Blockchain Application in Mass Customization: A Furniture Sector Example

Abstract

Blockchain technology attracts attention with its successful results in many areas. It has managed to become widespread in the global arena with the efficiency, security, and transparency feature it offers in applications. Detailed information requirements in every stage and process of a product in the manufacturing sector require traceability from the manufacturer to the customer. In addition, with the developing technology, manufacturers turn to customer-oriented production models. For this purpose, a traceable furniture chain prototype that develops production focused on customer demands is proposed as an exemplary scenario. In this study, the traceability problem was analyzed and a blockchain-based platform was proposed. In addition, the compatibility of the Internet of Things (IoT), Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), and Big Data technologies, which have made great progress in the manufacturing sector, with the blockchain has been examined. In addition, the question of why blockchain should be used with these technologies was investigated. © 2020 IEEE.