An online blockchain based sustainable logistics management system (OBSLMS) enabled by the Internet of Things for the textile industry

Abstract

Blockchain technology and IoT have been beneficial for information sharing, supply-chain management, product tracking and device control in multiple fields. Now, their combined potential has become an emerging concept, one that can be implemented in the textile industry. In most cases, textile industries are the backbone of the economy of a country. The major textile fibres are cotton, jute, wool, silk, bamboo, linen, etc. In theory, the fibre producers’ profit and their products’ market price may vary depending on the fibre’s demand, aggregate supply and the current market structure. But, in real-life textile markets, intermediaries between the producers and buyers lead to significant decreases in the producers’ profit. This results in the producer incurring losses and not being able to get back their initial investments as revenue. This research paper aims to provide a solution to the above-stated critical issue. In this paper, we have proposed an Online Blockchain-based Sustainable Logistics Management System (OBSLMS) for textile businesses. The implementation mechanism of the OBSLMS consists of blockchain based business transactions, an IoT based GPS tracking system and a unique QR (Quick Response) code verification for the endpoint delivery of textile fibres from producers to buyers. This sustainable solution also has a bidding feature. Moreover, OBSLMS has been programmed, implemented and tested. The OBSLMS uses the availability and efficiency of the openly available online platform, blockchain technology and IoT to help both the textile fibre producers and the buyers gain a fair profit.