# Blockchain-Based Information Management for Supply Chain Data-Platforms
## 2 Literature Review
### Blockchain-Based Supply Chains  
Blockchain adoption in global SC, transport, and logistics is still in its infancy [7; 19; 37]. Despite the immaturity of blockchain [19], it is set to transform SC activities by increasing transparency and accountability [8]. According to [PERSON] and [PERSON] [38], transparency is a factor in the level of traceability. Alternatively, according to [PERSON] and [PERSON] [9], there are three SC transparency types: (i) range of transparency; (ii) product transparency; and (iii) participant transparency. Therefore, to boost the implementation of blockchain-basedSCs, the analysis of SC transparency factors is necessary and needs to be correlated with an opportunities and risk-perspective analysis aimed to assess the possible gains or losses [9]. Consequently, blockchain has the potential to help achieve the seven SCM objectives of cost, quality, speed, dependency, risk reduction, sustainability, and flexibility [8].  
However, according to [PERSON] et al. [19], four barriers exist for the development of blockchain-enabled SCs: inter-organizational, intra-organizational, technical (system-related), and external barriers. Despite the prominence of technological and intra-organizational barriers [24], blockchain is a driver for digitization in the SC [39].  
According to [PERSON] [8], blockchain has the potential to break down data silos, offering one source of data and digitalization with a real-time data control for all (trusted) partners in the network. Trust and security can be improved with blockchain [8]. Additionally, business value exists in building trust through blockchain, improving efficiency, reputation, time-to-market, responsiveness, and material savings [16]. Thus, blockchain positively impacts SC performances [40]; however, for operation management, it provides advantages over the existing systems [6]. According to [PERSON] et al. [15], enterprise resource planning (ERP), radio-frequency identification (RFID), and blockchain are complementary technologies, and it is fundamental to assess their best combination to maximize effects and impacts.  
Given that blockchain has an emerging nature in business [41], all nine dimensions of a business model can be translated into key SC design decisions to build a viable blockchain-based SC ecosystem. However, blockchain cannot be used in isolation for SCs [41]. The challenge remains that the return on investment (ROI) for blockchain implementation is unclear [7], which makes it difficult to involve all the parties in the transition and furthermore considering that the related performance improvements are difficult to predict [9].  
All the benefits stakeholders can obtain by blockchain deployment are related with immutable information and sharing; however, it is fundamental to avoid centralized platforms [11]. In a blockchain deployment, neither party would be the owner of the blockchain infrastructure [7].  
According to [PERSON] [8], a key element of blockchain-based models is that all transactions are auditable, which is particularly important in gaining the trust of all interested parties. Therefore, all SC stakeholders must accede for the blockchain adoption to succeed.  
Finally, to support the development and understanding of blockchain technology in the SC, interdisciplinary investigations are required to build theories and designs for blockchain technology [19]. In this instance, blockchain-based social sustainability and responsibility could enable firms to extend visibility, assuring their due diligence in line with the legislations against modern slavery [15]. Moreover, there is a lack of experience, knowledge, and understanding regarding blockchain [39]. Additionally, the labor skills gap concerning the technology needs to be filled [38]. According to [PERSON] et al. [37], for blockchain, both technological and business limitations need to be addressed because there is an inflated expectation from blockchain, which might exacerbate the effect of the failed adoption in industry.