Distributed Ledger: Use a blockchain to maintain a decentralized, immutable ledger of supply chain transactions and events.
Smart Contracts: Implement smart contracts to automate and enforce agreements and conditions in the supply chain process.
Data Recording and Management
Transaction Recording: Record all transactions related to the supply chain, including shipments, receipts, and quality checks, on the blockchain.
Data Storage: Store relevant supply chain data, such as product provenance, batch numbers, and certification details.
Tracking and Visibility
Real-Time Tracking: Provide real-time tracking of products as they move through the supply chain, updating their status on the blockchain.
Historical Tracking: Maintain a complete history of product movement, changes in ownership, and other key events.
Verification and Authentication
Product Authentication: Verify the authenticity and origin of products using blockchain data.
Certifications: Store and validate certifications and compliance documents on the blockchain.
Stakeholder Access and Interaction
Role-Based Access: Implement role-based access control to allow different stakeholders (e.g., suppliers, manufacturers, distributors) to view and interact with relevant data.
User Interface: Provide an intuitive user interface for stakeholders to access blockchain records, track shipments, and manage transactions.
Supply Chain Event Management
Event Logging: Log key supply chain events, such as shipment departures, arrivals, and inspections, on the blockchain.
Alerting: Generate alerts for significant events or anomalies (e.g., delays, quality issues) based on blockchain data.
Integration with Existing Systems
ERP Integration: Integrate with existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to synchronize blockchain data with other supply chain management tools.
IoT Integration: Connect with Internet of Things (IoT) devices (e.g., sensors) to capture and record data directly on the blockchain.
Audit and Reporting
Audit Trails: Maintain a transparent audit trail of all blockchain transactions and changes.
Reporting: Generate reports based on blockchain data, including performance metrics, compliance reports, and transaction summaries.
Security and Privacy
Data Encryption: Ensure data is encrypted both in transit and at rest to protect sensitive information.
Data Privacy: Implement privacy measures to protect sensitive business information while ensuring transparency.
Non-Functional Requirements
Performance
Scalability: Ensure the system can handle increasing volumes of transactions and data as the supply chain grows.
Response Time: Provide quick response times for querying blockchain data and processing transactions.
Usability
User Experience: Design an intuitive user interface to facilitate ease of use for various stakeholders with different technical backgrounds.
Accessibility: Ensure the system is accessible to users with disabilities, adhering to accessibility standards.
Reliability
System Availability: Ensure high availability of the system with minimal downtime.
Fault Tolerance: Implement mechanisms to handle and recover from system failures or blockchain node issues.
Security
Blockchain Security: Ensure the blockchain network is secure from attacks such as 51% attacks or smart contract vulnerabilities.
Access Control: Implement strong authentication and authorization mechanisms to control access to blockchain data and functionalities.
Maintainability
Code Quality: Maintain a well-documented, modular, and clean codebase to facilitate updates and maintenance.
Update Management: Provide a structured process for updating blockchain protocols and system components.
Compatibility
Interoperability: Ensure compatibility with various blockchain platforms and technologies.
Cross-Platform Support: Support multiple operating systems and devices for accessing the system.
Compliance
Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to relevant regulations and standards for data handling and blockchain usage (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
Industry Standards: Follow industry standards for supply chain management and blockchain implementation.
Backup and Recovery
Data Backup: Implement regular backups of blockchain data and system configurations.
Disaster Recovery: Develop a disaster recovery plan to restore system functionality and blockchain data in case of major failures.
