Description:[001] The invention relates to supply chain management systems, specifically to systems for distributing menstrual hygiene products in using blockchain technology.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] The following description provides the information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[003] Further, the approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.
[004] Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in rural India faces significant challenges due to high costs, limited availability, and the stigma associated with menstruation. These issues contribute to health risks, school absenteeism, and social isolation among young women. Despite government efforts, including schemes to provide subsidized sanitary products, persistent gaps in supply chain efficiency, product quality, and overall accessibility hinder the effectiveness of these initiatives. The current systems struggle with issues like irregular supplies, insufficient storage facilities, and lack of proper education on MHM, which exacerbates the difficulties faced by adolescent girls in rural areas.
[005] Accordingly, on the basis of aforesaid facts, the proposed invention aims to address these systemic issues by integrating blockchain technology into the supply chain of menstrual hygiene products. This technology offers a robust solution for enhancing transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency. By employing a decentralized approach, blockchain ensures that all transactions within the supply chain are immutable and traceable, which helps in reducing fraud, eliminating inefficiencies, and ensuring a steady flow of high-quality products. Additionally, the use of smart contracts automates various processes such as inventory management, payments, and delivery, further optimizing the distribution network to ensure that products are accessible and affordable to those in need.
Therefore, it would be useful and desirable to have a system, method, apparatus and interfaces to meet the above-mentioned needs.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[006] The proposed invention integrates blockchain technology into the supply chain management of menstrual hygiene products in India, aiming to tackle the prevalent issues of inefficiency, lack of transparency, and accessibility that plague the current distribution systems. This innovative approach uses a private blockchain network to record and verify transactions, manage inventory through smart contracts, and ensure the secure and equitable distribution of menstrual hygiene products. By automating processes and maintaining an immutable record of transactions, the system enhances accountability among all stakeholders involved, from suppliers to beneficiaries.
[007] In operation, the system features smart contracts that automatically execute based on predefined conditions, such as inventory levels and demand forecasts, thereby simplifying order placements, payments, and supply replenishments. A unique digital token system is implemented to facilitate the easy and secure transaction of funds and subsidies across the network, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and transparently. This setup not only reduces operational costs but also minimizes the risks of corruption and loss of goods, making the distribution process more reliable and responsive to the needs of rural communities.
[008] The anticipated impact of this blockchain-enabled supply chain is significant, promising to increase the reach and reliability of menstrual hygiene management initiatives throughout rural India. By ensuring consistent access to affordable and quality sanitary products, the system aims to alleviate the health risks and social stigma associated with menstruation. Moreover, this streamlined distribution model could serve as a blueprint for other social welfare supply chains, potentially transforming how essential services and goods are delivered in underprivileged areas, thereby improving the quality of life and health outcomes for millions of women.
[009] In this respect, before explaining at least one object of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of set of rules and to the arrangements of the various models set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other objects and of being practiced and carried out in various ways, according to the need of that industry. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[010] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[011] When considering the following thorough explanation of the present invention, it will be easier to understand it and other objects than those mentioned above will become evident. Such description refers to the illustrations in the annex, wherein:
[012] FIG. 1, illustrates Infographic: Blockchain Technology, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[013] FIG. 2, illustrates Smart Contracts of System, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[014] FIG. 3, illustrates the Stakeholders Involved in the distribution, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[015] FIG. 4, illustrates the PDS Supply Chain Network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[016] FIG. 5, illustrates Movement of goods from supplier, beneficiary, and waste collection centre, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[017] FIG. 6, illustrates the Supply Chain Network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] The following sections of this article will provide various embodiments of the current invention with references to the accompanying drawings, whereby the reference numbers utilised in the picture correspond to like elements throughout the description. However, this invention is not limited to the embodiment described here and may be embodied in several other ways. Instead, the embodiment is included to ensure that this disclosure is extensive and complete and that individuals of ordinary skill in the art are properly informed of the extent of the invention. Numerical values and ranges are given for many parts of the implementations discussed in the following thorough discussion. These numbers and ranges are merely to be used as examples and are not meant to restrict the claims' applicability. A variety of materials are also recognised as fitting for certain aspects of the implementations. These materials should only be used as examples and are not meant to restrict the application of the innovation.
[019] Referring now to the drawings, the supply chain for menstrual hygiene products in rural India is fraught with inefficiencies, lack of transparency, and accessibility issues. The invention proposes a revolutionary blockchain-based system designed to address these challenges by employing a private blockchain network that ensures transparency and immutability of all transactions (Refer to Fig. 1). This system uses smart contracts to automate key supply chain processes, including inventory management, order fulfillment, and payments, thereby streamlining the flow of goods from suppliers to beneficiaries.
