Challenges and Limitations of Blockchain Technology in the Supply Chain Industry
In recent years, blockchain technology has gained significant attention in various industries including supply chain management. Its potential to provide authentication, transparency, traceability, and interoperability for supply chain data has made it a popular choice for organizations looking to improve their operations. However, despite its promises, blockchain technology also faces a number of challenges, hindering its widespread adoption and implementation in supply chain systems.
One of the main problems with blockchain in supply chain is the issue of interoperability. Different organizations and systems use different blockchain platforms, protocols, and standards, making it difficult for them to communicate and share data seamlessly. This lack of interoperability limits the effectiveness of blockchain technology in providing end-to-end traceability and transparency in supply chain processes.
Another major problem is the scalability issue. Blockchain technology relies on a decentralized network of nodes to validate and store transactions, which can slow down the system and lead to high transaction fees. As supply chains involve a massive amount of data and transactions, scaling blockchain to meet the demands of a global supply chain becomes a complex task.
Furthermore, ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of data on the blockchain is another challenge. While blockchain technology provides a secure and tamper-resistant way of storing data, it cannot guarantee the accuracy and reliability of the data being inputted into the system. The trustworthiness of supply chain data is crucial, and any inaccuracies could lead to serious consequences in terms of product quality, safety, and compliance.
Overall, while blockchain technology offers great potential in transforming supply chain management, it still faces several problems that need to be addressed. Interoperability, scalability, and data authenticity are just a few of the challenges that organizations and the industry need to tackle to fully harness the benefits of blockchain in supply chain.
Challenges in implementing blockchain in supply chain
Implementing blockchain technology in the supply chain industry presents several challenges that need to be addressed for successful adoption and integration. These challenges include:
Authentication:
One of the key challenges in implementing blockchain in supply chain is ensuring the authentication of participants. It is important to establish a robust mechanism to verify the identity of each participant in the blockchain network to prevent unauthorized access or tampering of data.
Data Traceability:
Another challenge is maintaining the traceability of data throughout the supply chain. Blockchain can provide a transparent and immutable record of transactions, but ensuring that all relevant data is captured and linked accurately to the blockchain can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved.
The challenges in implementing blockchain in supply chain can be summarized as follows:
Challenge | Description |
---|---|
Authentication | Verifying the identity of participants in the blockchain network |
Data Traceability | Maintaining accurate and complete record of data throughout the supply chain |
Chain Interoperability | Ensuring compatibility and seamless integration with existing supply chain systems |
Transparency | Ensuring transparency and visibility of transactions for all participants |
Supply Chain Integration | Integrating blockchain with existing supply chain workflows and processes |
These challenges require careful consideration and coordination among stakeholders to successfully implement blockchain technology in the supply chain industry.
Lack of interoperability and standardization
One of the major problems with implementing blockchain technology in supply chain management is the lack of interoperability and standardization.
Supply chain involves numerous stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers. Each of these entities may use different systems and technologies to manage their operations and track their supply chain. This lack of standardization makes it difficult to integrate the data from these disparate systems into a blockchain, hindering the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain.
Blockchain technology, with its ability to provide transparency, traceability, and authentication, has the potential to revolutionize supply chain management. However, for this to happen, it is crucial to establish interoperability standards that enable seamless communication and data exchange between different systems.
Challenges of interoperability
The lack of interoperability in blockchain implementation can lead to several challenges:
- Data inconsistency: Different systems may have different data formats and protocols, resulting in data inconsistencies when trying to merge them into a blockchain. This can lead to errors, delays, and misunderstandings in the supply chain process.
- Inefficient supply chain: Without interoperability, it is difficult to achieve real-time visibility and efficient coordination across the supply chain. This can result in delays, increased costs, and decreased customer satisfaction.
- Limited scalability: Lack of interoperability can limit the scalability of blockchain in supply chain management. Without the ability to seamlessly integrate and exchange data with various systems, the benefits of blockchain technology are limited to a few isolated use cases.
The need for standardization
To address the problem of interoperability, standardization is essential. Establishing industry-wide standards for data exchange, protocols, and formats can enable seamless integration of different systems into a blockchain. This would not only facilitate efficient communication and data exchange but also enhance supply chain transparency and traceability.
