5 Practical Uses of Blockchain for Supply Chain (and why it's ok if you're not using it yet)

Caleb Johnson • November 13, 2018

“A year from now you will wish you had started today.” -Karen Lamb

If you’ve been to a supply chain conference or read any updates on the industry, you’ve probably heard all about the supply chain's new favorite topic: blockchain. While these talks and articles do a great job of getting us excited about the rise of a future-freightopian society somewhere in the middle-distant future, they often leave us wondering what we can do but wait.

According to our most recent guest on Consulting Logistics , waiting may not be a bad idea. Brian Glick, founder and CEO of Chain.io , acknowledges the big risks involved with investing in such a cutting-edge technology. It should be left to companies that are willing to stare down potential losses in non-critical missions throughout their operation. On the flip-side, Glick says, “Getting in on generation two is usually the best answer for the vast majority of companies.”

But, what about those companies that are experimenting with blockchain now? What are practical applications of blockchain today? We’ve assembled a few key examples.

- Quality

Certain industries, namely food, necessitate a full understanding of every product’s life cycle because a mishap at any point could put the quality of the product at risk. The way things stand, this can be a tall task. A company may source their food from a myriad places, and all too often the companies they buy from aren’t passing the products' history along with it.

Blockchain, being a decentralized and irrefutable ledger, lets companies see the history of every product they source, as well as keep tabs on it through the shipping process. This allows shippers to ensure only top-quality product reaches the consumer. Key players such as Walmart, Unilever, Nestle, Tyson, and Dole are already using blockchain to this end.

- Risk (internal and external)

By having a neutral, accessible, and standardized account of a product as it moves through the supply chain, we-said/they-said disputes will turn into blockchain-said/we-accept agreements. The benefits of a single source of truth can be felt within your organization by coordinating across departments and out of your organization by keeping suppliers, vendors, co-packers, carriers, and the like transparent and accountable.

Put simply, blockchain mitigates risk. Throw Internet-of-Things (IoT) into the equation and even events like point of impact are recorded by sensors on the product and/or packaging. Damage claims have never been so transparent. With an agreed upon ledger, insurance disputes can be settled swiftly and easily (insofar as insurance claims go).

- Data

BHP Billiton, the world’s foremost mining firm, found operating in spreadsheets alone has proven unwieldy for such a large-scale company. From geologists to carriers, almost every stage of their process utilizes a vendor. Two-years ago, they addressed the problem by being one of the first companies to mandate vendors use their own blockchain-enabled app to record all captured data. This allows for internal centralization of a massive amount of data sources, points, and events. This data can then be used to further optimize and scale the supply chain.

- Connect with Consumer Values

Nielson, a top global information and measurement company, released a study that found 66% of respondents were willing to pay more for environmentally sustainable and socially conscious brands. Right now, consumers can only check companies through the media, quarterly reports, word of mouth, and company marketing strategies. Blockchain may be a key instrument for companies who want to leverage their clean supply chain by letting their buyers and investors know about those green efforts.

Blockchain-enabled company report cards aren’t a widespread phenomenon yet, but Provenance, a London-based start-up, is hoping to change that. Companies who utilize their app will have a number assigned to each finished product. Using that number, potential customers can review that product’s path from its source to the shop.

- Monitoring Controlled Substances

Companies and consumers aren’t the only entities with interest in supply chain transparency. Governments stand to gain far more visibility into the sourcing and sale of controlled substances by mandating the use of blockchain.

Canada recently made headlines with the nationwide legalization of marijuana, a market that needs to make the shift from fully off the books to highly regulated. Decision makers in Ottawa plan to keep tabs on the industry by using the decentralized ledger from “seed-to-sale”.

But what can most companies do to really hit the ground running once all the blockchain testing is over and it’s time to implement a solution? Glick suggests cleaning our data, and the way we source it, as soon as possible:

Clean data is the Holy Grail, and it’s the foundation that every AI company starts from… Companies need to start worrying about that [clean data], really two years ago, but if they haven’t, start worrying about it now….If you want to be able to do things with advanced technology you have to understand the data that’s in your environment and understand how it needs to be represented so that you can share it.

Couldn’t have put it better myself, Brian.

Start preparing for the industry-wide impacts of new technology today. Lets us review and grade your data today at day01.io

Listen to Brian Glick on Consulting Logistics below or subscribe now on iTunes , Spotify , or simply search your favorite podcast player for Consulting Logistics!

