A Fragmented Ecosystem
As supply chains have become truly global, it’s now more important than ever before for all players to work together in harmony. No longer linear chains, supply chains are often interconnected webs of suppliers, transporters, wholesalers and customers, all dependent on the other.
But, with issues such as fragmented systems, a multitude of legacy ERP systems that do not interact, siloed technology, and inefficient processes, supply chains across the world are facing a series of complex obstacles compounded by market uncertainty.
Blockchain in supply chain management has the power to transform, solving key challenges and optimising outdated processes. It enables increased transparency and improved traceability and accountability, while minimising risk. Blockchain solutions even allow for more accurate data and better forecasting, significantly reducing costs across the whole supplier network.
Challenges Across the Supply Chain
- The Need to Digitise: Although SCM has largely evolved from the days of paper-led processes, digitisation is still a huge challenge for supply chain management. Evolving past the reliance on traditional centralised databases, Supply Chain Managers are seeking more comprehensive and agile technologies that can both scale with demand and give a complete overview of the entire supply chain, from source to shelf.
- Silos & Fragmentation: With multiple parties responsible for assets at different stages of their journey across the supply chain, (each with their own systems and operations), it’s no surprise that supply chain networks are littered with silos and fragmented processes. This leads to inefficiencies, wastage and unnecessary costs.
- Traceability Challenges: One of the biggest challenges for supply chain managers is having accurate data to show the source, journey and location of assets across complex cross-border supply chains. Accountability and authenticity are also a constant challenge; assets can disappear from systems, data can be inaccurate, intentionally misleading, or even lost completely.
- The Need for Transparency & Trusted Data: Even the most simple supply chains can involve multiple players, countries and technologies. As globalisation continues and supply networks continue to scale and evolve, the supply chain adds more layers. All these additional layers mean less oversight, more opacity, less trust and more complexity when it comes to the status, source, or even ownership of assets across the supply chain.
- Demand Generation: Accurately forecasting demand for products has always been a challenge for supply chain managers. But, with a global pandemic causing uncertainty and unpredictability, and a widespread materials and labour shortage compounding issues, understanding what’s needed and when is now more crucial than ever.
Leveraging Blockchain in Supply Chain Management
As supplier networks across the world continue to scale, so do the challenges. But blockchain in supply chain management is solving many of these complex issues related to limited visibility, ownership of data and data integrity, as well as enabling collaboration on a truly global scale.
From increased visibility and accuracy of assets as they move across the supply chain, to trusted data on the source and provenance of materials (not to mention greater oversight and transparency for all key players across the chain); blockchain solutions are helping everyone from procurement departments, to logistics managers, to manufacturers, lower costs, increase efficiencies and drive greater value for their organisations.
Why is blockchain in supply chain management the perfect fit?
- Secure: As a decentralized technology, blockchain offers significantly better security and data protection than centralised databases. With information stored across multiple nodes, there’s no single point of failure that leaves the network vulnerable to attack.
- Data Authenticity: With cryptographic encryption of information, and a consensus-based approach to validating data, users can be assured that the data stored on the blockchain is accurate and free from tampering.
- Transparent: Blockchain in supply chain management enables unparalleled oversight for Supply Chain Managers. All transactions are visible and traceable on chain. Records can be permissioned for external parties, safe in the knowledge that they cannot be altered or tampered with.
- Traceable: With blockchain and NFT technology each asset, material or product can be given a unique identifier (digital twin) allowing it to be traced across the entire supply chain in real-time. Audits and investigations are more efficient as authentic data is guaranteed.
- Reliable: With networks operating across a decentralized structure, downtime is eradicated as the threat of network attack or collapse is mitigated. Bottlenecks from centralized points are also eliminated.
- Cost Effective: Eliminating the reliance on expensive centralised servers means networks can be scaled in a more cost-effective way. Manual processes are automated with smart contracts, reducing labour costs. Plus, cryptographically secured data cuts cyber-security spend significantly.
Blockchain Use Case #1: End-to-End Traceability
Many of the best use cases for blockchain in supply chain management revolve around improved traceability of assets across the complex network of participants that make up a supply chain. Being able to see where an asset is at any one time can be crucial to the operations of everyone from suppliers to retailers.
And while many legacy ERP systems offer this traceability to an extent, issues around data silos, centralised systems that are prone to bottlenecks, downtime and maintenance are devastating the supply chain.
