Talk of blockchain implementation
Blockchain is the airfreight buzzword that refuses to go away – mostly because there is so much obvious potential for it to automate and secure the mechanics of the supply chain. Note that we specifically said “talk”; while 2018 may not be the year of blockchain’s big breakthrough in air cargo, the heated discussion about possible real-world uses will be with us for quite some time.
There is, of course, a reason for the blockchain technology hype. By establishing a shared, automated record of all the transactions that occur in a network, blockchain grants trusted parties exclusive access to data in real time. The companies that hope to introduce the technology as a way of digitalizing global cross-border trade say it’s one of the best methods to achieve transparency without compromising security or privacy.
One of the most promising logistics developments is actually happening in the maritime sector, where Maersk and IBM have formed a joint venture to implement a blockchain-based global trade digitalization platform. If this proves successful, it will almost inevitably migrate to the air sector as well.