Development of a Blockchain-Based On-Demand Lightweight Commodity Delivery System (2307.08050v1)

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a surge in the use of online delivery services, which rely on user-generated content to promote collaborative consumption. Although Online Food Delivery (OFD) is a popular delivery system in Bangladesh, it has yet to ensure item authenticity, especially with the increasing demand for lightweight commodity delivery services across the country. The authenticity of products, involvement of multiple parties, and fair exchange are all challenging aspects of coast-to-coast services. Therefore, it is necessary for the three entities involved in the supply chain transaction - Seller, Carrier, and Buyer - to establish at least two peer-to-peer operations to ensure reliability and efficiency. To address these limitations and meet consumer expectations, the study proposes a framework for a nationwide on-demand marketplace for lightweight commodity items and a delivery system. Furthermore, transaction details are stored in a Blockchain to ensure the transparency and reliability of the proposed system.

• The paper introduces a blockchain-driven framework that minimizes intermediaries to enhance product authenticity and cost-effectiveness in commodity delivery.
• It integrates a private blockchain server, decentralized databases, and smart contracts with mobile/web applications to secure the entire supply chain.
• The system optimizes logistics via peer-to-peer carrier roles and order segmentation while highlighting the need for improvements in real-time tracking.

Overview of a Blockchain-Based On-Demand Lightweight Commodity Delivery System

The presented paper details the development of a blockchain-based on-demand lightweight commodity delivery system proposed to address the inefficiencies in Bangladesh's current online delivery services. Despite the increased adoption of online delivery systems accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining product authenticity and minimizing intermediaries in transactions remain challenging. To tackle these issues, the authors present a framework that leverages blockchain to create a secure, efficient, and transparent transaction environment.

The proposed blockchain-based system aims to streamline the supply chain, emphasizing minimal intermediary involvement to ensure cost-effectiveness and product authenticity. By employing a peer-to-peer architecture involving sellers, carriers, and buyers, the system aims to boost transparency and reliability. Each transaction is logged on the blockchain, thereby enhancing the delivery system through verified product authenticity and reduced transaction alteration risks.

Key Elements and Methodology

The system architecture integrates various technical components such as a private blockchain server, a decentralized database, and mobile/web applications, each serving distinct functions. The blockchain server plays a crucial role in guaranteeing data integrity and authenticity, offering decentralized data storage which mitigates risks associated with centralized data failures.

Smart contracts are employed within this framework to facilitate automated billing and enforce contract terms - thereby reducing potential for fraud and errors inherent in traditional delivery systems. The carrier's role is dynamically structured, allowing any registered user to assume this position as they travel between the product's origin and destination, thereby optimizing resource utilization and creating employment opportunities, particularly in regions with high unemployment.

Performance and Challenges

In terms of performance, the paper discusses the system's ability to handle multiple delivery orders, detailing mechanisms to divide large orders based on geographical logistics, thus optimizing carrier efficiency. However, the current implementation is noted to have constraints, where features are limited as a prototype, which necessitates further development to realize its full potential.

Limitations identified include the complexities of real-time order tracking and maintaining accurate data flow between applications. The interaction with the blockchain is highlighted as being particularly sensitive to data configuration errors, critically impacting system performance.

Implications and Future Work

The integration of blockchain technology in supply chain management introduces significant potential improvements in transparency and operational efficiency. The implications of this research extend beyond the immediate scope of delivery systems. By reducing reliance on intermediaries and enhancing service adaptability, the proposed system can significantly influence supply chain practices, particularly in developing economies like Bangladesh.

Anticipated future advancements include the public deployment of the blockchain server on the Ethereum network and embedding more sophisticated security protocols to bolster the system's operational robustness. The paper suggests that refining the user interface, alongside enhanced delivery and authenticity protocols, could facilitate broader market adoption.

In conclusion, the paper conveys a comprehensive proposal for utilizing blockchain in lightweight commodity delivery systems, emphasizing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and product authenticity. While the proposal remains at the prototypical stage, it underlines the transformative potential that blockchain technology holds for reshaping integral aspects of on-demand delivery services.