Blockchain-Enabled Quality Traceability Framework for Mechanical Parts Supply Chains

Abstract

Ensuring end-to-end quality traceability along mechanical parts supply chains is an enduring challenge as multi-tier supplier networks are complex, open to counterfeit parts, and the limitations of centralized traceability systems. Traditional solutions like ERP and barcode-based tracking are opaque, non-interoperable, and tamper-proof, eroding trust among the parties. Blockchain-based technologies, being decentralized, immutable, having smart contract functionality, hold the potential to address the problems. Proposing here a blockchain-based quality traceability framework customized for the purposes of mechanical parts supply chains, this integrates the use of IoT sensors, RFID, digital inspection reports, and a distributed ledger to record and verify quality aspects during each step of the product lifecycle. It augments the real-time transparency, allows automated compliance to industry standards, and upgrades the prevention of risk during the event of recalls or failures. Transparency, efficiency, as well as trust building among the OEMs, suppliers, regulators, and the ultimate users, are the prime benefits. Even the challenges of scalability, standardization, as well as the preservation of the privacy of the data, persist as a part of the undertaking, the framework gives the basis to a more sustainable, secure, as well as resistant supply chain. Potential future research avenues include the integration of blockchain with digital twins, predictive analytics, as well as green consensus protocols, so as to advance traceability as well as performance.