--- title: Blockchain in Supply Chain Tech. Where Are We After Years of Hype? description: Explore blockchain’s real role in supply chains, its successful use cases, failed projects, and why adoption remains limited after years of industry hype. image: https://bluebox-systems.com/hubfs/A2.jpg --- [![BlueBoxSystems](https://bluebox-systems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BlueBoxSystems.webp?width=153&height=60&name=BlueBoxSystems.webp)](https://bluebox-systems.com/) - PLATFORM - [BlueBoxCargo](https://bluebox-systems.com/cargo-tracking-management-system) - [CO2 Tracking](https://bluebox-systems.com/co2-tracking) - [Onboarding & API](https://bluebox-systems.com/onboarding) - [Trade Lane Intelligence](https://bluebox-systems.com/trade-lane-management) - [OUR COMPANY](https://bluebox-systems.com/our-company) - [Our Story](https://bluebox-systems.com/our-company#our-story) - [Agility and Innovation](https://bluebox-systems.com/our-company#agility-innvoation) - [Customers](https://bluebox-systems.com/our-company#customers) - RESOURCES - [News](https://bluebox-systems.com/news-and-conferences) - [Conferences](https://bluebox-systems.com/news-and-conferences#conferences) - [Blog](https://bluebox-systems.com/blog) - [FAQ](https://bluebox-systems.com/faq) - [Freight Visibility Glossary](https://bluebox-systems.com/freight-visibility-glossary) - [Book Our Demo](https://bluebox-systems.com/demo) [LOG IN](https://bluebox-systems-cargo.com/login.html) [BOOK OUR DEMO](https://bluebox-systems.com/demo) Insights # Blockchain in Supply Chain Tech. Where Are We After Years of Hype? Explore blockchain’s real role in supply chains, its successful use cases, failed projects, and why adoption remains limited after years of industry hype. [Jakub Ctvrtnicek](https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/author/jakub-ctvrtnicek) Jul 7, 2025 [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/blockchain-in-supply-chain-tech.-where-are-we-after-years-of-hype&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/blockchain-in-supply-chain-tech.-where-are-we-after-years-of-hype&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/blockchain-in-supply-chain-tech.-where-are-we-after-years-of-hype&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/blockchain-in-supply-chain-tech.-where-are-we-after-years-of-hype&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email) [Insights](https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/tag/insights) ![](https://bluebox-systems.com/hubfs/A2.jpg) 1\. The BuiltIn Complexity of Supply Chainsz Supply chains are naturally complex because they involve many parties, multiple territories and countless handovers. A single product may pass through manufacturers, distributors,  freight forwarders, customs authorities, warehouses and retailers. Each party handles both the physical goods and the data that travels with them. The result is fragmented information, limited transparency and constant coordination challenges. Long before blockchain appeared, the industry struggled to maintain a single source of truth. 2\. How Supply Chain Tech Has Evolved and Where Blockchain Fits Over the last two decades supply chain technology has moved from widespread ERP adoption to digital trade platforms, transportation management systems and real time visibility tools. In the last five years, new drivers have emerged such as blockchain and distributed ledgers, API connectivity, IoT tracking, AI and product lifecycle management tools. Blockchain has played its strongest role in areas that require trust between multiple parties, including: - real time visibility and traceability - regulatory and customs documentation exchange - supply chain finance where data integrity and trust are essential Its biggest value appears in situations where no single stakeholder can or should control the data. ![A3](https://bluebox-systems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/A3.jpg?width=716&height=330&name=A3.jpg) 3\. Three Main Blockchain Use Case Pillars Across the industry, three categories have become the most relevant: - Product traceability. Tracking the origin and movement of goods and supporting  digital product passports and chain of custody. - Traceability of information. Verifying the legitimacy of documents, certificates and decisions. - Supply chain finance. Enabling secure and transparent financial exchanges including tokenised payments or asset transfers. 4\. Why Some Blockchain Projects Failed Several high profile initiatives have not succeeded. These examples highlight that even good technology cannot succeed without the right ecosystem design. - TEU Token aimed to reduce ocean freight container overbooking through crypto backed smart contracts but never gained traction. - Swedbridge focused on supply chain finance and transparency but failed to scale. - TradeLens, a major collaboration between Maersk and IBM, struggled because too much control sat with one dominant player which discouraged broader industry participation. The strongest surviving element was the electronic bill of lading, now adopted elsewhere. 