Not to mention that these systems are often used in isolation, with one company’s ERP unable to talk to their suppliers’ ERPs. Data is often not passed throughout the chain in a streamlined or effective manner. Issues with out-of-date information lead to confusion, errors and inefficiencies, all of which can result in costly delays for participants throughout the supply chain. Closing the visibility and traceability gaps through blockchain in supply chain management is a huge potential competitive advantage.
Improving Traceability with Blockchain Technology
Blockchain in supply chain management is revolutionising traceability across entire ecosystems. They’re enabling supply chain managers to get conclusive data free from manipulation. Information on an asset’s whereabouts is accurate, verifiable, and provable — all in real-time. All permissioned users can see the information relevant to their needs, and can be assured that it’s both up-to-date and verified.
Benefits of blockchain solutions to improve traceability also include:
- Proof of provenance.
- Faster investigations.
- More efficient product recalls.
- Accurate audit trails.
- Proof of regulation compliance.
- Better management of accounts payable.
End-to-End Traceability
Blockchain in supply chain management is enabling Supply Chain Managers to track an asset’s journey across multiple suppliers, countries, business partners and ports. The immutable digital ledger facilitated by the underlying blockchain technology means that an asset’s point of entry all the way through to its point of exit can be traced and tracked efficiently and effectively. But why is traceability so important? With end-to-end traceability across multiple suppliers, countries and business partners, proof of provenance can be guaranteed. This guaranteed provenance can protect a company’s reputation (both a supplier’s and a retailer’s), protect against supplier fraud, and mitigate legal or regulatory action relating to sustainability practices.
But it’s not just provenance that’s important, having real-time verifiable data about shipments eliminates the costs associated with missing shipments, can mitigate delays, provide proof of delivery and more. Far from being the same as traditional ERP systems, a blockchain in supply chain management solution delivers cryptographic encryption of data meaning that users can be absolutely assured that the data is free from manipulation or tampering. The permissioned ecosystems that blockchain facilitates also mean that all approved parties can have realtime visibility of data without the need for a centralised authority to share or verify this information.
More Efficient Investigations & Recalls
With a decentralised digital ledger that provides a full and verifiable audit trail relating to an asset’s location, its provenance, and even in some cases its quality (when paired with IoT sensors); investigations, complaints and recalls are significantly more efficient and effective. For the food industry for example, the end-to-end traceability of ingredients across the entire supply chain means that sources of contamination can be identified in seconds. This can mean faster product recalls, and the potential of stopping a dangerous product from ever reaching the consumer.
Traceability in Action
In 2020 Starbucks worked on a blockchain in supply chain management project with Microsoft aimed at proving provenance and ensuring traceability of their coffee beans across their expansive global supply chain. The project used blockchain technology to enable Starbucks to share its traceability data with farmers, suppliers and customers themselves — showing a clear picture of its coffee beans from farm to coffee shop.
Customers purchasing coffee across the US were able to use a code on the packaging to discover the source and roasting place of their beans, and whether they are produced both ethically and sustainably (satisfying the more contentious consumer’s need to discover where their drinks come from). Farmers were also given access to the tool, enabling the growers to understand where their beans end up after they leave the farm. For Starbucks, the technology enabled them to track some bags from country level, to region, all the way back to the farmer in some cases — helping with audits, proof of provenance, and even quality investigations.
Blockchain Use Case #2: Transparency, Oversight & Visibility for all Parties
For many organisations, opaque supply chains that lack transparency are a real challenge. Not having a complete overview of assets or shipments as they move across the globe can cause a number of headaches, especially when it comes to ensuring that orgs are complying with regulations, providing data to auditors, or simply ensuring that materials reach their intended destination.
Rather surprisingly the over-reliance on paper-based processes is still an issue for many Supply Chain managers. And while the BCI Supply Chain Resilience Report shows that the number of organisations increasing their use of technology across their supply chain is on the rise; this increased use of technology often doesn’t translate to an increase in transparency. Challenges related to siloed and fragmented systems still remain.
Improving Transparency with Blockchain Technology
By utilising blockchain in supply chain management, SCMs across the entire supplier ecosystem get better oversight of goods, assets, shipments and even payments as they move through the network. Opaque processes caused by disparate / siloed systems become transparent with permissioned blockchain networks. All parties can benefit from a full and unedited view of data related to products, items or stock as it changes hands and moves throughout the network.
