March 2020

BLOCKCHAIN n of papers, bills, files, data, emails, and so on, manufacturers could rely on a blockchain- based system to track goods with certainty throughout their entire journey. Uniform, aggregated data will allow manufacturers to perform higher levels of predictive analytics. One of the biggest challenges in modern supply chains is to get all of the data in the right place, at the right time and within the same framework. Blockchain can help to achieve this ideal scenario. It will allow data to be used – along with other technologies such as artificial intelligence – to maximise efficiencies. The data could also be sold, providing companies with an extra source of revenue. For example, blockchain can support new approaches to maintenance, such as automated service agreements, and shorter maintenance times. Blockchain can also support more complex machine-as-a- service (MaaS) applications by facilitating IP protection, documentation management and performance tracking. Blockchain and the factory are converging. Whether it is behind the scenes or on the surface, blockchain will have a critical role to play in shaping the future of factories. Undoubtedly, it will bring greater efficiencies to manufacturing supply chains, better coordination in automation, and transparency when dealing with counterfeit trade. The manufacturing industry has always been receptive to technology. However, the growing diversity of applications and the complexities of manufacturing supply chains could delay the adoption of blockchain in manufacturing. The transformation will not happen automatically. It will require proactive collaboration among manufacturers, policy- makers, scientists and technology investors, underpinned by new platforms that can support the transformation. If we get it right, it will be an important milestone in the journey towards future factories. n Integrating blockchain with code readers iTrace Technologies is a Silicon Valley company that helps companies fight counterfeits, grey markets and production over-runs with a blockchain-connected supply chain security technology. It has integrated camera-based code-readers with this technology, allowing users to capture transaction and authentication information automatically anywhere in the supply chain. The combination allows a part being scanned to be identified securely, and the transaction to be recorded on digital ledger technologies such as blockchain. This enables a secure connection between the physical product and the digital ledger which is necessary to complete blockchain tracking or authentication applications. The key to the security of the application is the ability to create a digital twin of the physical product to ensure that the original item is being scanned at each location. iTrace is using DCR 200i code-readers from the German sensor manufacturer Leuze electronic in combination with its own 2DMI blockchain technology. According to the company’s founder and CEO, Mark Manning, this combination uses iTrace’s standard mobile application infrastructure“which allows these industrial sensors to automatically capture the same information as iPhone and Android devices anywhere in the supply chain. This means that any system can now automatically participate in track, trace and authentication of any item or component and push that data to a blockchain or tracking database via the iTrace blockchain gateway.” Leuze’s business development manager, Joerg Woerner, says that the blockchain technology “provides a much higher level of security and damage resistance than QR codes, data matrix and 1D barcodes are able to do”. This will make the combination of technologies“ideal for difficult and harsh environment applications in aerospace, automotive and medical devices”. A decoded image from iTrace’s 2DMI iTrace is using Leuze camera-based code-readers to capture transaction and authentication information • ATEX and IECEx certification for Gas, Dust andMining • Extreme corrosion resistance: high grade stainless steel housing (1.4404) • 300N axial / radial load • 200g shock resistance / 30g vibration resistance • High protection class up to IP66 / IP67 • Easy field installation • Interfaces: SSI and CANopen www.impulseautoma琀on.co.uk | tel: +44 (0)1264 364194 | ISO 9001 registered company AX65 Absolute Rotary Encoder for Hazardous Environments UK O cial Distributor of Hengstler