Bill McBeath Speaking on Blockchain at Food Safety Supply Chain Conference

The session discusses research conducted on existing blockchain implementations and pilots. While blockchain promises to address some of today’s food safety challenges, the technology is still in early stages of development. The research revealed that a hybrid system model, one that combines blockchain with mature multi-party Networked SaaS-based technology, is the best approach for optimizing traceability and improving food safety across the fresh food supply chain.

The limitations and advantages of blockchain will be discussed, in regards to backward and forward traceability, data integrity across the supply chain, and the role of blockchain-enabled smart contracts. McBeath will discuss how Internet of Things (IoT) sensors can be used to ensure the appropriate data about products and their condition is accurately and autonomously captured as products move from harvest or production to the retailer. In addition to improving food safety and traceability, a hybrid model combining blockchain and SaaS-based applications also provides the ability to integrate freshness management into the system to reduce food waste and costs.

Freshness is a prime competitive differentiator for grocers and food service providers. The value of waste reduction and improved freshness for consumers can provide the critical difference in providing a compelling ROI for hybrid blockchain solutions across the supply chain.

For more information about the conference,click here.