Benefits of blockchain solutions to increase transparency in the supply chain also include:
- Enhanced analytics including asset location / tracking accuracy.
- Faster investigations & recalls as it’s easier to identify the source of errors, lost shipments or duplicate payments.
- Ability to provide auditors and regulators with full oversight and verified audit trails – free from manipulation.
- More efficient operations due to increased sharing of information and a reduction in data silos.
- Reduction in supplier fraud and an increase in accountability.
Better Oversight for All
By creating a shared ecosystem, blockchain in supply chain management enables better oversight for all parties involved. Disparate and fragmented legacy ERP systems can be replaced with (or at the very least can work in conjunction with) a permissioned, immutable database visible to all parties who have been approved to use it. The data stored on the decentralised ledger is guaranteed to be free from manipulation, due to the cryptographic encryption utilised. This mitigates the risk of fraud or data tampering. All parties can be assured that the data they’re seeing is up-to date, accurate and verifiable. This leads to unprecedented oversight of goods as they change hands, cross borders and make their way through the supply chain.
Ensuring Provenance
Sustainability and ethical sourcing are big challenges for organisations across all industries, from food manufacturing to luxury goods, fashion and more. One of the key benefits of blockchain in supply chain management is its ability to prove the provenance of materials. Data on a material’s source is recorded and cryptographically secured in an immutable digital ledger. The data is transparent, verifiable and provable, and is immune from tampering. This mitigates the risk of supplier fraud or uncertainty around a material’s provenance.
With an effective blockchain in supply chain management solution, a retailer has a transparent ledger they can use to trace their products all the way back through the supply chain to source easily and efficiently, through manufacturers, suppliers, transporters and more. Not only does this mean that organisations can have proof that their goods are sourced in line with ethical sourcing practices, but also proof that the materials they use come from sustainable sources, limiting their impact on the environment.
Transparency in Action
One early example of implementing blockchain technology to ensure transparency in the supply chain came from the logistics provider Kuehne + Nagel. Together with their supply chain partners, the company utilised a blockchain in supply chain management solution for issuing and exchanging electronic bills of lading across its supplier network. All information submitted via the portal is stored on the blockchain, giving permissioned parties full access to the data while fulfilling the requirements of confidentiality and data privacy due to the immutable nature of blockchain technology.
The solution also removed unnecessary processes and intermediaries and ensured there was no central authority controlling the data. By providing transparent, verifiable and immutable data across the supplier ecosystem, the solution significantly reduced the time spent on data entry and verification, and reduced the need for printed shipping documents — generating significant cost savings.
Blockchain Use Case #3: Efficiency & More Streamlined Operations
Unsurprisingly, the level and frequency of supply chain disruptions have increased significantly in recent years. The BCI Supply Chain Resilience Report highlights that in 2020, 27.8% of organisations polled experienced more than 10 supply chain disruptions, up from 4.8% of organizations in 2019. And while of course the majority of these disruptions were an unavoidable consequence of both the Covid-19 pandemic and other external forces; further disruptions related to inefficient processes, lack of transparency and issues with traceability are largely avoidable with the right solution in place.
It’s a costly problem. Inefficient processes and unnecessary disruptions cost the industry billions every year. According to analysis of industry data from Zencargo, in the UK alone, supply chain inefficiencies and miscommunication are costing UK businesses over £1.5bn in lost productivity per year.
Increasing Efficiency with Blockchain Technology
There are a number of ways that blockchain in supply chain management facilitates efficiency gains across an entire ecosystem. From the creation of collaborative and trusted supplier ecosystems, to verifiable data, to real-time insights, to transparent audit trails and smart contracts that automatically execute once pre-set conditions have been met.
Blockchain technology has the potential to significantly reduce duplicate or unnecessary processes, its innate transparency enables secure data sharing across multiple parties in the supply chain – arguably one of the primary challenges that impacts efficiency. All this leads to significant productivity gains and cost savings across the entire supplier network.
Benefits of blockchain in supply chain management solutions to increase efficiency also include:
- The creation of a shared ecosystem (suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers) – streamlining processes for the entire network.
- Cost savings and efficiency gains from a significant reduction in paperwork and admin (plus reducing the frequency of human error).
