Supply Chain Management meets Blockchain Innovations
Blockchain models are increasingly entering our lives. SAP, for example, announced plans to integrate audit-proof controlling and its cloud technology into other areas such as manufacturing and digital logistics chains. SAP partners are now testing the use of blockchain solutions to manage the lifecycle of assets and products.
The SAP Blockchain Co-Innovation Program enables SAP customers and partners to learn about applications that can capture various events in a blockchain - from product design and development to manufacturing and logistics for product tracking. The program also looks at serialization of parts and order verification for inventory management and product provenance and authenticity. SAP is also exploring digital supply chain scenarios in which different suppliers store quotes directly in a blockchain to improve efficiency across their business networks.
The Digital Ledger System (the audit-proof "ledger" of transactions) with SAP Cloud Platform Blockchain Services now supports first solutions across the Internet of Things (IoT) to coordinate manufacturing and the digital supply chain. Companies such as Capgemini, Deloitte, GrainCorp, HCL Technologies, HERE Technologies, Moog Inc, Natura Cosméticos S.A., NetApp and PeerNova are testing initial application scenarios and business models.
Dynamics in demand
"At Moog, we recognize that distributed ledger technology will be a key enabler for more digital, connected and streamlined workflows across industrial, medical and aerospace companies," said George Small, chief technology officer, Moog Inc. "We believe that shared and distributed transaction ledgers are key to collaboration and openness. Our collaboration with SAP will accelerate the development of distributed ledger tools and the infrastructure necessary to make our vision of the future a reality."
"In the digital economy, an iterative, fast-paced approach in close collaboration with our customers and partners is imperative," said Dr. Jürgen Mueller, chief innovation officer, SAP. "With the blockchain service as part of the SAP Leonardo digital innovation system, we enable open collaboration around distributed business processes in peer-to-peer networks."
SAP Leonardo Blockchain
SAP's SAP Leonardo Blockchain Early Access program focuses on industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and utilities. The SAP Leonardo Blockchain Early Access program gives users and partners access to standard SAP products that have been enhanced and optimized with blockchain capabilities.
Participants in the new program will experience firsthand how SAP Leonardo Blockchain solutions enable companies and their business partners to access the same information without the need for centralized control or management.
Customers and partners have the opportunity to sign up for the Early Access program until early Q1 2018. More information about the program and how to participate is available on SAP's Blockchain website:
