Analyzing the Potential of DLT-based Applications in Smart Factories

Dominik Roeck (), Felix Schöneseiffen (), Michael Greger () and Erik Hofmann ()
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Dominik Roeck: University of St.Gallen
Felix Schöneseiffen: Roland Berger
Michael Greger: University of St.Gallen
Erik Hofmann: University of St.Gallen

A chapter in Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology Use Cases, 2020, pp 245-266 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract While companies struggle to implement Smart Factory initiatives, the emergence of decentralized Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) promises to support Smart Factories. However, little is known about the extent to which DLT can support Smart Factory initiatives. Thus, this paper examines whether DLT is a useful addition to the Smart Factory concept in the context of Industry 4.0. The focus of the research lies on practical challenges that manufacturing companies are confronted with when creating Smart Factories and integrating them into their value chain. These challenges were worked out with the help of a literature review and interviews, which were conducted with employees of one of the most renowned industrial automation and digitization companies (undisclosed for confidentiality). Based on this, two DLT concepts were developed and discussed with the experts regarding their respective opportunities, risks, and feasibility. The DLT-based Audit Trail is intended to solve the challenge of creating a detailed, consistent and traceable overview of production processes, while the Crypto-based Agent Logic solves the challenge of setting priorities for orders in a fully automated production process. The results show that DLT integration in the context of the Smart Factory concept is to be regarded as useful and should be driven forward by further research.

Keywords: Distributed ledger technology; Supply chain; Manufacturing; Smart factory; Use cases; Blockchain (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-44337-5_12

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