- The elimination of data silos & improved data management all of which minimise disruptions and facilitate cohesion.
- The facilitation of automation & triggered events (smart contracts), such as automatic payments on shipment etc.
- A reduction in intermediaries and faster investigations.
- Enhanced data insights that allow for more intelligent forecasting, and more intelligent stock control and inventory planning.
Reduction in Data Silos
Although supply chains have been transformed and improved by digital solutions that replace outdated paper processes in recent years, there are still a number of problems when it comes to the usage of legacy ERP Systems throughout the supply chain — significantly impacting efficiency. While there are challenges relating to data ownership, and centralised databases prone to security breaches, maintenance or downtime – often the biggest challenge for supply chain managers in respect to their ERP systems is siloed data, fragmented databases, and the inability to automatically and securely share real-time data across the supply chain.
With a blockchain in supply chain management solution, data can be seamlessly and automatically shared across a multitude of key players in the supply chain. This facilitates a collaborative supplier network, where data is collected and shared quickly, efficiently and securely. Suppliers, logistics providers and retailers alike can all track an assets journey from manufacturer to consumer in real-time in a shared and collaborative ecosystem. The elimination of data silos providers a clearer picture of assets which can lead to significant efficiency gains across the network.
Reduced Disruption
Blockchain in supply chain management enables a significant reduction in the level of disruption across the entire network. Decentralised digital ledgers are safe from malicious attack, mitigating both the risk of data loss or corruption, and the challenges that come from slow, centralised and fragmented legacy systems. Disruption is also mitigated due to increased data transparency – with all permissioned parties able to benefit from realtime visibility of assets and shipments on the blockchain.
Forecasting and fulfilment is also more intelligent and more streamlined – with solutions such as sensors on shelves triggering automatic orders of goods from suppliers, executed via blockchain smart contracts. Enhanced traceability and verified audit trails also mean investigations and recalls are faster and easier to complete.
Efficiency in Action
Back in 2018, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, ABN Amro, and Samsung SDS collaborated to launch a blockchain in supply chain management pilot with the aim of further digitising processes in the supply chain to achieve transparency, and more importantly efficiency. The Port of Rotterdam noted that there were a number of inefficiencies across their supply chain, with many unnecessary intermediaries and an over-reliance on paper documentation.
The blockchain project aimed to address this by creating a paperless integration of physical, administrative and financial streams within international distribution chains — digitising processes, reducing the number of intermediaries and increasing efficiency. Not only does blockchain enable an effective digital solution to outdated and inefficient processes but it also offers all parties in the logistics chain the opportunity to coordinate activities using validated and immutable data and without the need for management by central authorities.
Blockchain and IoT in the Supply Chain
At its core, the internet of things is a web of connected devices (things), all sending and/or receiving information to and from their external environments. This information is captured and sent to a centralized server to be processed, stored and accessed.
Blockchain on the other hand is essentially a decentralized digital ledger. Data and information isn’t held at one specific point, but is instead encrypted and held by a multitude of different nodes across a network. These nodes are all working together to authenticate and validate information continuously and in consensus.
Combine blockchain in supply chain management with IoT and you get a reliable, protected and authentic record of data sent to and from connected devices on an almost impenetrable network. But why is this important? For the Supply Chain, there are a number of innovative uses of IoT
These include:
- In-Transit Monitoring: IoT monitors/trackers in transport create real-time locations of goods in transit and more accurate delivery estimates.
- Stock Control & Automatic Ordering: IoT monitors on shelves, fridges or in warehouse shelves automatically trigger alerts or orders when stock runs low.
- Quality Assurance: Monitoring the temperature / humidity etc of goods in transit ensures food safety and quality rules are being adhered to.
The problem with these solutions lies in the volatility of IoT networks. IoT systems traditionally use a centralized server/client paradigm. Data and information is collected by a smart device and sent to the cloud. This data is then processed and stored, the information can also be sent back to the IoT device.
But, with the number of connected devices predicted to explode in coming years, the over-reliance on centralized systems with limited scalability will mean that networks will struggle to cope with the demand placed on them. Weak points and gaps in security will be exacerbated and exposed to attack; while the sheer volume of information being sent back and forth (not to mention the computational power needed to continually check and authenticate every device on the network) will create bottlenecks that slow IoT networks to a grinding halt.
