Abstract
Blockchain technology offers transformative potential for secure supply chain traceability in smart factories, yet its adoption remains limited by scalability, interoperability, and cost concerns. This study develops and empirically evaluates a conceptual framework integrating blockchain with IoT and smart contracts to enhance traceability, transparency, and trust. A mixed-methods approach combines a systematic literature review of 30 recent studies (2016–2024) with a quantitative survey of 120 manufacturing firms and a simulation-based performance analysis. Results indicate that blockchain-based traceability systems reduce information asymmetry by 42% and improve recall efficiency by 35% compared to traditional systems. Smart contracts automate compliance verification, cutting audit costs by 28%. However, latency and energy consumption remain challenges, particularly for public blockchains. The framework prioritizes permissioned blockchain architectures for industrial applications. Findings provide actionable guidance for managers and policymakers, highlighting critical success factors such as stakeholder collaboration and data standardization. This research advances the theoretical understanding of blockchain in supply chain management and offers practical insights for Industry 4.0 implementations.
Keywords
Blockchain, Supply chain traceability, Smart factories, Smart contracts, Industry 4.0, Internet of Things, Distributed ledger technology, Transparency