Blockchain Traceability for Multi-Actor Job Strings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for traceability of job strings involving multiple actors are hindered by the complexity and performance issues of centralized platforms, particularly in multi-actor processes where distributing a single reference base becomes impractical and governance is uneven.
Innovation Solution
A distributed reference base using blockchain technology allows multiple actors to establish trust and manage certification phases by adding information elements signed with secured hardware devices and temporary certificates, enabling secure and decentralized traceability of job strings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized management platform is used to ensure traceability, then trust in information is ensured, but the system becomes impractical for multi-actor processes due to legal and commercial difficulties in designating a central host
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized platform into multiple distributed nodes, each operated by different actors in the supply chain. Each node maintains a copy of the blockchain ledger, eliminating the need for a single central host while preserving traceability across all participants.
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain technology acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables trust between distributed actors without requiring a central platform. Cryptographic proofs and consensus protocols mediate the verification of information across the network.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the platform is distributed over multiple sites with a master-slave replication architecture, then multi-actor participation is enabled, but the system becomes too complex and performance is greatly reduced when the number of actors is great
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the database into distributed blockchain nodes where each actor operates as an equal peer rather than master or slave. This eliminates the complex replication hierarchy while enabling flexible participation of multiple actors.
Solution Approach 2:
Each node in the distributed blockchain network performs multiple functions: storing data, validating transactions, maintaining security, and participating in consensus. This universal role for each node simplifies the architecture compared to specialized master-slave roles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a distributed database with master-slave architecture is used, then multi-actor access is enabled, but governance becomes uneven with one actor having a different role from others
Solution Approach 1:
The blockchain architecture creates equipotentiality by giving each actor node equal status and capabilities. All nodes operate on the same protocol, have equal access to the ledger, and participate equally in consensus, eliminating governance inequality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments away the hierarchical master-slave governance structure and replaces it with a flat, egalitarian network where each actor is an independent peer with equal rights and responsibilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments are directed to a system for the traceability of a job string performed by multiple actors, including a database for storing the information generated for each job of the string, wherein each actor can, after having obtained a right of access to the database, add a first information element signed by a certificate obtained from a secured hardware device associated with the actor; and a second information element signed by a temporary certificate supplied by a security server, the first and second elements being associated with a timestamp in the database.