Integration of blockchain-based digital identity management in an aeronautical manufacturing setting

Abstract Ensuring traceability and regulatory compliance in aeronautical manufacturing requires robust mechanisms for data integrity, transparency, and accountability across the product lifecycle. This work presents the design and implementation of a system that integrates blockchain technology with digital identity management to enhance data traceability in a real-world aeronautical manufacturing setting. The approach modifies an existing data flow to incorporate decentralised identity mechanisms and verifiable credentials, enabling the secure attribution of actions to machines and data sources. The persistence layer is built with Hyperledger Fabric, a well-known permissioned blockchain. Details of the deployment are provided, including the smart contracts used to manage data and a performance assessment across several stages of the data flow. This assessment provides insight into the impact of including a digital identity management layer into an existing data flow with industrial constraints. Findings indicate minimal overhead and strong consistency in traceability data capture. The proposed architecture illustrates the potential of combining digital identity and blockchain technologies to meet the stringent traceability requirements of safety-critical industries.