A Mobile application to improve tracking and verification of products in supply chain logistics using blockchain technology
Date
2018
Authors
Kiano, Julius Gikonyo
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
In Kenya, the generation, distribution and utilisation of fake products has been expanding at an alarming rate. In spite of the fact that there has been numerous related researches concentrating on improving supply chain quality management, major issues are still present due to the lack of trust in a supply chain. The main challenges facing traditional supply chain is the self-interest of supply chain members and the limitations of quality inspections. With vast supply chains it becomes next to impossible to trace the movement of goods as they make their way to a retailer. A retailer then does not have a trusted way of verifying authenticity of goods received. Blockchain is a promising technology that can be leveraged to solve the aforementioned problems by providing a decentralised system of trust. The purpose of this study is to address the shortcomings of a traditional supply chain by leveraging Blockchain technology. This study has developed a solution that is able to provide an effective, efficient and secure way to track and verify products in a supply chain. The mobile application is able to track the distributions of products among the manufacturers, distributors and consumers. Supporting the mobile application is a network of distributed fault-tolerant validator nodes that utilise the Proof of Stake algorithm to maintain and mutate the state of the Blockchain based on incoming transactions.This study adopted the Agile Software methodology because it offers a quick and flexible way to conduct development sprints and incorporating user feedback. The developed solution recorded high performance results from the usability tests conducted and the network of distributed validator nodes maintained consistent and accurate Blockchain records, facilitating a decentralised method of trust within a supply chain.
Description
A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Mobile Telecommunications and Innovation (MSc. MTI)
Keywords
Blockchain, Supply Chain Management, Proof-of-Work, Proof-of-Stake