How can blockchain power industrial manufacturing?

Commercial aircraft are made up of hundreds of thousands or even millions of parts. Despite advances in sensor technology, data analytics and cloud computing, it can still be next to impossible to know which parts are on which plane, when they were last serviced and by whom.

Blockchain technology could provide the solution, increasing asset utilization, boosting aftermarket values and enhancing safety.

Carmakers manage massive and complex supply chains. And auto manufacturers are ultimately accountable to customers and regulators for their vehicles’ reliability and safety. Sufficient visibility into the provenance of the vehicles’ parts and their journey from the mine to the showroom floor is often lacking.

A blockchain-enabled solution would help automakers to track every step of that journey into all supply chain tiers. This could improve recall response and improve inventory management.

Blockchain solutions can create value for industrial companies in a number of ways. But that doesn’t mean it’s an equally tenable solution for all companies or every industrial manufacturing sector.

By focusing on four key areas early in their blockchain efforts, companies can set themselves on a path toward successful execution.

• Make the business case: Commit to new ways of working, frame the problem and the solution and start small, then scale out.
• Build an ecosystem: Focus on a cooperative few, broaden your network and work across the value chain
• Design deliberately: Confront risks early, consider privacy applications and invest in data and processes
• Navigate regulatory uncertainty
• Shape the trusted tech decision, monitor evolving regulation and use existing regulation a guide