How Blockchain secures IoT devices
Utilizing a ‘blockchain for IoT’ solution would help overcome the core challenges that the IoT industry is facing. Combining a blockchain in supply chain management solution and IoT would not only enhance IoT device security, but could boost network performance and speed, at the same time as ensuring the validity of all data collected.
- Security: Information on the blockchain is held across each and every node in the network, as opposed to in one centralized location. For IoT, this means the risk of data being compromised via a single point of failure (such as a cloud server) is eliminated. A malicious attack would need to corrupt the encrypted data held by all nodes in the network, simultaneously — an almost impossible feat. In short, a blockchain and IoT pairing creates a significantly more secure and resilient network.
- Trust: With blockchain technology, the legitimacy of the data being relayed across the IoT network can be trusted completely. The immutable and decentralized characteristics of blockchain technology mean that the data captured and shared by connected devices is virtually impossible to intercept and corrupt. All nodes across the ecosystem must agree in consensus on the validity of information, and the authenticity of the device capturing this data. By pairing blockchain with IoT, the risk of network collusion and data tampering is all but eliminated.
- Efficiency: The smart contract functionality embedded into many blockchain solutions means that pre-determined conditions can be implemented. Conditions that once reached, will trigger an action (or transaction) in the ecosystem. For IoT, one such use case of smart contracts could be to permission or provision new IoT devices joining the network. This would significantly reduce the need for human intervention, and streamline slow and laborious processes — ultimately driving efficiency and reducing costs.
- Connectivity: IoT networks are straining under the pressure of sustaining billions of connected devices. Bloated networks are increasingly suffering from downtime and poor connectivity, causing problems for users of IoT technology. Worryingly, as the number of smart devices is predicted to explode in the next few years, these issues will only be exacerbated. Blockchain and IoT technology together can create a lean and scalable network where DDoS attacks can be eliminated using the authentication capabilities of blockchain.
- Cost: Utilizing blockchain for IoT projects enables both IoT vendors and businesses running commercial / industrial IoT devices to be less reliant on expensive, centralized data centres. More cost-effective scaling of networks, and a reduced reliance on intermediaries also generates savings. Not to mention the savings gained from running an innately more secure network that doesn’t require excessive and extensive security or maintenance provisions.
Blockchain Challenges
Implementing blockchain technology or a blockchain in supply chain management solution, especially not just in one organisation, but across a complex supplier network does not come without its challenges. Areas of consideration:
- Public vs Private: Given the business critical data that SCMs hold about their supply chain, a public blockchain is not a suitable solution. Organisations must protect their data from misuse and from their competitors. A private or permissioned blockchain is a much more appropriate solution.
- Known participants: When a blockchain in supply chain management solution is implemented it should permission known participants in the network to access the data. This eliminates the risk of parties outside of the supplier network accessing the data.
- Consensus Protocols: Proof of work is a popular consensus protocol, unfortunately the speed at which new blocks can be added is relatively slow. Instead, organisations should choose a blockchain with an alternative protocol (such as proof-of-stake or round-robin) for their supply chain solution.
- Security of Physical Assets: When it comes to physical products being tagged and introduced to the supply chain Distributed applications (dApps) in conjuction with IoT devices should be used to automatically scan and check assets, check data integrity and communicate this information to the blockchain — mitigating any human error.
When a blockchain in supply chain management solution is implemented effectively and in accordance with a solid strategic plan, it enables innovations and opportunities that have the power to transform the supply chain. It enables greater oversight, greater control and better management of the various moving parts that make up a supplier network.
It can provide real-time verifiable insight and data that helps supply chain managers optimise their decision making while delivering enhanced traceability and transparency to ensure sustainability, quality and ethical sourcing standards are met. All of which leads to significant cost savings, more efficient and effective operations, and a more cohesive and orchestrated supply chain.
3 Steps for Implementing an Effective Blockchain Solution
Determining how to utilise blockchain in supply chain management
It’s important to have a clear strategy when it comes to considering and implementing blockchain solutions for your organisation. If your internal teams lack the blockchain knowledge or experience, then working with a blockchain consultancy or service provider can certainly help explore why, if and how, blockchain can be the right fit for your supply chain. Breaking down the implementation into stages can also help. The onboarding and the scope of the blockchain solution can be broken down into distinct phases, starting with delivery and logistics tracking, before moving on to provenance or stock control.