[020] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed system is built on a blockchain platform that records transactions across a distributed ledger, ensuring security and transparency. Smart contracts are deployed to automate operations and enforce agreements between different parties in the supply chain. Each transaction and its associated data are stored on the blockchain, creating an auditable trail that enhances trust and accountability among stakeholders.
[021] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a unique aspect of the system is the use of digital tokens, which represent the benefits or subsidies allocated to beneficiaries. These tokens can be transacted within the blockchain network, allowing for easy and secure access to menstrual hygiene products. The deployment of these tokens is facilitated through a virtual wallet application, ensuring that beneficiaries have a user-friendly method to engage with the system (Refer to Fig. 2).
[022] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, Smart contracts automate critical functions such as order placement, inventory restocking, and payments based on real-time data and predefined rules. This automation reduces the need for manual intervention, minimizes human error, and ensures efficient operation of the supply chain. The contracts are programmed to execute actions when certain conditions are met, such as replenishing stock when levels fall below a threshold.
[023] The present invention discusses a mathematical model to determine the optimal locations for storage facilities, aiming to minimize transportation costs and delivery times, thereby increasing efficiency. The model takes into account various factors such as geographic distribution of demand and transportation infrastructure to optimize the supply chain network (Refer to Fig. 3).
[024] The system incorporates algorithms that predict demand based on historical data and demographic information, sourced from government and open-source databases. These algorithms help in planning the procurement and distribution of sanitary products to meet the identified demand without excess or shortage, ensuring that resources are used efficiently.
[025] With blockchain technology, every transaction from procurement to delivery is recorded on a decentralized ledger. This feature provides unparalleled transparency, allowing government agencies and NGOs to monitor the flow of goods and funds. It ensures that products reach their intended recipients and that funds are not misappropriated, addressing a significant challenge in current systems. The implementation of the blockchain system is expected to reduce overall costs associated with the supply chain by decreasing waste, minimizing fraud, and eliminating unnecessary intermediaries. The system provides a cost framework that compares the expenses in different states, highlighting the potential savings and increased efficiency that the blockchain system offers (Refer to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5).


[026] The system's design considers the roles of various stakeholders, including suppliers, government bodies, NGOs, and the beneficiaries themselves. By involving these parties in the blockchain network, the system ensures that each stakeholder can verify the processes they are involved in, thus fostering collaboration and trust (Refer to Fig. 6). While the proposed system offers many benefits, the system also discusses potential challenges such as the technological learning curve for users, the need for robust internet infrastructure, and the scale of deployment. Future work will focus on pilot testing the system in selected regions, gathering data to refine the model, and expanding the reach of the technology to cover more areas and additional supply chain scenarios.
[027] The benefits and advantages that the present invention may offer have been discussed above with reference to particular embodiments. These benefits and advantages are not to be interpreted as critical, necessary, or essential features of any or all of the embodiments, nor are they to be read as any elements or constraints that might contribute to their occurring or becoming more evident.
[028] Although specific embodiments have been used to describe the current invention, it should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative and that the invention is not limited to them. The aforementioned embodiments are open to numerous alterations, additions, and improvements. These adaptations, changes, additions, and enhancements are considered to be within the purview of the invention. 
, Claims:1. A blockchain-based system for managing the distribution of menstrual hygiene products in rural areas of India, comprising:
a private blockchain network configured to record and verify transaction data across multiple nodes;
smart contracts deployed on the blockchain network to automate order placement, inventory management, and payment processes;
a token system, where digital tokens represent benefits or subsidies, which are used for transactions within the blockchain network;
a user interface configured for beneficiaries to interact with the token system and access menstrual hygiene products.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the smart contracts are further configured to automate the replenishment of inventory based on real-time demand data.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the smart contracts include conditions for releasing payments to suppliers only after verification of goods delivered to predetermined locations.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the private blockchain network includes a decentralized ledger that ensures all transaction data is immutable and transparent to authorized stakeholders.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a virtual wallet application configured to manage the digital tokens and facilitate transactions within the blockchain network.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the token system is integrated with a mobile application that allows beneficiaries to conduct transactions and manage their entitlements from mobile devices.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blockchain network is further configured to integrate with existing government databases to validate beneficiary eligibility automatically.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blockchain network is configured to provide audit trails for all transactions to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interface is adapted to provide educational content regarding menstrual hygiene management alongside the functionality to access products.
10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blockchain network includes functionality for reverse logistics to manage the disposal and recycling of used menstrual hygiene products.