industry 4.0 have a close connection to make processes, and are connected via the Internet. This is where the name Internet of Things arose in relation to SCOM. In the following section, core technologies are presented, which mainly focus on physical value adding processes, but they can also be used in other SC areas, as well as outside the industrial world, e.g. in medical care (3D printing of prosthetics or use of robots to assist staff in hospitals) or in farming.

Q: Using the description of DT in ‘Make Process’ above and discussions on 3D printing and Additive manufacturing, apply the theory and explain the process to provide practical insights and suggestions for application of these technologies Industry.