Use Case for Blockchain Technology: Supply Chain Response to Humanitarian Assistance / Disaster Relief
Abstract
This paper presents a 'use case' to explore the potential for blockchain technology to increase supply chain effectiveness and efficiency in a complex scenario. Specifically, the use case traces the requirements and movement of over 62 million power grid items to the island of Puerto Rico for relief and recovery from 2017s Hurricane Maria. The end-to-end review of the supply chain covers from acquisition request to customer delivery on the island, and reveals multiple friction points. The paper explores the potential for future investments in blockchain technology to improve communication, tracking, and information availability by increasing trust and reducing costs measured in time, money, duplicated effort, and other efficiencies. A blockchain distributed ledger of information and singular version of information can support future emergency responses in complex Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief events and remote environments. Federal agencies may help inform industry development of blockchain technology for future federal or military applications, and DLA Troop Support recommends exploring additional possibilities with more real world scenarios.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 15, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1071344
Entities
People
- Daniel J. Keenaghan
- Elijah Londo
- John W. Herzer
- Mark T. Simerly
- Maximo Ayala Ortiz
- Rene M. King
Organizations
- Defense Logistics Agency