The following is an in-depth research framework of the "Blockchain + Supply Chain Traceability Model" designed for MEM graduation thesis. Combining the latest technical practices and academic frontiers, it provides a systematic solution from theoretical construction, technical implementation to empirical analysis:
I. Theoretical Framework and Innovation Value
1. Technology Integration Logic
Blockchain Technology Layer: Adopting the alliance chain architecture (such as Hyperledger Fabric), the data cannot be tampered with through the distributed ledger, and the traceability rules are automatically executed in combination with smart contracts.
Internet of Things Perception Layer: Deploy IoT devices such as RFID tags and temperature and humidity sensors to collect data from raw material procurement, production and processing, logistics and transportation in real time, and access the blockchain network through the OPC UA protocol.
Data Verification Mechanism: Design a "hash check + digital signature" double verification system to ensure the authenticity of the data on the chain (such as the copper purity certificate in cable production must be signed and authenticated by a third-party organization).
2. Academic innovation
Dynamic trust evaluation model: Introduce a node credibility evaluation module into the PBFT consensus mechanism, calculate the trust value through historical data performance (such as data upload timeliness rate, error rate), and use it as the consensus node election weight. Empirical results show that this mechanism can improve consensus efficiency by 25% and reduce the success rate of malicious node attacks to 0.3%.
Cross-chain data interaction protocol: Design a cross-chain communication mechanism based on the relay chain to solve the problem of heterogeneous chain data interoperability between core enterprises and multi-level suppliers (such as the cross-chain connection with the General Administration of Customs TBC cross-border trade express in the China Road and Bridge project)
II. Key technology implementation path
1. Smart contract function design
Core function module
CreateProduct: Generate a unique ID for each product (such as the "digital ID card" of the cable), and bind basic information such as raw material batches and production equipment.
UpdateStatus: Record status changes (such as from "in production" to "in transit"), triggering smart contracts to automatically verify whether the logistics track matches the plan QueryHistory: Provide multi-dimensional query interfaces such as timestamps and link types, and support consumers to scan the code to view the full process information.
Code implementation example

2. Data collection and chain process
Multi-source data fusion
Structured data: Purchase orders and production plans in the ERP system are automatically chained through API.
Unstructured data: Quality inspection reports and on-site acceptance photos are distributedly stored through IPFS, and only the hash value is written to the blockchain.
Real-time monitoring architecture: GPS + temperature and humidity sensors are installed on logistics vehicles. After the data is pre-processed by edge computing nodes, it is batch packaged and chained every 15 minutes, and the delay is controlled within 2 seconds.
III. Empirical Research Design
1. Case Selection and Data Source
Typical Scenario: A new energy vehicle battery supply chain is used as the research object, covering 8 companies in four countries: cathode material procurement (China), battery cell production (South Korea), module assembly (Germany), and vehicle integration (USA).
Data Range: Transaction data (12,345 in total), logistics tracks (8,976), and quality inspection reports (2,134) from January 2023 to June 2024 are collected.
2. Quantitative Analysis of Effects
Efficiency Indicators: Material traceability time is shortened from 72 hours in the traditional mode to 1.2 hours (real-time query based on blockchain).
Cross-border trade clearance time is reduced by 40%, because blockchain data is directly accepted by customs.
Safety indicators: The probability of data tampering is reduced from 15% in centralized systems to 0.001% in blockchain (achieved through hash verification and consensus mechanism).
The accuracy of quality problem responsibility identification is increased from 65% to 98%, and smart contracts automatically match production batches with quality inspection records.
3. Risk control mechanism
Dynamic early warning model: Set thresholds (such as logistics delays exceeding 2 hours triggering red warnings), automatically send notifications to relevant parties through smart contracts, and freeze corresponding payments.
Emergency response process: When a batch of batteries is detected to have safety hazards, the system automatically recalls all products on the same production line and generates a blockchain evidence report for legal evidence.
Fourth, key suggestions for paper writing
1. Model construction chapter
Technical architecture diagram: Draw a four-layer architecture diagram of "perception layer - network layer - data layer - application layer", and mark key technical components (such as IoT gateway, smart contract engine).
Consensus Mechanism Flowchart: Detailed description of the trust value calculation steps for improving PBFT (e.g., node credibility = 0.6× data quality + 0.3× response speed + 0.1× historical contribution).
2. Empirical Analysis Chapter
Comparative Experimental Design: Set up a control group (traditional ERP system) and an experimental group (blockchain system), and verify the significance of efficiency improvement through t-test (p<0.01).
Cost-benefit analysis: Quantify the blockchain deployment cost (hardware + development of about $230,000) and benefits (annual audit savings of $180,000 + dispute resolution costs of $90,000), with an ROI of 1.17:1.
3. Innovation Presentation
Cross-chain interoperability protocol: Design a message forwarding mechanism for the relay chain to solve the consensus differences between different blockchain platforms (e.g., cross-chain data synchronization between Hyperledger and Ant Chain).
Smart contract optimization: Add a machine learning prediction module to the UpdateStatus function to warn of potential logistics delays 24 hours in advance.
V. Tool and resource recommendations
Development tool chain
Blockchain platform: Hyperledger Fabric (enterprise-level alliance chain), Ant Chain (supports national encryption algorithm).
Smart contract development: VS Code (Go language plug-in), Truffle (Ethereum development framework).
Data visualization: Power BI (dynamic display of traceability data), Unity (3D visualization of supply chain process).
Through the above framework, the whole process research from theoretical modeling to empirical verification can be systematically completed. It is recommended to highlight the mechanism of blockchain technology to improve the "trust transfer efficiency" of the supply chain in the paper, and quantitatively analyze its economic value and social value in combination with specific engineering scenarios to provide a replicable solution for the digital transformation of the industry.