Blockchain is rapidly emerging as one of the most promising technologies for improving efficiency, transparency, and security in global supply chains.
From product traceability to logistics optimization, its potential is significant—but not without technical, economic, and cultural obstacles.
In this article, we’ll explore what blockchain is, how it can be applied to the supply chain, what advantages it offers, what challenges it poses, and how AzzurroDigitale supports companies on this transformation journey.
What is a Blockchain
Blockchain is a distributed, immutable digital ledger designed to record transactions in a secure, transparent, and verifiable manner.
Unlike traditional databases, there is no single central server: each node in the network maintains an updated copy of the ledger, reducing the risk of tampering and fraud.
In the supply chain, this means being able to share information between suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and customers in real time and with the certainty of its integrity.
The advantages of using Blockchain in the Supply Chain
Greater transparency
Every step along the supply chain is permanently recorded and visible to all authorized participants. This increases trust between partners and simplifies audits and controls.
Shared data access
All supply chain stakeholders can access the same up-to-date data, reducing errors due to outdated or conflicting information.
Better inventory management
Real-time visibility into the movement of goods allows you to optimize inventories, reduce unnecessary inventory, and improve time to market.
Traceability of products and processes
From the batch of raw materials to the finished product, blockchain ensures complete traceability, useful for security, compliance, and the fight against counterfeiting.
Logistics Optimization
Accurate and shared data allows for more accurate shipment planning, reducing delivery times and operating costs.
Practical Examples of Blockchain for the Supply Chain
Food and Large-Scale Retail Sector – Carrefour Italia
Carrefour uses blockchain to track the chicken supply chain, from farming methods to the shelf, allowing consumers to verify the origin and journey of each item via QR code.
Luxury Sector – Aura Blockchain Consortium
A consortium of international brands, including LVMH and Prada, is using blockchain to certify the authenticity of luxury products and fight counterfeiting.
Pharmaceutical Sector – Merck and Cryptotech
In partnership, they have developed a blockchain platform to ensure complete drug traceability and prevent the distribution of counterfeit medicines.
Complementary Technologies to Blockchain for the Supply Chain
To maximize the potential of blockchain in supply chain management, it is essential to integrate it with other advanced technologies. Solutions such as IoT, artificial intelligence, and big data enhance monitoring, analysis, and optimization capabilities, making processes more efficient, transparent, and sustainable.
The Internet of Things (IoT) enables the use of smart sensors capable of collecting real-time information on the condition of goods, such as temperature, humidity, and location. This data is then integrated directly into the blockchain ledger, ensuring greater accuracy and quality of information. Artificial intelligence and machine learning, in turn, enable the analysis of data on the blockchain to identify recurring patterns, predict potential delays or disruptions, and optimize logistics routes. Finally, the combination of Big Data and analytics tools offers the possibility of transforming enormous amounts of data into strategic insights, capable of improving both operational efficiency and the sustainability of the entire supply chain.
The Challenges of Implementing Blockchain for the Supply Chain
Implementing blockchain in the supply chain presents several challenges. First and foremost, costs and technical complexity: integrating this technology into existing systems requires significant initial investments and specialized skills. Added to this are the issues of scalability and interoperability, as blockchain solutions must be able to handle large transaction volumes and communicate effectively with the various platforms already operating along the supply chain. Finally, cultural and regulatory resistance should not be underestimated: the introduction of a transparent and shared system may encounter obstacles related to a lack of trust, data protection, and regulatory differences between countries.
