Object Identification
Physical objects being tracked (individual items and batches) need to be identified throughout the supply chain.
Data Storage
Blockchain is a distributed, immutable ledger that is secure for storing any type of data and business logic.
Data Processing
Typically, companies need to process data to enable them or their suppliers to comply with custom protocols. These protocols allow the supply chain to control events rather than just monitor them. For example:
A system notifies farmers that they cannot harvest within X weeks after pesticide application.
A retailer cannot receive shipments of fresh produce if the harvest date is before a certain number of days.
A food processing company should not ship more products than they have received.
There can be many similar custom control points embedded in processes.
The product recall process is another data processing feature, helping to identify the source of contaminated products, as well as identifying the holding facility for products from the same source and contacting them to remove affected products.