Purpose: Due to the large number of intermediaries in logistics networks there is avariety of possible failures, frictions and waste of time and money among the logisticsprocess chain. With the ability to provide data securely in near real-time, liketrack and tracing data of goods to every participant, the Blockchain-Technology(BCT) can help to solve these problems. Methodology: A structured literature analysis has been executed by using the databasesWeb of Science and Science Direct to find out current intermediary´s functionsand real use cases. In addition, available other sources, like manufacturer websites,blog entries or whitepapers are searched for specific blockchain-based applicationsinvented and used by German companies. The identified use cases are then qualitativelyanalyzed. Findings: The first results showed that most of the business cases are still in the conceptphase or are merely ideas how the BCT could solve existing problems. Additionally,we got results on the distribution of applications and economic benefits alongthe logistics chain. Furthermore, important conclusions on implementation problemscan be derived from this. Originality: In order to maintain Germany´s top economic position, it is necessaryto push ahead with the adaption of the BCT. Our analysis contains first results in thearea of real blockchain use cases of German companies. Initial comparisons betweencurrently used and blockchain-based logistics networks are also possible.
Production control is an essential component of a production system used to monitor and manage production orders. Centrally controlled production systems rely on basic data management, such as storing the bill of materials and required work schedules. Components of customer orders are added to generate the corresponding production orders. However, this type of production control can pose serious problems in case of unforeseen events such as machine failure or changing customer requirements during production. In such scenarios, costly and time-consuming re-scheduling becomes necessary, which endangers the company's competitive position and leads to data retention issues. This paper introduces a new method of production control based on the concept of smart orders. Smart orders use smart contracts for autonomous routing based on programmed information in the source code, enabling self-control through the production system. Smart contracts are transaction programs that work with ‘if-then logic”, allowing for partially flexible process schedules and reducing the need for human intervention. The smart order uses the functionalities of blockchain technology, such as security, transparency, and immutability, to ensure the integrity of production data. The paper concludes by presenting the expected value propositions of smart order-based production control on the production system. Depending on the production control system used, companies can integrate the results presented in this paper into their own blockchain implementation strategy.