# Blockchain and Information Integration: Applications in New Zealand's Prefabrication Supply Chain
###### Abstract  
New Zealand's rising demand for new and affordable homes is driving innovative and effective methods for project delivery. Prefabrication or off-site construction is considered an innovative approach to project delivery that eliminates the limitations of traditional construction methods. However, the prefabrication industry struggles with several challenges, including poor coordination and low supply chain integration amongst its partner organisations. There has been previous literature on improving the prefabrication supply chain integration, but few studies about the role of technology in this sector. Therefore, this article provides intuitions into the applicability and benefits of advanced technologies, namely blockchain, for improving supply chain integration in the context of prefabrication in New Zealand. A questionnaire survey was used to identify the channels used for information exchange between clients and contractors. Moreover, the questionnaire ascertained the positive effects of blockchain on enhancing supply chain integration between the two partners. Blockchain has proven to be a secure information integration instrument that can improve the integration of the prefabrication supply chain by fostering collaboration between organisations. prefabrication; supply chain; communication channels; information integration; blockchain; New Zealand 28 October 2021 29 November 2021 3 December 2021 3 December 2021  
supply chain allies is a fundamental driver of supply chain integration [9]. However, inadequate information exchange systems, little adoption of advanced technologies and low transparency in the diffusion of work at isolated sites are viewed as obstacles to pre-fabrication supply chain integration [1; 10; 11]. The origin of the explained impediments can be attributed to the low level of information integration amongst organisations [7; 12]. A supply chain with integrated information ensures swift and efficient design, fabrication, construction and assembly processes [13]. Additionally, trust amongst different prefabrication stakeholders is improved [14]. Therefore, using an information integration tool such as blockchain, the supply chain participants in prefabrication projects benefit from improved trust and integration [15]. The main advantage of Blockchain technology over other advanced technologies is the anonymity and decentralisation of its stored data [16]. Unlike other technologies, information/data on blockchain is processed and stored across different isolated computers, giving organisations an opportunity to have their information tidily stored in multiple locations [17]. Blockchain, a new era in the field of information technology, is revolutionary. This technology enables integration in the prefabrication sub-sector and offers a distributed and secure database, helping supply chain partners to communicate their project information efficiently [18]. As a secure communication platform, blockchain provides a reliable and transparent information-sharing setting for supply chain stakeholders [19]. In New Zealand, blockchain-based systems can positively influence business growth, especially in the prefabrication sub-sector of the construction industry. Innovation and technology are being adopted as part of New Zealand's resilience towards business development [20]. One of the most prominent benefits of blockchain in New Zealand's prefabrication supply chain is its ability to provide traceability for clients/customers wishing to trace the origins of their materials [21]. Supply chain organisations demand this ability since prefabricated construction is complicated with various stakeholders and suppliers involved [9]. Moreover, with the help of blockchain technology, supply chain organisations can exchange information in an organised manner, resulting in better transparency in information sharing and better distribution of accountability of each partner with regards to their contribution to project deliveries in New Zealand [10; 22].