The development of standards should involve collaboration between industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and technology experts. By working together, they can define common protocols, formats, and data models that can be adopted by all participants in the supply chain ecosystem.
Standardization efforts should also consider the evolving nature of technology. As new innovations emerge, the standards must be flexible enough to accommodate changes and advancements in blockchain technology.
Overall, the lack of interoperability and standardization poses significant challenges to implementing blockchain in supply chain management. By addressing these challenges and establishing industry-wide standards, the potential benefits of blockchain technology, such as increased transparency and traceability, can be fully realized in the supply chain industry.
Security risks
Blockchain technology has become increasingly popular in supply chain management due to its potential to improve efficiency, transparency, and traceability. However, it is not without its problems, particularly when it comes to security.
One of the main security risks with blockchain in the supply chain is the risk of authentication issues. As blockchain relies on a decentralized network, it can be difficult to ensure that all participants are properly authenticated. This could lead to unauthorized access to data or tampering with the blockchain, which can compromise the integrity of the entire chain.
Another security risk is the potential for data breaches. While blockchain is designed to be secure and immutable, there is still a risk that hackers could exploit vulnerabilities in the system to gain access to sensitive data. This is particularly concerning in supply chain management, where the data involved can be highly valuable, such as pricing information or product specifications.
Additionally, the transparency of blockchain can also be a security risk. While transparency is one of the key benefits of blockchain technology, it can also mean that sensitive information is exposed to unauthorized parties. For example, competitors could use the publicly available blockchain data to gather information about supply chain processes and gain a competitive advantage.
Furthermore, the traceability aspect of blockchain can also pose security risks. While it is important to be able to trace the movement of goods through the supply chain, the transparency of blockchain can also make it easier for malicious actors to track and intercept shipments. This can lead to issues such as theft or counterfeiting.
In conclusion, while blockchain technology offers many potential benefits for supply chain management, there are also security risks that need to be considered. These risks include authentication issues, data breaches, transparency vulnerabilities, and traceability risks. It is important for organizations to carefully evaluate and address these risks in order to ensure the secure implementation of blockchain in the supply chain.
Scalability issues
One of the main problems that blockchain faces in the supply chain is scalability. As more and more companies adopt blockchain technology to improve the authentication and traceability of their supply chain, the size of the blockchain grows rapidly. This growth in size can lead to scalability issues.
Firstly, the blockchain itself needs to handle a large volume of data. Each transaction on the blockchain is recorded in a block, which is then added to the chain. As more transactions are added, the size of the blockchain increases, and this can slow down the entire system. The blockchain needs to be able to handle a high volume of transactions quickly and efficiently to ensure the smooth operation of the supply chain.
Secondly, interoperability between different blockchains can be a challenge. In a supply chain, multiple parties may use different blockchain platforms or have different data structures. This can lead to compatibility issues and difficulties in exchanging data between different parts of the supply chain. To ensure seamless cooperation and traceability, it is important for blockchain platforms to be able to communicate and share data effectively with each other.
Possible Solutions
To address scalability issues in blockchain-based supply chains, several solutions can be considered:
- Improved consensus mechanisms: Enhancing the consensus algorithms used in blockchain can help increase the transaction processing speed and reduce the time needed for new blocks to be added to the chain.
- Sharding: Implementing sharding techniques can divide the blockchain into smaller partitions, allowing for parallel processing and improving scalability.
- Off-chain transactions: Moving some transactions off the main blockchain and onto secondary networks can alleviate congestion and increase the overall scalability of the system.
By implementing these solutions, the scalability issues faced by blockchain in the supply chain can be mitigated, ensuring that the technology can fulfill its potential in improving authentication, traceability, and data management in the supply chain.
Lack of transparency
In blockchain technology, transparency is a key feature that ensures the reliability and integrity of the supply chain. However, the implementation of blockchain in supply chain management has faced various challenges related to transparency.
One of the main problems is the lack of interoperability between different blockchain platforms. As supply chains often involve multiple parties, each using their own blockchain system, it becomes difficult to establish a transparent and unified view of the data. This lack of interoperability hinders the seamless flow of information and makes it harder to track and authenticate the movement of goods throughout the supply chain.
