## 6 Applications of Blockchain in Distributed Decision-Making
### Supply Chain Management  
The implementation of blockchain technology has the potential to greatly improve the capacity to track and ensure responsibility in the management of supply chains. Efficiency and dependability in complicated supply chains depend on the provenance of commodities, real-time tracking of their movement, and openness in production processes. The decentralized and irreversible characteristics of blockchain offer a unique solution to these difficulties by providing a transparent method for documenting and validating each stage of the supply chain process [86].  
The implementation of blockchain technology in supply chain management fundamentally revolutionizes the process of gathering and disseminating information among different entities involved, such as suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Blockchain enables the establishment of a collective, unchangeable record, guaranteeing that every transaction or transfer of products is documented in a way that is both transparent and verifiable by all involved parties [87]. This openness facilitates the establishment of a singular and reliable source of information, minimizing the occurrence of disagreements and the necessity for intermediaries who have historically been involved in managing these interactions.  
Managing the logistics of perishable commodities, high-value items, or anything that raises ethical or legal questions calls especially for traceability. Blockchain technology allows one to track products from the point of origin all the way to the final buyer, instantly. This guarantees that every good can be traced back to its source [88]. This degree of traceability guarantees compliance with legal obligations, helps to enforce quality control standards, and verifies the validity of items, thereby benefiting various aspects. Beginning with its source on the farm and finishing with its final destination with the client, blockchaintechnology has the potential to be used in the food sector with the aim of correctly monitoring the full supply chain of a good. The use of this system might significantly improve safety criteria and enable quick reaction in case of any issues, including contamination.  
The adoption of blockchain equally enhances accountability. Accountability is frequently compromised in conventional supply chains because of the lack of transparency in operations and the challenge of identifying responsibility when differences occur. The blockchain guarantees that every activity performed by a participant is meticulously documented [89]. This facilitates the identification of liable entities and the enforcement of responsibility in instances of failure to adhere to established norms or regulatory obligations. Furthermore, the unchangeability of blockchain records inhibits tampering, rendering it a potent instrument for preventing fraud and guaranteeing that all parties comply with the conditions of their contractual commitments.  
In spite of these advantages, the use of blockchain technology in supply chain management necessitates the overcoming of significant challenges that arise, such as the incorporation of blockchain technology into existing information technology systems, the scalability of the technology, and the development of universal standards to ensure interoperability among multiple stakeholders. It is also necessary for organizations to undergo cultural transformations in order to accommodate this high level of transparency and shared control.