Blockchain Technology for Enhanced Product Tracing in Supply Chain Management

Conventional supply chains often suffer from inefficiencies, limited transparency, and fragmented documentation systems, resulting in delays, increased costs, and difficulties in verifying the authenticity of products. Blockchain technology offers a solution by establishing a unified, tamper-resistant ledger that enables stakeholders to track the movement, ownership, and compliance status of goods in real time. By leveraging cryptographic security and decentralized consensus, blockchain enhances data reliability and fosters trust across the supply chain ecosystem. Key advantages include improved traceability, streamlined operations through automation, reduced fraud, better regulatory alignment, cost optimization, and support for sustainability goals. Its use extends to areas such as procurement, logistics, inventory control, and international trade. This paper investigates the role of blockchain in modernizing supply chain processes, with an emphasis on product traceability. It examines real-world implementations by industry leaders like Walmart and Alibaba, highlighting measurable improvements. Furthermore, the study considers emerging trends such as integration with artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, as well as ethical aspects like data protection and environmental sustainability.