Title: Blockchain-based traceability in food supply chains: requirements and challenges

Authors: Martina Thume; Julia Lange; Martin Unkel; Alexander Prange; Maik Schürmeyer

Addresses: Faculty of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, 41065 Mönchengladbach, Germany ' Chair of Logistics, Faculty of Business Studies and Economics, University of Kaiserslautern, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany ' Cooperation Systems Department, Fraunhofer-Institute for Applied Information Technology, 53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany ' Faculty of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, 41065 Mönchengladbach, Germany; Institute for Virology and Microbiology, University of Witten/Herdecke, 58448 Witten, Germany ' Faculty of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, 41065 Mönchengladbach, Germany

Abstract: While traceability has become an important aspect in managing safety-sensitive supply chains, blockchain arose as an innovative technology with great application potentials in this area. This research determines the requirements of the main stakeholders along the supply chain from agriculture to retail with regard to a blockchain-based traceability system. The resulting specification framework includes usage requirements formulated as data classes, technical requirements regarding data access, storage and processing, and interoperability requirements necessary to assure digital communication and permanent operability. General application guidelines for digital information systems are derived, and the blockchain technology is evaluated with regard to applicability. A distinction between public and sensitive data appears to be fundamental, while a two-part architecture involving a public permissioned blockchain network is proposed as a basis for a digital traceability system in the food industry.

Keywords: food supply chain; traceability; information system; blockchain technology; requirement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSAMI.2022.125758

International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Management and Informatics, 2022 Vol.8 No.3, pp.219 - 241

Received: 09 Dec 2021
Accepted: 02 May 2022
Published online: 27 Sep 2022 *

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