Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to supply chain management, and more particularly to a blockchain-based secure supply chain management system that ensures transparency, accountability, and security in the supply chain process.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Background description includes 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.
[0003] The global economy has witnessed an unprecedented level of globalization in recent years, with businesses increasingly relying on cross-border trade to reach new markets and optimize their supply chains. As a result, supply chains have become longer, more complex, and more fragmented, making it difficult for businesses to track and manage their goods as they move through the supply chain.
[0004] This complexity has created a need for greater transparency and accountability in supply chains, as businesses seek to ensure that their products are ethically sourced and produced, and that they comply with relevant regulations and standards. This has led to the development of various supply chain management systems that aim to improve visibility, traceability, and sustainability in supply chains.
[0005] One such system is blockchain-based supply chain management, which leverages the unique properties of blockchain technology to provide a secure, decentralized, and tamper-proof platform for tracking and managing goods as they move through the supply chain. Blockchain technology is a distributed ledger system that records transactions in a transparent and immutable manner, with each transaction being verified and validated by a network of nodes on the blockchain.
[0006] In a blockchain-based supply chain management system, each participant in the supply chain can record their transactions on the blockchain, with each transaction being linked to a unique cryptographic signature. This allows for the creation of a tamper-proof and auditable record of all transactions in the supply chain, which can be accessed and verified by all participants in the network.
[0007] The use of blockchain technology in supply chain management has several benefits, including increased transparency and accountability, improved traceability and provenance, reduced fraud and counterfeiting, and enhanced efficiency and cost savings. Blockchain-based supply chain management can also help businesses to comply with regulatory requirements and industry standards, by providing a verifiable and auditable record of their supply chain activities.
[0008] As the importance of sustainable and ethical supply chain management continues to grow, there is a growing demand for blockchain-based solutions that can provide greater transparency and accountability in supply chains. This has led to a proliferation of blockchain-based supply chain management systems, with many businesses and organizations exploring the potential of this technology to transform their supply chain operations.
[0009] However, there are still several challenges that need to be overcome to fully realize the potential of blockchain-based supply chain management. These include issues related to scalability, interoperability, governance, and data privacy and security. Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from businesses, governments, and other stakeholders, to develop standards and best practices for blockchain-based supply chain management, and to collaborate on the development of interoperable and scalable blockchain solutions.
[0010] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a blockchain-based secure supply chain management system.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to develop standards and best practices for blockchain-based supply chain management, and to collaborate on the development of interoperable and scalable blockchain solutions.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide real-time monitoring of supply chain and ensure transparency and accuracy.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an elegant, reliable and precise approach towards the blockchain-based secure supply chain management system.
[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a process of improving functionalities of the blockchain-based secure supply chain management system.
SUMMARY
[0017] The present invention relates to supply chain management, and more particularly to a blockchain-based secure supply chain management system that ensures transparency, accountability, and security in the supply chain process.
[0018] The blockchain-based secure supply chain management system, includes a blockchain network for storing and sharing information related to supply chain management, a smart contract module for automating and executing supply chain processes, a data input module for receiving and verifying data related to supply chain events, a data analytics module for analyzing and processing the supply chain data, a secure communication module for facilitating secure communication between supply chain participants, and a user interface module for providing a user-friendly interface for supply chain management.
[0019] According to an aspect, the blockchain network utilizes a distributed ledger technology for ensuring transparency and immutability of the supply chain data.
[0020] According to an aspect, the smart contract module automatically executes supply chain processes based on predefined rules and conditions.
[0021] According to an aspect, the data input module verifies the authenticity and accuracy of the supply chain data using cryptographic techniques.
[0022] According to an aspect, the data analytics module provides real-time insights into the supply chain data, allowing for proactive decision-making and risk management.
[0023] According to an aspect, the secure communication module utilizes encryption and authentication techniques to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the communication between supply chain participants.
[0024] According to an aspect, the user interface module provides a customizable and intuitive interface for supply chain management, allowing for easy tracking and management of supply chain events.
[0025] These and other features will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. While the invention has been described and shown with reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0026] The accompanying illustrations are incorporated into and form a part of this specification in order to aid in comprehending the current disclosure. The pictures demonstrate exemplary implementations of the current disclosure and, along with the description, assist to clarify its fundamental ideas.
