Blockchain in the Supply Chain

Tests showed that blockchain can add value by eliminating redundant data and improve visibility and transparency for all stakeholders.

With blockchain’s fool proof record of transactions, processes can be more streamlined and simplified right from the origin to the final destination.

“dnata has always been at the forefront of innovation, and the success of our study to use blockchain technology in our operations means greater security, efficiency and cost savings to our customers,” said Kevin Ennis, vice president commercial and business development for dnata’s UAE Cargo Operations.

“We are on the cusp of revolutionising the way we operate, and the success of this initiative with our partners will give the industry a real boost towards seamless service delivery,” he added.

Blockchain technology is a secure, public electronic ledger and peer-to-peer network that can be managed autonomously to exchange information between different parties.

In cargo operations most processes are traditionally paper based requiring sign offs by many different inspectors and receivers before goods are delivered to their final destination.

Today, even electronic systems require multiple parties to sign off on cargo shipments, creating lengthy administrative processes. Blockchain technology can be used to streamline this process and track the paper trail of cargo containers by digitizing the supply chain.

Blockchain by definition is infallible as no one party can modify, delete or even edit any one of the blocks without the consensus from others on the network. Blockchain infrastructure can be implemented for supply chain transactions from a purchase order and origin of goods all the way to the delivery at the consignee’s destination.

Through Proof of Concept, flydubai Cargo, Emirates Innovation Lab and dnata were able to identify issues from various perspectives such as technology, security, operation, legal perspectives, and were able to realise new supply chain services including digitalisation of documents.

“Blockchain technology has great potential to exponentially improve efficiency and transparency of business networks, especially in Cargo & Logistic flows,” said Neetan Chopra, senior vice president - IT Strategic Services, Emirates Group.” However neither the technology nor the potential is easy to understand or appreciate. Hence it is imperative to carry out such business experiments and trials so that participants can experience the benefits of breakthrough technologies in a live environment.”

The blockchain technology for dnata’s cargo operations is a very secure way to share information between parties. It creates a permanent, digital public ledger of transactions which can be shared amongst a distributed network of computers.

The sharing possibilities of this technology create endless opportunities for logistics/supply chain applications. These include improvements of transparency and data sharing across the supply chain, better tracking of orders, reducing errors and better fraud detection.

“Blockchain technology is able to transform sectors far beyond financial services. It improves the way we work together in providing reliable and convenient airfreight as it provides end-to-end services,” said Mohamed Hassan, vice president of flydubai Cargo. “As a result of this collaboration, flydubai Cargo has become the first airline to complete a Proof of Concept (PoC) using blockchain technology in airfreight transportation.” (Inputs: Dnata Media Centre).