Supply chain management

Nir Kshetri

Chapter 4 in The Rise of Blockchains, 2026, pp 61-77 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter examines supply chain management (SCM) as a premier use case for blockchain technology, highlighting its capacity to harmonize the flow of physical goods, information, and finance. By shifting from siloed data to a “single source of truth,” blockchain addresses systemic issues of opacity, fraud, and inefficiency. The analysis details key applications, including end-to-end traceability, asset tokenization for luxury provenance (e.g., Breitling's digital passports), and the automation of trade finance through smart-contract-enabled Letters of Credit. Through case studies such as Walmart Canada's DL Freight and Maersk's digitization efforts, the chapter illustrates how blockchain reduces administrative costs, eliminates manual paperwork, and mitigates relational risks. Furthermore, it explores how the technology supports sustainability and “green” SCM by providing quantifiable, immutable evidence of ethical sourcing. Ultimately, blockchain is presented as a strategic tool for enhancing operational speed, dependability, and consumer trust in increasingly complex global value chains.

Keywords: Traceability And Provenance; Asset Tokenization; Trade Finance; Smart Contracts; Supply Chain Transparency; Digital Passports (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035394333
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