Title: A blockchain-based decision system for implementing traceability in a multiple sourcing strategy

Authors: Kaoutar Jenoui; Ahmed El Maalmi

Addresses: Laboratory Smartilab, Moroccan School of Engineering Sciences, EMSI, Rabat 10 000, Morocco ' Engineering Sciences Laboratory, National School of Applied Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra 14 000, Morocco

Abstract: Ensuring traceability in the upstream supply chain management can be challenging, particularly, when it comes to determining the optimal quantity to be sourced from each supplier in a multiple-sourcing strategy. This paper presents a novel blockchain-based decision system (BBDS) for implementing traceability in a multiple-sourcing strategy. The proposed BBDS is based on a distributed architecture that ensures the transparent sharing of data among different parties. The system utilises a special currency and nodes for permission verification and information requests including the upstream supply chain enterprises. The deployment of the BBDS requires the development of a decision system and a smart contract using a dedicated programming language. The results of this research demonstrate the potential of the BBDS to improve the traceability and decision-making process in a multiple-sourcing strategy. We conclude by discussing the limitations and potential future developments of our proposed system.

Keywords: supply chain management; blockchain technologies; traceability; multiple sourcing strategy; decision making system.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2025.150278

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2025 Vol.52 No.4, pp.467 - 487

Received: 08 Feb 2023
Accepted: 04 Jun 2023
Published online: 08 Dec 2025 *

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