Asset Management With Blockchain Records for Lifecycle Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing risk management systems in complex manufacturing environments, such as the aerospace industry, struggle with incomplete or inaccurate record maintenance of assets, leading to unknown risk factors due to alterations or loss of data by multiple actors within an organization.
Innovation Solution
A hardware- and software-based control system creates a unique digital identifier for assets using data-bearing tags, integrating with an ERP system and a blockchain for secure asset tracking, enabling real-time data authentication and management throughout the asset's lifecycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple actors within an organization maintain records of assets tracked by an ERM system, then comprehensive data collection is achieved, but record accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to alterations, loss, or improper maintenance of records
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blockchain-based intermediary system that mediates between multiple actors and the asset records. The blockchain acts as a neutral, decentralized ledger that all actors can write to but none can unilaterally alter, thus maintaining comprehensive data collection while ensuring record integrity and reliability through cryptographic verification and distributed consensus
Solution Approach 2:
The patent standardizes the record-keeping format and data structure across all actors in the system. By implementing a uniform blockchain ledger with consistent data schemas and validation rules, the system ensures that all records maintain the same level of accuracy and reliability regardless of which actor created or modified them
2Device complexity
If traditional risk management systems are used in complex manufacturing environments, then existing processes are maintained, but security against hacking and data manipulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional centralized database systems with a blockchain-based distributed ledger system. This substitution transforms the underlying architecture from a vulnerable centralized structure to a secure decentralized network, providing resistance against hacking and data manipulation while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements cryptographic hashing and digital signatures beforehand to protect asset records from unauthorized access and manipulation. By pre-establishing cryptographic security measures and distributed consensus protocols, the system creates a buffer against security threats before they can compromise the data
3Loss of information
If detailed asset tracking data is collected throughout the asset lifecycle, then comprehensive asset management is achieved, but data security and vulnerability to hacking worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the blockchain as an intermediary layer that stores comprehensive asset tracking data in a secure, decentralized manner. The blockchain's cryptographic structure and distributed nature provide inherent security against hacking while maintaining complete traceability of asset lifecycle events
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates cryptographic copies (hashes) of asset data that are stored on the blockchain. These cryptographic representations maintain the integrity and traceability of the original data while being resistant to tampering and hacking, as any modification would be immediately detectable through hash verification
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods for monitoring and managing parts, enterprise resources and other assets, and alleviating risks, in a complex collaboration environment are provided. According to some example aspects of the invention, a device with a hardware- and software-based control system creates unique asset-related information for use in a manufacturing, maintenance and/or tracking process. In other example aspects, the system records that asset-specific information (e.g., using secure network(s) and/or a blockchain), providing it for later access and modification by a number of trusted users, to track and control manufacturing-, maintenance-relevant or other factors. In other aspects, an enterprise resource planning system both outputs information to, and receives information from, the control system, reconciling changes in the data in accordance with a ranking algorithm.