Abstract
This postgraduate student project aims to revolutionize traditional supply chain management systems by leveraging the power of blockchain technology. The existing supply chain systems often face challenges such as lack of transparency, inefficiencies, and susceptibility to fraud. The proposed solution employs the decentralized and immutable nature of blockchain to address these issues and enhance the overall efficiency and trustworthiness of supply chain processes.
Existing System: The current supply chain management systems often rely on centralized databases, which can result in data silos, delays, and increased risk of errors. Lack of transparency and traceability can lead to inefficiencies, disputes, and difficulties in verifying the authenticity of products.
Proposed System: The proposed system introduces a decentralized and transparent supply chain management solution using the Ethereum blockchain and Solidity smart contracts. Blockchain’s distributed ledger ensures real-time visibility into the entire supply chain, from manufacturing to distribution and retail. Smart contracts automate and enforce contractual agreements, reducing the need for intermediaries and minimizing the risk of fraud.
Hardware Requirements:
- Servers for hosting blockchain nodes
- Network infrastructure for communication between nodes
- Secure hardware wallets for key management
Software Requirements:
- Ethereum client software
- Solidity for smart contract development
- Web3.js for interaction with the Ethereum blockchain
- Database for off-chain data storage
- Front-end framework for the user interface
Architecture
The proposed architecture involves a decentralized network of nodes, each maintaining a copy of the blockchain. Smart contracts handle various aspects of the supply chain, including product authentication, order processing, and shipment tracking. Off-chain databases store additional data, ensuring scalability and optimizing performance.
Technologies Used
- Ethereum blockchain for decentralized ledger
- Solidity for smart contract development
- Web3.js for interacting with smart contracts
- IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) for decentralized file storage
- Truffle for development, testing, and deployment of smart contracts
Web User Interface
The user interface will be designed to provide a user-friendly experience for participants in the supply chain. Users can track the status of orders, verify product authenticity, and access real-time information on shipments. The interface will be accessible through standard web browsers, ensuring ease of adoption for stakeholders across the supply chain.
