# Blockchain and Information Integration: Applications in New Zealand's Prefabrication Supply Chain
## 2 Literature Review
### Blockchain Technology in New Zealand's Prefabrication  
Web-based supply chain management systems have recently gained popularity worldwide to integrate supply chain networks [44; 45]. Information technology systems such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) are being challenged by cloud/web-based technologies, e.g., drones, GPS, RFID and Internet of Things (IoT) [46]. Using these technologies, information exchange between supply chain partners has been made faster and more efficient [47].  
Despite the additional value of cloud-based technologies, there are still a few issues associated with them. [PERSON] et al. [48] describe that information/data security can be deemed a substantial issue associated with these technologies since hackers' risk of manipulating or altering the stored contents is high. Meanwhile, these supply chain management systems provide cross-organisational access to the information repository [16]. This accessibility can be hazardous in the construction supply chain since all project information would be prone to change by any user, randomly or deliberately [49]. These issues, in turn, will harmfully disturb trust and market competitiveness amongst supply chain organisations.  
On the contrary, Blockchain technology can perform prominently better regarding cyber security. Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) or commonly recognised as \"Blockchain\", is a secure and consensus-based transactional register that streamlines connections amongst its users [50]. This technology offers a peer-to-peer (P2P) network where a digital signature is attached to all transactions to prevent alteration to the original transactions [44].  
Blockchain is analogous to a centralised cloud data centre. Yet, the main distinction is that blockchain is decentralised, meaning that there are multiple sources/databases of information that are simultaneously accessible by dissimilar users from dissimilar locations [22]. Moreover, blockchain works by proof-of-work, which means that for making any changes to the contents saved in the database, users need a consensus-based agreement [15]. This can assist organisations in obstructing malicious attacks on their information repositories.  
There are other benefits to using blockchain, as identified by different researchers. For example, supply chain information/data recorded in blockchain will yield long-term transparency and trust by conserving the knowledge gained in the project [51]. In addition to this, the immutability of details saved in blockchain fosters a secure atmosphere, within which supply chain organisations can distribute their assets or information without being concerned about scams [50].  
This study aims to ascertain the impact of blockchain technology as an information integration tool on New Zealand's prefabrication supply chain integration. Identifying information exchange channels will assist in assessing the benefits of using this technology for improving the integration of the prefabrication supply chain in New Zealand. Figure 1 portrays the process model of this study.