Another challenge related to transparency is the quality and reliability of the data stored on the blockchain. While blockchain provides an immutable and tamper-proof ledger, it can still be susceptible to inaccuracies and errors in the data that is inputted into it. If the data is not properly verified and authenticated before being recorded on the blockchain, it could lead to incorrect information being stored, which can have significant consequences for the transparency and traceability of the supply chain.
Additionally, the lack of transparency in blockchain-based supply chains can also be attributed to the limited visibility of certain actors or components within the supply chain. Some parties may choose to withhold certain information or restrict access to specific data, which can hinder the overall transparency and accountability of the supply chain.
To address the problems with transparency, it is crucial to establish standards and protocols for data input and verification in blockchain supply chains. This can help ensure the accuracy and reliability of the recorded data, enhancing the transparency and traceability of the supply chain. Furthermore, promoting open communication and collaboration between different blockchain platforms can improve interoperability and enable a more transparent and integrated view of the supply chain.
Supply Chain Problems | Challenges with Transparency |
---|---|
Lack of interoperability | Makes it difficult to establish a unified view of the data |
Quality and reliability of data | Errors and inaccuracies can hinder transparency |
Limited visibility | Some parties may restrict access to data, reducing transparency |
Complex data governance
One of the main challenges of implementing blockchain technology in the supply chain industry is the complex data governance involved. Blockchain offers many advantages such as transparency, traceability, and authentication in supply chains, but it also brings along several problems when it comes to managing and governing the enormous amount of data.
Interoperability
One of the first challenges is ensuring interoperability between different blockchain platforms. Supply chain networks often involve multiple stakeholders, each using their own blockchain solution. This can lead to a lack of standardization and compatibility issues, making it difficult to share and integrate data across the entire supply chain.
Data authentication and trust
Another issue is ensuring the authenticity and trustworthiness of the data stored on the blockchain. While blockchain technology provides immutability and cryptographic security, there is still the possibility of data tampering or unauthorized access. Establishing proper authentication mechanisms and ensuring the integrity of the data becomes crucial in maintaining a reliable and secure supply chain.
Furthermore, data governance regulations and compliance can also pose challenges in the supply chain industry. Different regions and industries have different requirements and regulations for data privacy and protection. Companies operating in multiple jurisdictions need to navigate through these complexities and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
In summary, the implementation of blockchain technology in the supply chain industry brings the promise of enhanced transparency, traceability, and authentication. However, it also introduces complex data governance challenges such as interoperability, data authentication, and compliance with regulations. Addressing these challenges is key to unlocking the full potential of blockchain in supply chain management.
High costs
One of the key problems with implementing blockchain technology in the supply chain is the high costs associated with it. While blockchain offers transparency, data integrity, traceability, and authentication features that are highly beneficial for supply chain management, its implementation can be financially challenging.
Building and maintaining a blockchain network requires significant investment in hardware, software, and infrastructure. The complex nature of blockchain technology necessitates the need for specialized skills and expertise, further driving up the costs. Moreover, scaling blockchain networks to accommodate the vast amount of supply chain data can be an expensive endeavor.
Additionally, interoperability issues can contribute to increased costs. Supply chains often involve multiple parties, such as manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and logistics providers. Each party may have its own blockchain solution or legacy systems, making it difficult to achieve seamless integration and data exchange. The need to reconcile different technologies and protocols can result in additional expenses.
Furthermore, ongoing maintenance and updates to the blockchain network require resources and investments. As the supply chain ecosystem evolves and new technologies emerge, keeping the blockchain system up-to-date and ensuring its compatibility with other systems can be a continuous and costly effort.
Addressing the high costs associated with blockchain implementation in the supply chain requires careful planning, cost analysis, and collaboration among stakeholders. Finding cost-effective solutions, leveraging existing infrastructure, and promoting interoperability can help mitigate the financial burden while still benefiting from the transparency and traceability advantages that blockchain offers.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Transparency | High costs |
Data integrity | Interoperability issues |
Traceability | |
Authentication |
Resistance to change
One of the main challenges in implementing blockchain technology in the supply chain is the resistance to change. Many organizations are hesitant to adopt blockchain due to various reasons.
Firstly, there is a lack of understanding and awareness about blockchain technology. Many supply chain professionals are unfamiliar with how blockchain works and the potential benefits it can bring. This lack of knowledge leads to skepticism and resistance towards adopting the technology.
