Published on: 2025-10-14 at 00:00:02
Topic: Blockchain Traceability and Data Quality Issues

Blockchain traceability offers a transparent and immutable ledger for tracking products and transactions across supply chains, enhancing accountability and reducing fraud. However, despite its potential, several data quality issues persist. The accuracy and reliability of blockchain depend heavily on the initial data input, often referred to as the "garbage in, garbage out" problem. If incorrect or fraudulent data is entered at the source, the blockchain will faithfully record these errors, undermining trust. Additionally, data standardization remains a challenge, as diverse stakeholders may use different formats and protocols, complicating interoperability. The decentralized nature of blockchain can also lead to inconsistencies if consensus mechanisms are not robustly designed. Moreover, privacy concerns arise when sensitive information is stored on transparent ledgers, sometimes leading to data obfuscation that can affect traceability. Lastly, scalability issues may impact the timeliness and completeness of data recording. Addressing these challenges requires integrating reliable data verification methods, adopting universal standards, and implementing hybrid solutions that combine blockchain with off-chain data management to ensure high data quality and effective traceability.