Use Case for Blockchain Technology: Supply Chain Response to Humanitarian Assistance / Disaster Relief

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: AD1071344 | Open PDF

Abstract:

This paper presents a use case to explore the potential for blockchain technology to increase supply chain effectiveness and efficiency in a complex scenario. Specifically, the use case traces the requirements and movement of over 62 million power grid items to the island of Puerto Rico for relief and recovery from 2017s Hurricane Maria. The end-to-end review of the supply chain covers from acquisition request to customer delivery on the island, and reveals multiple friction points. The paper explores the potential for future investments in blockchain technology to improve communication, tracking, and information availability by increasing trust and reducing costs measured in time, money, duplicated effort, and other efficiencies. A blockchain distributed ledger of information and singular version of information can support future emergency responses in complex Humanitarian AssistanceDisaster Relief events and remote environments. Federal agencies may help inform industry development of blockchain technology for future federal or military applications, and DLA Troop Support recommends exploring additional possibilities with more real world scenarios.

Author(s):
Keenaghan, Daniel J. ; Londo, Elijah ; King, Rene M. ; Herzer, John W. ; Ayala Ortiz, Maximo ; Simerly, Mark T.
Author Organization(s):
Defense Logistics Agency, Troop Support Philadelphia United States
Descriptive Note:
Technical Report
Supplementary Note:
01 Jan 0001, 01 Jan 0001, In 2017, the United States experienced unprecedented destruction brought on by multiple natural disasters. As part of our Whole of Government mission, DLA Troop Support was called upon to support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) efforts in response to wildfires and three hurricanes. Although significantly demanding, these events reaffirmed the highest degree of commitment from our employees and partners to meet customer needs in an unparalleled emergency. Today, as technologies are developing and advancing at the fastest rate in human history, DLA is leveraging scenarios such as the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season to examine use cases in supply chain adaptation and innovation. DLA Troop Support has conducted in depth research into blockchain technology seeking innovative solutions with potential to improve and transform supply chain management. There is growing interest for both the private and public sectors on this topic, and this report details our initial findings through a use case on electrical materials delivered to Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria. This research paper first describes the technology at a high level, investigates our scenario, and then explores the technology potential to affect supply chain management and other customer needs. By using our real world, data-rich vignette, we can test blockchain technology in a theoretical environment to see how (or if) it may improve end-to-end delivery of materiel in ambiguous emergency scenarios. The use case identifies significant potential for gains in security, transparency, accountability, scheduling, auditability, and chain of custody through the application of micro services and artificial intelligence that access and use the distributed single version of the data on the blockchain.
Pagination:
0031

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release;

RECORD

Collection: TR
Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_7_Protection; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_JCA_4.1.2_Sustain the Force; JCA_4.6.1_General Engineering; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_5.3.2_Apply Situational Understanding; JCA_5.2.3_Share Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_7.2_Mitigate; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_6.1_Information Transport; JCA_7.2.2_Mitigate Non-Lethal Effects; JCA_6.4.2_Protect Data and Networks; JCA_1.4.1_Force Health Protection; JCA_1.4_Force Support; JCA_5.6.1_Assess Compliance with Guidance
Modernization Areas:
Cyber
Communities of Interest:
Ground and Sea Platforms
Descriptor(s):
supply chain management, humanitarian assistance, logistics, supply chain, lead time, acquisition, department of defense, load monitoring, damage assessment, disasters, artificial intelligence, emergency response, business administration
Field(s)/Group(s):
Logistics, Military Facilities and Supplies
Keyword(s):
Blockchain, distributed ledger, Technology, BCT, DLT, DLA(DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY), Troop Support, in transit visibility, audit, Disaster Relief, HA DR(Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief), FEMA, USACE, Puerto Rico, Hurricane Maria
Report Date:
2019 Jan 15
Creation Date:
2019 Apr 26