Additionally, the interoperability of blockchain with existing systems and infrastructure poses a major challenge. Supply chains often involve multiple parties, each using their own systems and databases to store and manage data. Integrating blockchain into these existing systems can be complex and time-consuming.
Data traceability is another area of concern. While blockchain offers immutability and transparency, ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of data inputs can be challenging. Supply chain participants may resist blockchain implementation if they have doubts about the reliability and integrity of the data recorded on the blockchain.
The chain of trust is a critical aspect of supply chain management, and blockchain provides a mechanism for secure authentication. However, convincing all participants in the supply chain to trust and utilize blockchain technology may encounter resistance from those who are skeptical or fear the unfamiliar.
Lastly, cost and resource limitations can hinder the adoption of blockchain in the supply chain. Implementing blockchain requires significant investment in terms of infrastructure, training, and maintenance. Organizations may be reluctant to allocate resources to blockchain projects, particularly if they are already facing financial constraints.
Challenges to implementing blockchain in supply chain |
---|
Lack of understanding and awareness |
Interoperability with existing systems |
Data traceability concerns |
Resistance to change and adoption |
Cost and resource limitations |
Legal and regulatory hurdles
Implementing blockchain technology in the supply chain brings numerous benefits, such as transparency, authentication, and data integrity. However, this innovative solution also faces several legal and regulatory challenges that need to be addressed for widespread adoption.
Data privacy and protection
One of the main concerns with blockchain in the supply chain is how to handle sensitive information while ensuring privacy and protection. As blockchain operates on a distributed ledger, it poses potential risks for data leakage and unauthorized access. To mitigate these risks, companies must comply with relevant data protection laws and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. They need to implement robust security measures, encryption techniques, and access controls to safeguard sensitive information.
Interoperability and standardization
Blockchain networks in the supply chain may involve various stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and regulators. Achieving interoperability and standardization between different blockchain platforms and systems is crucial to ensuring smooth data exchange and seamless integration. Without standardized protocols, it becomes challenging to establish trust and maintain a transparent and efficient supply chain ecosystem. Industry-wide collaboration and consensus-building efforts are required to develop common standards and protocols for blockchain implementation in the supply chain.
Moreover, regulatory frameworks should be established to define the legal status and enforceability of blockchain-based transactions. Legal challenges regarding smart contracts and digital signatures need to be addressed to ensure the validity and enforceability of blockchain-enabled supply chain transactions.
Traceability and accountability
Blockchain technology provides the capability to track and trace products throughout the supply chain, ensuring accountability and reducing the risk of counterfeit goods. However, there is a need for legal frameworks that define liability and responsibility in case of fraudulent activities or errors in the blockchain system. Clear guidelines should be established to determine who is responsible for maintaining and updating the blockchain records and resolving disputes when they arise. These legal frameworks should also address the issue of immutability, ensuring that erroneous or fraudulent data can be rectified without compromising the integrity of the entire blockchain.
In conclusion, while blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize supply chain management, legal and regulatory hurdles must be tackled to establish a secure, transparent, and compliant environment. Data privacy and protection, interoperability and standardization, as well as traceability and accountability, are among the key challenges that need to be carefully addressed to unlock the full potential of blockchain in the supply chain.
Ethical concerns
One of the key benefits of using blockchain technology in supply chain management is its ability to provide transparency. However, this transparency can also raise ethical concerns. With a public and immutable ledger, all data stored on the blockchain is visible to anyone with access. This means that sensitive information about supply chain operations, such as pricing, trade secrets, and proprietary formulas, can be exposed.
Furthermore, the chain of custody becomes a significant ethical issue. While blockchain provides an audit trail for goods or products, it also raises concerns about the traceability of resources. For example, in industries where raw materials are sourced from conflict regions or where child labor is prevalent, the use of blockchain may unintentionally expose these unethical practices.
Another ethical concern is the problem of data integrity in the supply chain. As data is added to the blockchain, it becomes immutable. If incorrect or false data is placed on the chain, it cannot be easily corrected. This can lead to inaccuracies, and in some cases, can even result in irreversible financial or reputational damage.