5\. Blockchain Projects That Are Working Some blockchain based solutions have proven practical and sustainable: - CargoX provides secure digital bills of lading. - The Singapore Chamber of Commerce authenticates certificates of origin via blockchain. - OriginTrail uses a decentralised knowledge graph to verify compliance and safety documents, enabling importers and retailers to validate authenticity via API. - Everledger and TraceX deliver provenance and sustainability tracking for materials and goods. These projects solve clear problems and fit into processes where trust gaps traditionally slowed operations. Blockchain’s Role Today Blockchain’s promise in supply chains has always been tied to the problems of trust, traceability and multiparty collaboration. Between 2017 and 2022 the hype was enormous, yet adoption cooled and AI now captures most attention. What the industry has been missing is not another killer app but a killer business model or regulation that forces broad adoption. Until that happens blockchain will remain valuable in specific niches but not yet transformative at scale. Post courtesy of Jakub Ctvrtnicek, supply chain expert. View Jakub’s substack at [https://wisechainconsult.substack.com/](https://wisechainconsult.substack.com/) ## Similar posts Partner ### [BlueBox Systems and Cargo Community Network (CCN) announce partnership](https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/bluebox-systems-and-cargo-community-network-ccn-announce-partnership) BlueBoxCargo integrated into CUBEforall, the pioneering airfreight supply chain management portal powered by Singapore’s Cargo Community Network Henning Flaspöler Oct 30, 2025 Insights ### [The 5 Most Interesting Transport Network Indexes - sources & insights](https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/the-5-most-interesting-transport-network-indexes-sources-insights) Explore key transport network indexes and public supply chain data sources that help shippers compare performance and improve logistics decisions. Jakub Ctvrtnicek Jan 22, 2025 Press ### [BlueBox Systems introduces BlueBoxCargo: The ultimate cargo tracking solution](https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/bluebox-systems-introduces-blueboxcargo) BlueBox Systems introduces BlueBoxCargo, the best cargo tracking solution for air and ocean freight. Enhance your supply chain with real-time... Henning Flaspöler May 27, 2024 [![c-1](https://bluebox-systems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/c-1.png?width=200&height=79&name=c-1.png)](https://bluebox-systems.com/) Bluebox Systems GmbH Am Hof 28 D-53113 Bonn [+49 228 33885400](tel:4922833885400) ### Platform - [BlueBoxCargo](https://bluebox-systems.com/cargo-tracking-management-system) - [Co2-Tracking](https://bluebox-systems.com/co2-tracking) - [Onboarding & API](https://bluebox-systems.com/onboarding) ### Company - [Our Story](https://bluebox-systems.com/our-company#our-story) - [Agility and Innovation](https://bluebox-systems.com/our-company#agility-innvoation) - [Customers](https://bluebox-systems.com/our-company#customers) ### Resources - [News](https://bluebox-systems.com/news-and-conferences) - [Conferences](https://bluebox-systems.com/news-and-conferences#conferences) - [Blog](https://bluebox-systems.com/blog) - [Faq](https://bluebox-systems.com/faq) - [Freight Visibility Glossary](https://bluebox-systems.com/freight-visibility-glossary) - [Book Our Demo](https://bluebox-systems.com/demo) © 2026 Bluebox Systems GmbH     All rights reserved        [Imprint](https://bluebox-systems.eu/imprint)[Privacy Policy](https://bluebox-systems.eu/privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jakub Ctvrtnicek", "url" : "https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/author/jakub-ctvrtnicek" }, "dateModified" : "2026-01-09T14:50:24.586Z", "datePublished" : "2025-07-07T22:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Blockchain in Supply Chain Tech. 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For air freight, a Master Airwaybill number is required. Providing more data (beyond these) is recommended to enrich the tracking experience. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}" }, "name" : "What data do you need to track a shipment?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes — BlueBox provides color‑coded Excel upload templates (Green = mandatory, Yellow = recommended, Orange = optional). Send a request to support@bluebox-systems.com and they will provide the sheets. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}" }, "name" : "Can I view your excel upload file?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "BlueBox charges per container or Master Ocean BL for ocean freight, and per Master Airwaybill for air freight. There is a supplemental charge for CO₂ tracking. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}" }, "name" : "How do you charge for tracking services?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "You can have as many users as you like; there is no charge per user. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}" }, "name" : "How many user licences can we have?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "You can start tracking the same day if you upload via Excel. API integration typically takes 1‑4 weeks, depending on your system and tech‑team. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}" }, "name" : "How long does it take to start tracking shipments?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Through the UI, you can select shipments (or groups) and email a hyperlink to customers. Alternatively, you can create sub‑accounts for customers, letting them log in to view their own shipments and reports. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}" }, "name" : "How can I share shipments with customers?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes — BlueBox offers a free trial for up to 20 air and/or ocean shipments. You just need to fill out the contact form to get started. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}" }, "name" : "Can I have a trial of your tracking services?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Typically, yes — BlueBox signs an annual contract with tiered pricing based on volume commitments. But they also offer introductory packages for 45‑day or 90‑day periods, for users who want to try the service without a long-term commitment. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}" }, "name" : "Do I have to sign an annual contract?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "They invoice monthly for the actual shipments tracked (subject to minimum volume if agreed). 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