Introduction
As products become more complex, the supply chains behind them grow longer and more opaque. A single component might pass through dozens of intermediaries before reaching the assembly line. Blockchain technology offers a decentralized, immutable ledger that records every transaction and movement of a part, creating a “Single Source of Truth” that no single party can alter.
In the context of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Blockchain extends the Digital Thread beyond the walls of the factory, providing a secure bridge between manufacturers, suppliers, and regulators.
Key Uses of Blockchain in the Supply Chain
1. Provenance and Anti-Counterfeiting
Counterfeit parts are a multi-billion dollar risk, especially in Aerospace and Defense. Blockchain allows for a “Digital Birth Certificate” for every part. By scanning a QR code or RFID tag, an engineer can verify the entire history of a component, from the raw material origin to the final quality certification.
2. Smart Contracts for Automated Logistics
Smart contracts are self-executing programs stored on the blockchain. For example, a system can automatically release payment to a supplier the moment a shipment passes a quality inspection and is logged into the PLM system. This reduces administrative overhead and disputes.
3. Digital Product Passports (DPP)
With new regulations (like those in the EU) focused on sustainability, Blockchain provides a secure way to store a product’s environmental data—carbon footprint, material recyclability, and repair history—ensuring compliance with “Circular Economy” standards.
4. Real-Time Inventory and Recall Management
If a specific batch of raw material is found to be defective, Blockchain allows a manufacturer to identify every single product affected in seconds, enabling surgical recalls instead of costly, broad-scale actions.
The Benefits of Blockchain for Manufacturers
| Benefit | Impact on the Lifecycle |
| Immutability | Records cannot be deleted or forged, providing an indisputable audit trail. |
| Enhanced Transparency | All partners in the supply chain have visibility into the status of parts and materials. |
| Reduced Risk | Faster identification of quality issues and elimination of counterfeit risks. |
| Operational Efficiency | Automation of paperwork and verification through smart contracts. |
Integrating Blockchain with the PLM Strategy
Blockchain does not replace PLM; it enhances it. The PLM system manages the internal intellectual property and design, while Blockchain manages the external handoffs and transactions:
- As-Built vs. As-Maintained: When a product is serviced in the field, the new parts and maintenance records are logged on the Blockchain, updating the product’s digital twin in the PLM.
- Supplier Collaboration: Blockchain provides a secure environment where suppliers can upload compliance certificates that are automatically linked to the engineering requirements in the PLM.
How Visure Solutions Secures the Supply Chain Link
Visure Requirements ALM Platform ensures that your supply chain data remains compliant and traceable:
- Requirement-to-Source Traceability: Link your high-level quality requirements directly to the certificates of origin managed on the Blockchain.
- Audit Readiness: When an auditor asks for the history of a critical component, Visure provides the link between the design requirement and the immutable Blockchain record.
- Supplier Portal Integration: Manage requirements with external partners through Visure’s secure portals, ensuring that the “handshake” of data is documented and aligned with the physical goods tracked via Blockchain.
- Risk Management: Identify supply chain vulnerabilities by analyzing the “Digital Thread” that connects your design to the real-world movement of materials.
Conclusion: Building a Foundation of Integrity
Blockchain is the technology that finally brings accountability to global manufacturing. By creating a transparent and unchangeable record of every component’s journey, companies can protect their brand, comply with global regulations, and build more resilient products.
With Visure, you ensure that your requirements-driven design is backed by a transparent supply chain. We help you close the loop between what you designed and what was actually built, using the best of emerging technology to guarantee excellence.
Check out the 14-day free trial at Visure and experience how AI-driven change control can help you manage changes faster, safer, and with full audit readiness.
