Building a Supply Chain Architecture on Ethereum

A brief exploration of a potentially very large use case of Ethereum, including the full technical implementation. Posting as I work on it.

Abstract

There are two technologies that I think are going to be defining of our time. One is deep learning and the other is blockchain. I have spent a couple of years deep diving into deep learning. Despite its magic (its the first technology that has “fallen” on humanity´s lap, without us fully understanding how it works), it is hard to create value with it without being part of a larger organization, because you need a lot of data. This year I am discovering blockchain technologies and I am marvelled by the possibilities it brings about — with it, we really are back to the disrupt something from your garage vibe. I discuss this in more detail here.

Project Description: Stack and Functionality

Stack

I am architecting a supply chain tracking system, that runs on the Ethereum network (in this case a test network). The system will track the evolution of coffee through the supply chain, as different actors along the chain (farmers, distributors, retailers and consumers) perform actions that alter the state of the coffee. The ways such as system could deliver value are endless, all stemming from giving the chain added transparency and accountability.

The project has 2 large components:

1. Smart Contracts…