Key capabilities to blockchain technology in B-2-B procure-to-pay process for Finnish SMEs
Li, Jiahuan (2023)
2023
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023112932491
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023112932491
Tiivistelmä
Today, more and more people are strengthening their knowledge of blockchain technology, which is no longer just associated with cryptocurrencies. This technology also can bring significant changes to the management of global supply chain processes and improve the competitiveness and efficiency of enterprises. For instance, blockchain-based supply chain management applications can provide enterprises with transparency and traceability in the supply chain. Therefore, using blockchain to help businesses improve their competitiveness and efficiency could become a trend. This research aims at understanding how blockchain can transform the procure-to-pay practices and to understand its current applications in Finnish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The author applied a qualitative research method to carry out this study and approached it through semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data. The data was recorded and interpreted into separate documents before analyzing section. During the analysis phase, data was coded and categorized into different themes for the findings chapter.
In this research, the author has found that blockchain can be utilized as an integrator to connect systems currently used for procurement. Moreover, the key findings suggested that blockchain also can be used to improve data utilization efficiency, save costs, increase transparency and security of data, as well as simplify the auditing process in procure-to-pay practices for Finnish SMEs. Regarding blockchain applications, Finland has some pilot projects done using blockchain technology for the digital order process in procure-to-pay practices. Digital identity and smart contracts have been applied to procure-to-pay practices as well. Another additional discovery from this research is that the Finnish government is planning to promote the blockchain-based Peppol network to transfer procurement messages from different systems during the order process.
The author applied a qualitative research method to carry out this study and approached it through semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data. The data was recorded and interpreted into separate documents before analyzing section. During the analysis phase, data was coded and categorized into different themes for the findings chapter.
In this research, the author has found that blockchain can be utilized as an integrator to connect systems currently used for procurement. Moreover, the key findings suggested that blockchain also can be used to improve data utilization efficiency, save costs, increase transparency and security of data, as well as simplify the auditing process in procure-to-pay practices for Finnish SMEs. Regarding blockchain applications, Finland has some pilot projects done using blockchain technology for the digital order process in procure-to-pay practices. Digital identity and smart contracts have been applied to procure-to-pay practices as well. Another additional discovery from this research is that the Finnish government is planning to promote the blockchain-based Peppol network to transfer procurement messages from different systems during the order process.