Interoperability between different blockchain systems is also a significant ethical concern. As supply chains often involve multiple organizations and stakeholders, it is crucial for different blockchains to be able to communicate and exchange data. However, the lack of standardized protocols and interoperability can create barriers and hinder transparency and efficiency.
In conclusion, while blockchain technology offers many benefits for supply chain management, it also raises ethical concerns. These include the transparency of sensitive data, the chain of custody’s impact on tracing unethical practices, the problem of data integrity, and the lack of interoperability between different blockchain systems. Addressing these ethical concerns is crucial to ensure that blockchain is used responsibly and ethically in the supply chain industry.
Limited adoption and awareness
Despite the potential benefits that blockchain can bring to supply chain management, its adoption and awareness among organizations are still limited. Many businesses are unaware of the advantages that blockchain technology can offer in terms of traceability, interoperability, and transparency.
One of the main problems that hinder the adoption of blockchain in supply chain is the lack of understanding about how it works and its potential use cases. Blockchain technology is relatively new and complex, requiring technical expertise that not all organizations possess. As a result, many companies are cautious about implementing blockchain solutions due to the perceived risks and uncertainties.
Traceability and Interoperability
Blockchain can provide end-to-end traceability in supply chains, enabling businesses to track and verify the origin and movement of products. However, the lack of a standardized system for data representation and integration poses a significant challenge to achieving interoperability among different blockchain platforms. Without a common framework, it becomes difficult to exchange data seamlessly between stakeholders, limiting the overall effectiveness of blockchain technology in supply chain management.
Data Authenticity and Transparency
Another issue with blockchain adoption in supply chain is the requirement for trusted data sources and authentication mechanisms. To ensure the authenticity and integrity of data recorded on the blockchain, businesses need to establish reliable methods for verifying the accuracy and reliability of information. This includes validating identities, confirming product certifications, and ensuring data integrity throughout the supply chain. Without proper authentication, the effectiveness of blockchain in maintaining transparency and trust in the supply chain can be compromised.
In conclusion, the limited adoption and awareness of blockchain technology in supply chain management can be attributed to challenges related to traceability, interoperability, data authentication, and transparency. Overcoming these problems will require collaborative efforts from businesses, industry standards bodies, and regulatory authorities to establish a common understanding and framework for implementing blockchain solutions in the supply chain.
Integration challenges
One of the key challenges of integrating blockchain technology in supply chain management is ensuring complete traceability and transparency throughout the entire chain. While blockchain technology can help in providing an immutable record of transactions, the complexity lies in implementing it effectively to address the specific needs of supply chain operations.
One of the main integration challenges is the authentication of information within the blockchain. The authenticity and accuracy of data are crucial in supply chain management, and any fraudulent or tampered information can undermine the reliability of the entire chain. Ensuring proper authentication mechanisms is therefore essential to maintain the integrity of the blockchain system.
Another critical challenge is the interoperability of different blockchain platforms. Supply chains often involve multiple parties, including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and retailers, each potentially using different blockchain solutions. Ensuring seamless communication and data-sharing between these different systems requires standardization and interoperability protocols.
Moreover, the integration of blockchain technology may pose technical challenges. Some of the existing supply chain systems may not be compatible with blockchain platforms, requiring substantial modifications or even redevelopment. This can lead to additional costs and delays in the implementation process.
Finally, there are also potential problems with the supply of blockchain expertise. As the demand for blockchain professionals increases, there is a shortage of skilled individuals who can effectively integrate and manage blockchain systems in the supply chain industry. This scarcity of talent can further hinder the smooth integration of blockchain technology.
In conclusion, while blockchain technology holds great promise for enhancing supply chain management, there are significant integration challenges to overcome. These challenges include ensuring traceability, authentication, interoperability, technical compatibility, and the availability of skilled professionals. Addressing these challenges is crucial for harnessing the full potential of blockchain in supply chain management.
Privacy Concerns
In the context of supply chain problems, blockchain technology offers many benefits such as increased transparency, traceability, and data authentication. However, it also brings certain privacy concerns.
One of the main concerns is that blockchain is inherently designed to be a distributed and transparent ledger, meaning that all participants in the supply chain can view and verify the data stored in the chain. While this level of transparency can be beneficial for ensuring trust and accountability, it also raises privacy issues.
