While the current buzz over Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are hard to ignore, the underlying technology that makes the trade of bitcoins possible needs to be further explored. Blockchain technology is the virtual, public ledger that records everything in a secure and transparent matter. The benefits of blockchain are more than big enough to sustain its relevance for years to come, unlike the cryptocurrency it was designed to support. Here are six of the most important benefits of blockchain that will prove useful to businesses in different industries.
Supply Chain Management
Blockchain technology offers the supply chain management industry the benefits of cost-effectiveness and traceability. A blockchain can be used to track all the movements of goods, their origin, and their quality. This can help to simplify processes within the industry like ownership transfer, payments, and production process assurances.
Quality Assurance
A blockchain system can lead to finding the point of origin if an irregularity is detected somewhere along the supply chain. This will make it easier for businesses who utilize the technology to carry out investigations and execute the actions necessary to correct the problem.
Accounting
Recording transactions through blockchain can virtually eliminate human error and will prevent the data from being tampered with. Records within the blockchain are verified every single time they are passed on from one block to the next within the chain. Along with providing guaranteed accuracy of documents, the process also leaves a highly traceable audit trail.
Voting
The aspect of voting, just like with supply chain management, all boils down to trust. Utilizing blockchain technology in local elections could significantly diminish electoral fraud, which has become an issue despite the prevalence of electronic voting systems. Another example would be how NASDAQ could leverage blockchain to facilitate shareholder voting.
Stock Exchange
The idea of implementing blockchain technology for securities and commodities training isn’t new. Given the open-yet-reliable nature of the blockchain technology, it isn’t surprising that stock exchanges consider it to be the next big step forward in trading.
Energy Supply
In certain parts of the world, household and commercial establishments can now take advantage of blockchain-enabled transactive grids for sustainable energy solutions that track usage accurately. Blockchains can also be used to improve the tracking of clean energy. Renewable energy is traditionally followed through tradable certificates that have been issued by the government. The documents are terrible in serving their purpose, which is something that blockchain wouldn’t have any trouble handling.
It is clear that blockchain technology is making strides in different industries outside of cryptocurrency. While most people are ready for decentralized ledgers, the progress of blockchain technology means it probably won’t be too far off from becoming mainstream.
