Researchers at North Carolina State University are proposing the creation of a public, open-source network that uses blockchains to share verifiable manufacturing data.
They believe the system could be used as a peer-to-peer network that allows companies to find small- and medium-sized manufacturers that are capable of producing specific components on a reliable basis.
"Small- and medium-scale manufacturers often lack the resources and network reach necessary to make all of their potential clients aware of their manufacturing capabilities," said Binil Starly, head of NC State's Data Intensive Manufacturing Environment Lab.
According to him, the the approach dubbed FabRec would help potential clients find manufacturers with relevant expertise and equipment in an efficient way. It would also allow companies to automatically report about their manufacturing activities.
“Because it's being done through the blockchain, which allows event logs to be traced to their source, there is accountability. So clients can find the right manufacturers, and manufacturers can find new clients, without relying solely on claims made in marketing materials," Starly added.
To demonstrate the viability of the concept, the researchers created FabRec - a publicly-accessible, prototype network that currently accepts input from a handful of machines.
As a future step the researchers are planning to develop software that would allow to authenticate sources entering data into the system - as well as identifying any unreliable sources.
They are looking for manufacturers and IT sector partners to help build up the network and establish it as a “reliable, publicly accessible resource for supply chain professionals.”