For example, sensitive or confidential data, such as customer information or trade secrets, could be exposed to unauthorized parties if not properly protected. The transparent nature of the blockchain can give competitors or malicious actors access to valuable data, potentially leading to financial losses or other adverse effects.
Another concern is related to the immutable nature of blockchain. Once data is recorded on the chain, it cannot be easily modified or deleted. While this feature ensures the integrity and reliability of the supply chain data, it can also pose challenges in terms of compliance with privacy regulations. Certain data, such as personally identifiable information (PII), may need to be removed or anonymized after a certain period of time, which can be difficult to achieve with a blockchain-based system.
To address these privacy concerns, companies implementing blockchain in the supply chain need to carefully consider data protection and access control mechanisms. Encryption and secure key management can help protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. Additionally, the use of off-chain storage for certain types of data, such as PII, can provide more flexibility in terms of compliance with privacy regulations.
Overall, while blockchain technology offers many advantages for supply chain management, privacy concerns must be addressed to ensure the protection of sensitive information and compliance with privacy regulations.
Insufficient technical expertise
One of the main challenges in implementing blockchain technology in the supply chain is the lack of sufficient technical expertise among the participants. Blockchain is a complex technology that requires a deep understanding of its underlying principles and mechanisms.
Without the necessary technical expertise, companies may struggle with important aspects such as the authentication of transactions, interoperability between different systems, and the transparency and traceability of data. These challenges can hinder the effective implementation of blockchain in the supply chain.
Authentication is a critical aspect of blockchain technology, as it ensures the integrity and validity of transactions. However, without the necessary technical expertise, companies may find it challenging to implement secure authentication mechanisms. This could compromise the security of the entire supply chain network.
Interoperability is another key challenge. Blockchain technology can be integrated with existing supply chain systems, but this requires a deep understanding of both the blockchain technology and the existing systems. Without sufficient technical expertise, companies may struggle to integrate blockchain with their existing systems, leading to inefficiencies and difficulties in sharing data across the supply chain.
The lack of technical expertise also presents challenges in ensuring transparency and traceability of data. Blockchain technology can provide real-time visibility and auditability of supply chain transactions, but this requires a high level of technical knowledge to implement effectively. Without this expertise, companies may face difficulties in tracking and tracing products throughout the supply chain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the insufficient technical expertise among supply chain participants poses significant challenges in the implementation of blockchain technology. To overcome these challenges, companies should invest in training and education programs to enhance their technical capabilities. By doing so, they can unlock the full potential of blockchain in improving authentication, interoperability, transparency, and traceability in the supply chain.
Question-Answer:
What is blockchain and how does it work in the supply chain?
Blockchain is a decentralized and distributed digital ledger that records transactions across multiple computers. In the supply chain, blockchain can be used to create transparency, traceability, and trust among participants by recording and verifying every step of the process.
What are some common problems with blockchain in the supply chain?
Some common problems with blockchain in the supply chain include scalability issues, high energy consumption, lack of standardization, data privacy concerns, and the need for cooperation from all participants.
How does scalability become a problem in blockchain implementation in the supply chain?
Scalability becomes a problem in blockchain implementation in the supply chain because as the number of transactions increases, the blockchain network can become slower and less efficient. This can potentially lead to delays and increased costs for participants.
Why is data privacy a concern with blockchain in the supply chain?
Data privacy is a concern with blockchain in the supply chain because the decentralized nature of blockchain means that every participant has access to all the information on the blockchain. This can be problematic when dealing with sensitive or confidential data.
What can be done to address the problems with blockchain in the supply chain?
To address the problems with blockchain in the supply chain, there needs to be a focus on improving scalability through technological advancements, establishing industry-wide standards, implementing privacy measures such as encryption, and encouraging cooperation and collaboration among all participants.
What are some of the major problems with using blockchain in supply chain?
Some of the major problems with using blockchain in supply chain include scalability issues, high energy consumption, lack of standardization, and potential security vulnerabilities.
How does the scalability issue affect the use of blockchain in supply chain?
The scalability issue in blockchain refers to the limited number of transactions that can be processed per second. In supply chain, this can be a problem as there are often thousands or even millions of transactions that need to be recorded and verified. The current blockchain technology may not be able to handle such high volumes, resulting in delays and inefficiency.