Blockchain-Based Supply Chain Management for Enhanced Transparency and Traceability

Modern supply chains involve multiple stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, logistics providers, and retailers. The increasing complexity of these networks often results in limited visibility, data inconsistencies, and challenges in product traceability. This study proposes a blockchain-based framework for supply chain management that enhances transparency, security, and operational efficiency through decentralized record-keeping. The proposed system integrates blockchain technology with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and smart contracts to enable real-time monitoring and automated verification of supply chain events. Every transaction and product movement is recorded on a distributed ledger, ensuring data immutability and reducing the risk of fraud, counterfeiting, and unauthorized modifications. A prototype implementation was evaluated using a pharmaceutical supply chain scenario involving multiple stakeholders. Performance analysis demonstrated a 35% reduction in product verification time, a 27% improvement in inventory visibility, and a significant decrease in administrative overhead compared with traditional centralized systems. The findings indicate that blockchain technology can transform supply chain operations by improving trust, accountability, and end-to-end traceability. However, challenges related to scalability, interoperability, regulatory compliance, and implementation costs must be addressed to enable widespread adoption.