Blockchain: Is it hype?  71

this chain of events. The main goal of supply chain management is to maxi-

mise value from all activities to gain competitive advantages. The core areas

are people, processes and systems.

The best way to understand the supply chain and its management is to

read about Michael Porter’s value chain model (https://www.isc.hbs.edu/

strategy/business-strategy/Pages/the-value-chain.aspx).

As per Porter’s Value chain model,

A company’s value chain is typically part of a larger value system that

includes companies either upstream (suppliers) or downstream (distri-

bution channels), or both. This perspective about how value is created

forces managers to consider and see each activity not just as a cost,

but as a step that has to add some increment of value to the finished

product or service. [emphasis added]

The following diagram visualises the end-to-end supply chain activities

(Figure 3.2).

Blockchain footprint

• Aero Blockchain Alliance – SITA: SITA is the world’s largest spe-

cialist in air transport communications and information technology.

SITA launched MRO Blockchain Alliance comprises leading organ-

isations in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) chain.

It is the air transport’s first industry-wide blockchain implementa-

tion to track, trace and record aircraft parts.

⚬

⚬Website: https://www.sita.aero/pressroom/news-releases/sita-joins-

industry-partners-to-launch-mro-blockchain-alliance/

⚬

⚬Technology used: Undisclosed

Figure 3.2  End-to-end supply chain activities.