We estimate the value that a multi-enterprise supply chain network could potentially provide via patient adherence and ease of doing business improvements. The value is quantified for a hypothetical archetypal pharmaceutical manufacturer. We elucidate the key metrics improved, mechanisms of improvement, and typical improvement range expected.
Blockchain/DLT
Blockchain and Digital Ledger technologies, applications, implications, and news
Quantifying the Value of Blockchain-Based Supply Chain Networks—Part Three
We propose and specify a hypothetical multi-enterprise supply chain application network with functionality for track and trace/recall, cold chain, inventory management, patient adherence, and identity management. Then we estimate the potential value of using such a network for an archetypal pharmaceutical manufacturer.
Quantifying the Value of Blockchain-Based Supply Chain Networks—Part Two
Pharmaceutical supply chains face a number of challenges that could be mitigated by the adoption of multi-enterprise supply chain application network technology. Here we describe the structure of pharmaceutical supply chains and key challenges faced, such as: diverse and divergent incentives among different supply chain participants, complexity and opacity of product and financial flows, strict regulations, perishable products, and elusive patient adherence.
Quantifying the Value of Blockchain-Based Supply Chain Networks—Part One
Blockchain technology can provide a foundation for multi-enterprise supply chain networks. Multi-enterprise processes require multi-enterprise software systems, which are architected very differently from single-enterprise systems (such as ERP). Blockchain supports multi-enterprise transactions and processes by design.
Looking Forward to 2019: Hot Topics for the New Year
There were so many interesting developments in 2018 and more to come this year. Here we take a look at what’s happening in autonomous supply chains, omni-channel delivery, AI/machine learning, blockchain for supply chain, checkoutless stores, and self-sovereign ID.
Romaine Remains: Will the Romaine Lettuce E. coli Outbreak Hasten or Hinder Traceability In Produce Supply Chains?
As the saying goes, “never let a good crisis go to waste.” Ironically, the industry’s response to the recent crises of E. coli contamination of romaine lettuce may delay rather than speed up implementation of traceability across produce supply chains.
JDA’s Journey to a Global Optimization Platform – Highlights from Focus 2018
The mood at this year’s JDA Focus (their annual conference) was optimistic, coming off of healthy growth last year, with tons of new innovations, and major R&D investments underway. Here we cover the highlights, including their ‘moon shot’, the Autonomous Supply Chain.
Blockchain’s Role in the Produce Supply Chain: Part Four – Smart Contracts vs. Off-chain Automation
Until we see further technology breakthroughs, the cost of executing smart contracts makes them prohibitively expensive for providing 100% of the automation required in a produce supply chain. Here we discuss the division of labor between on-chain contracts and off-chain backend automation systems.
Blockchain’s Role in the Produce Supply Chain: Part Three – Specific Capabilities
Here we describe specific capabilities blockchain brings to a produce supply chain, such as tamper-resistance, automation/smart contracts, settlement, record of soft claims, auditability, and enabling uber-like spot markets. We also touch on why a permissioned blockchain is needed.
Blockchain’s Role in the Produce Supply Chain: Part Two – Freshness and Safety
While most of the discussion and pilots in blockchain have centered around traceability, the larger potential value lies in improvements to freshness and safety. Here we discuss the data and capabilities required for improving freshness and how produce safety can be ensured.
Blockchain’s Role in the Produce Supply Chain: Part One – Traceability and Blockchain
We discuss blockchain and three other approaches to achieving traceability, as the foundation for providing provenance assurance and improved recall capabilities. This includes a discussion of the impact of FSMA, industry standards, and networked SaaS systems.