Integration of Blockchain and Smart Contracts for Transpar-ency in Multi-Tier Retail Inventory Systems

Authors

Badiou Yuval
Blockchain Supply Chain Analyst, Singapore.

Keywords:

Blockchain, Smart Contracts, Retail Supply Chains, Transparency, Multi-Tier Inventory, Vendor Management

Synopsis

Retail supply chains involve multiple stakeholders, ranging from suppliers to distributors and retailers, often operating across multiple tiers. The lack of transparency and delays in information sharing pose significant challenges, including inefficiencies, fraud, and inventory discrepancies. Blockchain, coupled with smart contracts, offers a decentralized, tamper-proof framework to ensure transparency and automation in retail inventory systems. This paper explores the integration of blockchain and smart contracts for enhancing visibility, reducing operational risks, and strengthening trust in multi-tier retail supply chains. Empirical trends from recent studies highlight increasing blockchain adoption, with tangible benefits for inventory management and vendor collaboration.

References

[1] Afrin, N., & Pathak, A. (2023). Blockchain-powered security and transparency in supply chain: Exploring traceability and authenticity through smart contracts. International Journal of Computer Applications.

[2] Anugula Sethupathy, U.K. (2022). API-driven architectures for modern digital pay-ment and virtual account systems. International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science, 4(8), 2442–2451. https://doi.org/10.56726/IRJMETS29156

[3] Khan, M., Alshahrani, A.N., & Jacquemod, J. (2023). Digital platforms and supply chain traceability for robust information and effective inventory management: The mediating role of transparency. Logistics (MDPI).

[4] Lee, A.W.L., Toyoda, K., Yeo, Z., Low, J.S.C., & Lu, W.F. (2023). Blockchain-enabled carbon emission management system in a multi-tier supply chain. Procedia CIRP.

[5] Omar, I.A., Jayaraman, R., Debe, M.S., & Hasan, H.R. (2021). Supply chain inventory sharing using ethereum blockchain and smart contracts. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management.

[6] Law, A. (2017). Smart contracts and their application in supply chain management. MIT Thesis.

[7] Omar, I.A., Jayaraman, R., Salah, K., & Debe, M. (2020). Enhancing vendor managed inventory supply chain operations using blockchain smart contracts. IEEE Access.

[8] Sunny, J., Undralla, N., & Pillai, V.M. (2020). Supply chain transparency through blockchain-based traceability: An overview with demonstration. Computers & Industrial Engineering.

[9] Anugula Sethupathy, U.K. (2021). Real-time supply chain process automation and monitoring with stream processing. International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science, 3(5), 3217–3226. https://doi.org/10.56726/IRJMETS9871

[10] Li, X. (2023). Inventory management and information sharing based on blockchain technology. Computers & Industrial Engineering.

[11] Mukhtar, A., & Romli, A. (2020). Blockchain network model to improve supply chain visibility based on smart contracts. International Journal of Supply Chain Management.

[12] Banda, G., & Sharma, R. (2023). Responsibility Index System (RISE): Enhancing food security and safety with blockchain-based accountability. IEEE Conference on Technologies for Sustainability.

Published

August 13, 2024