Blockchain is a popular topic in the business and financial marketplace. Throughout all the chatter, there seems to be a lot of confusion. Many people are asking questions such as “What is blockchain?” and “How will it impact business”? Blockchain technology is relatively new, these are legitimate questions. In an attempt to clear up some of the confusion, let’s start with explaining what it is and how blockchain works.
Blockchain Defined
Defined by Don and Alex Tapscott in the book BlockChain Revolution, “Blockchain is an incorruptible digital ledger of economic transactions that can be programmed to record not just financial transactions but virtually everything of value.” The information contained is documented in real time and allows multiple stakeholders possessing the right key to access and share it. The information in the blockchain and cannot be hacked or manipulated.
Originally used strictly for financial transactions within the crypto-currency market. The potential benefits of using blockchain in retail applications are beginning to come to light. The technology is poised to transform the retail marketplace.
How Blockchain Works
Basically, blockchain is a continual list of information recorded in blocks that are linked together using cryptography. Cryptography is a process which encrypts and secures the communication of the data to prevent third-parties from gaining access to it. The data recorded can’t be changed and each block has a cryptographic hash of the previous block. In essence, blockchain is like a digital notary and includes timestamps to prevent tampering.
Blockchain Benefits
With a basic understanding of what blockchain is and how it works, the next question would be “How will it impact the way business is conducted?” Blockchain can provide retailers and other businesses with multiple benefits. While many think these benefits may not be realized for quite some time, with the speed at which technology is evolving, the need to take advantage of them may arise in the not so distant future.
Transparency and Consumer Confidence
Most consumers don’t understand or care about how blockchain works but will appreciate the benefits it can provide. For example, there has been much concern in recent years about the diamond industry. Whether the diamonds being used in jewelry manufacturing are conflict-free. Once blockchain is fully integrated into the retail sector from raw materials to the point of sale, a consumer could potentially access that information by simply scanning the QR code related to the product.
This would allow them to see the history of the product from the mining the diamonds to jewelry manufacturing. By using blockchain technology, retailers would be providing consumers with complete transparency which would significantly increase consumer confidence. Sound a little like science fiction? China is currently using blockchain in its JD Stores to track the source of their meat being imported from Australia. Moving forward, blockchain could increase consumer confidence in various sectors including food, medicine, luxury items, and all financial transactions.
Proof of Authenticity
Counterfeiting of goods, especially luxury goods, is a massive industry worldwide. Directly related to transparency, blockchain could make businesses with global supply chains more accountable and cause the number of counterfeit products will decrease. It would help primary markets and secondary resale markets ensure consumers of product authenticity.
In 2018, the federal government seized close to a half-billion dollars worth of counterfeit luxury goods in New York. Among the counterfeit brands seized were Gucci, Hermes, and Tory Burch. While purchasing a fake handbag may only result in minor financial loss, using a counterfeit personal product such as shampoo or perfume could result in exposing yourself to harmful chemicals.
Proof of authenticity could greatly improve product safety. As well as help prevent counterfeiting from diluting the integrity of a brand. In order for this type of authentication to take place, complete supply chains would have to be fully integrated with blockchain. Making it extremely difficult to hide any type of counterfeiting taking place.
Streamlining Delivery
While consumers may not truly understand all that’s involved in orchestrating an on-time delivery, they appreciate it when receiving one. Retailers and manufacturers also rely on goods and materials being delivered on time to keep their businesses running smoothly.
Miscommunication at any point in the supply chain can derail a successful delivery. Trying to locate the breakdown in communications and expedite a rescheduled delivery can be complicated, time-consuming and costly. Implementing blockchain from the point of origin would provide a single ledger of undisputable data and history. This could help eliminate any miscommunication. As well as facilitate the efficient and reliable transportation of goods resulting in positive experiences for both retailers and consumers.
Financing Business Technology
While the full implementation of blockchain in the retail sector may not be right around the corner, business technology is constantly evolving. Keeping up with current technology trends can put a strain on cash flow or even deplete business capital. At the same time, not staying on the cutting edge of technology can cause a business to be outpaced by their competition.
CapFlow Funding Group offers factoring services to provide you with the capital you need to stay on top of business technology and remain competitive. We also work with our clients to connect them to purchase order financing, inventory funding, and merchant cash advance services. Contact us today and find out how we can help your business.