Off the shelf vs custom solutions
Although off-the-shelf solutions are both widely tested and potentially faster to implement, this doesn’t always mean that they are the best or the most cost-effective solution. A rigid solution may be unable to accommodate the individual needs of your organisation, or that of your supply partners. Integration may prove challenging, and it may mean changes are necessary to existing systems.
Choosing a provider that can offer custom solutions and a blockchain in supply chain management solution that is bespoke to your business requirements will enable the flexibility needed to apply an effective solution across your supplier network. Custom blockchain networks can be created to cater to your exact requirements, to ensure that the right participants are permissioned, that transaction costs are minimised and that the network performs reliably.
Ensuring integration with legacy infrastructure
As supply chains often consist of a complicated network or different suppliers, retailers, logistics partners, manufacturers and more; there are a plethora of existing ERP systems, tracking solutions and payment management systems within any given supply chain, many of which work in silos. It’s important to pick a flexible and modular blockchain solution which is both interoperable and easy to integrate into existing infrastructure.
Scenario #1: Automotive
Leveraging a blockchain in supply chain management solution within the automotive industry to reduce lead times and generate trusted audit trails.
It’s been a difficult time for the automotive industry in recent years, with the Covid-19 pandemic and global supply shortages suppressing the market. Yet, long-term predictions remain optimistic. However, at a time when supplier issues and market uncertainty are still playing havoc with supply chains, it’s more important than ever for automotive manufacturers and retailers to reassess and optimise their supply chains quickly. To mitigate inflated lead times, proactively address supply chain issues, and get a clear picture of the state of their supply chains.
Key Challenges
- Limited Visibility: 79% of large companies say that the lack of supply chain process visibility is their top concern.
- Improper Management: Poor inventory management, lack of real-time demand data and a lack of automation to respond instantly to changing stock demands.
- Limited or Contradictory Data: A wealth of data produced by multiple ERPs, which doesn’t always match.
Key Benefits
- Increased transparency and traceability
- Reduction in cost and complexity
- Immutable records
- Verifiable transactions
- Proof of provenance
- Greater oversight & control
- Authenticated audit trails
Scenario #2: Pharmaceutical
Leveraging a blockchain in supply chain management solution within the pharmaceutical supply chain to ensure compliance, mitigate recalls/errors and significantly enhance traceability.
As with supply chains across multiple industries in recent years, pharmaceutical supply chains have also been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and other external market forces. Increased demand for certain drugs, alongside shipping and logistics issues, and even labour shortages have placed extreme pressure on business critical supply chains.
In the meantime, the counterfeit market continues to grow. For SCM’s having complete oversight, control and visibility of ingredients or products as they move from supplier, to logistics partner, to retailer is now more important than ever.
Key Challenges
- Counterfeit Products: Increased market demand, global supply shortages and poor visibility leads to increased counterfeits.
- Compliance: Ensuring compliance throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain is both incredibly important and very complex.
- Traceability & Recalls: Accurately tracing products and efficiently recalling drugs are huge challenges for the industry.
Key Benefits
- Traceability throughout the supply chain
- More efficient recalls & faster investigations
- Reduction in counterfeit products
- Transparency and proof-of-provenance across the supply chain
- Protection of patient medication and hospital liability
- Protection against insurance fraud
Scenario #3: Construction
Reducing lead times for materials and provide all permissioned parties with a transparent overview of the status of materials through a blockchain in supply chain management solution.
With an increasing regulatory focus on net-zero targets, supplier diversity, and ethically sourced and sustainable materials, the construction industry and its associated supply chains are under increasing pressure to improve traceability, transparency and general oversight and control of their supply chain.
Key Challenges
- Lack of digitisation: The construction industry is slow to digitise with an over-reliance on paper-based processes.
- Unnecessary Costs: 63% of direct labour time on mega-construction projects is spent waiting for materials and equipment.
- Sustainable materials: Both customers and regulators are increasingly demanding proof of more sustainable materials that are ethically sourced.
Key Benefits
- Improved lead times for materials and equipment
- Can ensure the use of sustainably farmed or sustainably produced materials
- Better dispute resolution
- Reduction of wait times
- Real-time schedule and deliverable synchronisation
- Improved transparency and collaboration