## 3 Research Design and Methodology, and Model Integration
### Blockchain-Based Business Model Proposal  
In the innovative pursuit to integrate blockchain technology into 5G ceramic antenna manufacturing, this study proposes a transformative business model, the nuances of which are encapsulated in Figure 3. The figure delineates a comparative workflow analysis, juxtaposing the conventional manufacturing process (AS-IS) against the re-envisioned process augmented by blockchain and smart contracts (TO-BE). The AS-IS side of Figure 3 outlines the traditional flow, beginning with the initial manufacturing phase and moving through multiple stages of quality checks. This conventional method relies heavily on manual tracking and is characterized by potential delays in information sharing between stages, culminating in a qualification test that precedes mass production. Although this workflow has been the industry standard, it exhibits vulnerabilities in terms of time efficiency, traceability, and real-time data sharing, which can lead to increased production costs and a prolonged time to market. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c} \hline \hline
**Component** & **Description** & **Technology Used** \\ \hline Blockchain platform & Core infrastructure for decentralized data management. & Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric \\ Smart contracts & Automated contracts for process efficiency and integrity. & Solidity, chaincode \\ Manufacturing system & System integration blockchain for tracking, verification, & IoT devices, ERP systems \\ Analytic tools & Tools for AHP analysis and decision-making support. & AHP software, custom scripts \\ Security and compliance & Mechanisms ensuring data integrity, privacy, and regulatory adherence. & Encryption, access controls \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 2: System configuration for integrating blockchain and smart contract technologies in 5G ceramic antenna manufacturing. This table outlines the key components of the system, their descriptions, and the technologies applied to establish a decentralized, efficient, and secure manufacturing process. Transitioning to the TO-BE framework, we introduce a blockchain-infused process where each manufacturing step is undergirded by blockchain-based process integrity verification. This enhancement immediately sets a higher standard of data integrity and auditability. Following manufacturing, smart contracts automate compliance monitoring, thereby streamlining operations by providing real-time, immutable recording of each antenna's adherence to predefined quality standards. Should a product fail at any stage, the smart contract initiates an evaluation process to determine corrective measures before proceeding, enhancing responsiveness to quality issues. The subsequent steps in the TO-BE model ensure authentication and signature verification, a necessary advancement over manual tracking that significantly mitigates the risk of information silos and unauthorized access. The blockchain's inherent transparency and traceability features support a seamless flow of authenticated information, enhancing collaborative efforts across the supply chain. The culmination of the blockchain-enabled process is a qualification test akin to the traditional model but reinforced by data and process integrity validated by blockchain technology. Passing this test indicates compliance not only with manufacturing standards but also with the smart contracts' stringent, automated checkpoints. Only then does the process transition to mass production, now backed by a comprehensive, tamper-evident ledger of the entire manufacturing history. Attempts are being made to introduce such blockchain technology into semiconductor manufacturing processes as well [114]. This proposed model, as visually elucidated in Figure 3, provides a stark contrast to the current methodologies. It leverages the decentralized nature of blockchain to offer a resilient and transparent system while smart contracts bring automation and efficiency  
Figure 3: Comparative workflow analysis for 5G ceramic antenna manufacturing: AS-IS vs. TO-BE processes.