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Brendan Lawler Joins FreightPlus as Senior Manager, Strategic Planning and Customer Service

October 4, 2022

Innovative managed transportation provider continues to invest in hiring and developing the best talent within the logistics space QUINCY, Mass — FreightPlus, a data-driven managed transportation solutions provider, announced Brendan Lawler has joined as Senior Manager of Strategic Planning and Customer Service. Lawler brings in over seven years of experience leading diverse, cross-functional teams in challenging, chaotic, and ambiguous environments. In his new role, Lawler will own all aspects of planning, optimizing, appointing, tracking and servicing customers’ freight. He looks forward to standardizing the planning and customer service functions within the department and incrementally improving the throughput of the team through process improvement and technology integration. “I am energized by the opportunity to help continue FreightPlus’s growth as a data-driven transportation management solutions provider,” says Lawler. “I’m eager to use my experience in leading teams toward operational excellence to enhance the customized service for our clients. FreightPlus's mission to ‘simplify complex logistics together’ embodies the people-driven culture that I value so deeply. I look forward to joining a company that is team-focused and has a proven track record of transforming ideas into innovative solutions that create sustainable impact.” Lawler previously served as a Captain in the Marine Corps and as Senior Operations Manager within Amazon Transportation Services, where he focused on driving operational excellence and utilizing new technology to drive process improvements. In his tenure, he was responsible for developing and implementing new network-level process improvements for both under-the-roof (UTR) and over-the-road (OTR) operations, as well as spearheading the effort of optimizing the synchronization of warehouse and transportation operations. With revenue and employee count quadrupling over the past five years, FreightPlus was listed no. 184 on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America in 2022. Chief Operating Officer Ben Graeff comments, “I am so excited to welcome Brendan to FreightPlus. Brendan brings a deep background in operational excellence from his time in the Marine Corps and Amazon Transportation. He is a quiet leader that leads by example, lives in the day-to-day details, and is the exact right person to help us scale our operation and customer service teams through our continued growth.” About FreightPlus FreightPlus is an industry provider of data-driven transportation management, offering businesses customized and fully tailored managed transportation solutions in a boutique environment where clients get the individual attention they deserve. FreightPlus combines first class customer service with innovative technology and industry best practices to help mid-size and growing companies work efficiently in the $800B domestic transportation market. Visit FreightPlus.io for more information. ### Media Contact: Courtney Conyers Marketing & Communications cconyers@freightplus.io

FreightPlus Ranks #184 on the Inc. 5000 List

August 16, 2022

For the 2nd Time, FreightPlus Appears on the Inc. 5000, Ranking No. 184 on the List of Fastest-growing Privately Held Companies in America FreightPlus recognizes a three-year revenue growth rate of 2,846% NEW YORK, August 16, 2022 – Today, Inc. revealed that FreightPlus is No. 184 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list represents a one-of-a-kind look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000. “We are honored to be featured on the annual Inc. 5000 list for the second year in a row,” said Stephen Aborn, FreightPlus Chief Executive Officer. “This award and our ranking reflect the continuous dedication from our team to providing our customers with the people, technology and processes to build best-in-class logistics programs. We are thrilled to be recognized as we strive to bring customer-centric and innovative solutions to the world of logistics.” The companies on the 2022 Inc. 5000 have not only been successful, but have also demonstrated resilience amid supply chain woes, labor shortages, and the ongoing impact of Covid-19. Among the top 500, the average median three-year revenue growth rate soared to 2,144 percent. Together, those companies added more than 68,394 jobs over the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000 . The top 500 companies are featured in the September issue of Inc. magazine, which will be available on August 23. “The accomplishment of building one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., in light of recent economic roadblocks, cannot be overstated,” says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that have established themselves through innovation, hard work, and rising to the challenges of today.” About FreightPlus FreightPlus is an industry provider of data-driven transportation management offering businesses customized and fully tailored managed transportation solutions in a boutique environment where clients get the individual attention they deserve. FreightPlus combines first class customer service with innovative technology and industry practices to help mid-size and growing companies work efficiently in the $800B domestic transportation market. Visit https://www.freightplus.io/ for more information. Media Contact: Courtney Conyers cconyers@freightplus.io