[0027] Fig.1 illustrates working of the blockchain-based secure supply chain management system.
[0028] It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale, and the elements of similar structure and functions are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It should be noted that the figures do not illustrate every aspect of the described embodiment sand do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0029] Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim.
[0031] As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[0032] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting of”, “consisting”, “selected from the group of consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[0033] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations.
[0034] The present invention relates to supply chain management, and more particularly to a blockchain-based secure supply chain management system that ensures transparency, accountability, and security in the supply chain process.
[0035] The blockchain-based secure supply chain management system, includes a blockchain network for storing and sharing information related to supply chain management, a smart contract module for automating and executing supply chain processes, a data input module for receiving and verifying data related to supply chain events, a data analytics module for analyzing and processing the supply chain data, a secure communication module for facilitating secure communication between supply chain participants, and a user interface module for providing a user-friendly interface for supply chain management.
[0036] According to an aspect, the blockchain network utilizes a distributed ledger technology for ensuring transparency and immutability of the supply chain data.
[0037] According to an aspect, the smart contract module automatically executes supply chain processes based on predefined rules and conditions.
[0038] According to an aspect, the data input module verifies the authenticity and accuracy of the supply chain data using cryptographic techniques.
[0039] According to an aspect, the data analytics module provides real-time insights into the supply chain data, allowing for proactive decision-making and risk management.
[0040] According to an aspect, the secure communication module utilizes encryption and authentication techniques to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the communication between supply chain participants.
[0041] According to an aspect, the user interface module provides a customizable and intuitive interface for supply chain management, allowing for easy tracking and management of supply chain events.
[0042] The system comprises a blockchain network that stores and manages the supply chain data using cryptographic techniques to ensure authenticity and accuracy. The network also comprises smart contracts that define the rules and conditions of the supply chain processes.
[0043] The supply chain data is received from various sources and is verified for authenticity and accuracy. The verified data is then stored on the blockchain network, which provides a secure and transparent environment for data management. The data is accessible to all authorized participants in the supply chain, who can view and manage the data using a user interface module.
[0044] The system also includes a data analytics module that processes the supply chain data and provides real-time insights into the data. The insights can be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain processes. The system also includes a reporting module that generates customized reports and dashboards based on the supply chain data. The reports provide a comprehensive view of the supply chain processes and can be used for decision-making purposes.
[0045] The smart contract module automatically executes supply chain processes based on predefined rules and conditions. The module can be configured to trigger various actions based on the supply chain data, such as initiating payments or sending notifications to stakeholders.
[0046] The system also includes a payment module that facilitates payment processing and account management. The module can be configured to automatically execute payments based on the supply chain data, which ensures that payments are made in a timely and accurate manner. The module can also manage the accounts of supply chain participants, ensuring that they receive the correct payments for their services.
[0047] In summary, the present invention provides a blockchain-based secure supply chain management system that ensures the security, transparency, and accountability of supply chain processes. The system provides real-time insights into the supply chain data and automates supply chain processes based on predefined rules and conditions. The system also facilitates payment processing and account management, ensuring that payments are made in a timely and accurate manner.
[0048] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
[0049] Thus, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.
, Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A blockchain-based secure supply chain management system, comprising:
a blockchain network for storing and sharing information related to supply chain management;
a smart contract module for automating and executing supply chain processes;
a data input module for receiving and verifying data related to supply chain events;
a data analytics module for analyzing and processing the supply chain data;
a secure communication module for facilitating secure communication between supply chain participants; and
a user interface module for providing a user-friendly interface for supply chain management.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the blockchain network utilizes a distributed ledger technology for ensuring transparency and immutability of the supply chain data.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the smart contract module automatically executes supply chain processes based on predefined rules and conditions.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the data input module verifies the authenticity and accuracy of the supply chain data using cryptographic techniques.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the data analytics module provides real-time insights into the supply chain data, allowing for proactive decision-making and risk management.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the secure communication module utilizes encryption and authentication techniques to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the communication between supply chain participants.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the user interface module provides a customizable and intuitive interface for supply chain management, allowing for easy tracking and management of supply chain events.