Supply Chain Chemical Data Sharing via Segmented Distributed Ledgers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information management systems in supply chains require lengthy communication methods like email, telephone, or facsimile for exchanging chemical substance information, which are time-consuming and inefficient, and may compromise confidentiality by revealing sensitive information to unintended parties.
Innovation Solution
An information management system using distributed ledger technology (DLT) that enables secure and rapid information conveyance among companies in a supply chain by utilizing separate distributed ledgers for each company, allowing controlled sharing of chemical substance data while maintaining confidentiality through smart contracts and electronic signatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional communication methods (email, telephone, facsimile) are used to exchange chemical substance information, then information can be conveyed between companies, but the process requires a long time and a large number of man-hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical communication methods (email, telephone, facsimile) with an automated information management system based on distributed ledger technology. The system automatically exchanges chemical substance information between companies through programmed interfaces, eliminating manual operations and significantly reducing the time and man-hours required for information exchange while improving efficiency
2Loss of information
If the end product manufacturer directly obtains information from another supplier, then information exchange is possible, but the supplier's confidentiality is compromised as the manufacturer learns the source of sub-components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an information management system as an intermediary layer between the end product manufacturer and another supplier. The system uses distributed ledger technology to enable the manufacturer to obtain chemical substance information from sub-components without directly contacting or identifying the upstream supplier. The supplier's identity remains confidential while the required information is successfully transmitted through the intermediary system
3Adaptability or versatility
If a distributed ledger system is implemented for each company, then information sharing between direct business partners is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a segmented distributed ledger architecture where each company maintains its own distributed ledger for storing and managing information. This segmentation allows each company to control access to its data while enabling secure sharing with direct business partners. The system reduces complexity by dividing the overall information management system into independent, manageable ledger units that can operate autonomously yet interoperably
Data Source
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AI summary
An information management system (1) includes information management apparatuses (10-1 to 10-4) belonging to A to D companies, respectively, and a platform provider (50). The C company and the D company are material manufacturers, and the C company and the D company supply a C product and a D product to the B company which is a component manufacturer, respectively. The B company supplies a B product including the C product and the D product to the A company which is an end product manufacturer. In the information management system (1), information is conveyed among information management apparatuses of companies in direct business relation with each other.