FreightPlus Names New Senior Vice President of LTL

July 26, 2022

Innovative managed transportation provider brings on LTL industry leader to continue to support rapid growth QUINCY, Mass — FreightPlus, a data-driven managed transportation solutions provider, has announced the expansion of their company with the hiring of Curtis Garrett, joining as Senior Vice President of LTL. Garrett will focus on improving carrier relationships and interactions through utilizing technology and strategic processes. With revenue and employee count quadrupling over the past five years, FreightPlus was named the second-fastest growing privately held company in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal. FreightPlus was also listed as the 783 rd fastest-growing company on the 2021 Inc 5000 list. CEO Stephen Aborn commented, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Curtis. Expanding our team with his experience is a great step in the right direction for FreightPlus as we continue to look for the most innovative and ambitious thinkers in the logistics space.” Garrett brings fifteen years of LTL experience prior to joining FreightPlus, including eight with ODFL in operations, driving, pricing, yield, and W&I. Since departing from ODFL, he has spent six years on the 3PL, software and consulting side of the industry, recently serving as Vice President of Pricing and then Chief Strategy Officer at Reconex. Garrett is fascinated with technology and is truly a student of the industry. Having overseen hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue on the business profitability side, as well as pricing and carrier relationships and procurement, Garrett is more determined than ever to break down silos and get everyone on the same playing field. “I am beyond excited to join FreightPlus”, said Garrett on his new role. He continued, “from what I have witnessed, this company has all the right parts and pieces – customer obsession, innovation, and grit – to do big things in the freight industry and I could not be more excited to be a part of it.” About FreightPlus FreightPlus is an industry provider of data-driven transportation management offering businesses customized and fully tailored managed transportation solutions in a boutique environment where clients get the individual attention they deserve. FreightPlus combines first-class customer service with innovative technology and industry practices to help mid-size and growing companies work efficiently in the $800B domestic transportation market. Visit https://www.freightplus.io/ for more information. Media Contact: Courtney Conyers cconyers@freightplus.io

FreightPlus Named to Boston Business Journal's Fast 50 List

FreightPlus Named to Boston Business Journal's 2022 Fast 50 List

March 28, 2022

FreightPlus has been named to Boston Business Journal's exclusive 2022 Fast 50 list for the first time.

Ben Graeff Appointed as FreightPlus Chief Operating Officer

FreightPlus Expands C-Suite with the Appointment of Ben Graeff as Chief Operating Officer

March 7, 2022

Innovative managed transportation provider continues to invest in executive team to support the company’s rapid growth. QUINCY, Mass — FreightPlus, a data-driven managed transportation solutions provider, announced Ben Graeff has joined as Chief Operating Officer, the first in company history. Graeff will be responsible for the company’s operational, managerial, and product strategy, as well as driving day to day and quarterly results and innovation in FreightPlus’ next stage of scale and growth. With revenue and employee count quadrupling over the past five years, FreightPlus was named to The Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America in 2021. CEO Stephen Aborn commented, “I am thrilled to welcome Ben to FreightPlus. His natural ability to lead and his experience scaling large businesses at the intersection of technology and operations will be invaluable to our growth story. Every person or partner that works with Ben will be better for it.” Graeff brings over 10 years of experience building technology and businesses at Amazon. Prior to joining FreightPlus, he served as Sr. Manager, Product Management and Data Analytics within Amazon Transportation Services. During his tenure, Graeff was responsible for P&L ownership in Amazon’s consumer retail division, developing new software and customer experiences for Amazon Prime, as well as product development and business results in operations and logistics across the globe. “I am excited to join a company whose mission embodies solving complex problems in partnership with its customers,” said Graeff on his new role. He continued, “Like all great organizations , FreightPlus is powered by its people. I’m eager to join this growing team and blend my experience in building and developing organizations with delivering fast-paced results through people, process and technology. FreightPlus’ commitment to driving long-term partnerships, cost savings and strong service for our customers aligns closely to my core values. I look forward to continuing to build the products, processes, programs and technologies to drive FreightPlus’ future growth as a data-driven transportation management service.” About FreightPlus About FreightPlus FreightPlus is an industry provider of data-driven transportation management offering businesses customized and fully tailored managed transportation solutions in a boutique environment where clients get the individual attention they deserve. FreightPlus combines first-class customer service with innovative technology and industry practices to help mid-size and growing companies work efficiently in the $800B domestic transportation market. Visit https://www.freightplus.io/ for more information. Media Contact: Courtney Conyers cconyers@freightplus.io