Blockchain technology, originally devised for the digital currency Bitcoin, has found its way into numerous other sectors, including healthcare, finance, and supply chain management. One area that is particularly ripe for blockchain disruption is the infrastructure sector. The potential of blockchain to transform infrastructure lies in its core characteristics: decentralization, security, transparency, and immutability. These features can facilitate greater trust, transparency, and efficiency in infrastructure projects, which are often complex, involve multiple stakeholders, and require substantial investments.
What is Blockchain?
At its most basic, blockchain is a decentralized, distributed ledger that can record transactions across many computers in a way that the recorded entries cannot be altered retrospectively. This creates an irrefutable and transparent record of all transactions. Each transaction is grouped in a block, and multiple blocks are linked together to form a chain – hence the name “blockchain”.
Blockchain in Infrastructure Management
- Project Management and Contract Execution: Project management in infrastructure involves a complex web of documents and transactions among diverse parties. This often leads to disputes, delays, and cost overruns. Blockchain can streamline this process through the use of smart contracts – self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. These contracts automatically execute and enforce themselves when certain conditions are met, eliminating the need for intermediaries and reducing the potential for disputes and delays.
- Construction Management: Blockchain technology could be used in the construction industry to automate contractual processes and paperwork, potentially saving money, freeing up valuable resources, and speeding up project delivery. It can also be used to capture and secure a construction project’s documentation in a blockchain ledger that parties can navigate and give to the owner as a deliverable. This creates a “living ledger” of everything that has happened with the project, for example in building, from paint colors to door hardware, materials, tests, etc. along with manuals, warranties, and service life. Furthermore, blockchain can be used in project management systems to make the building development life cycle more efficient.
- Supply Chain Management: In infrastructure projects, managing the supply chain is a complex task involving tracking a multitude of components from various suppliers. Blockchain can simplify this process by providing a transparent and immutable record of each component’s journey. This can ensure that all materials meet quality standards, are sourced responsibly, and arrive on time, which can save time and reduce costs.
- Transparency and Accountability: Blockchain can also bring transparency and accountability to infrastructure projects. With the use of blockchain, every transaction, every test and change in project status can be recorded and tracked on a shared ledger that all stakeholders can access. This transparency can deter fraudulent activities and make it easier to hold parties accountable for their responsibilities.
Case Studies of Blockchain in Infrastructure
- Amsterdam-based HerenBouw: HerenBouw, a construction company based in Amsterdam, has embraced blockchain technology for a large-scale development project in the city’s harbor. They utilized blockchain to register transactions at legally binding moments throughout the project lifecycle. By recording these transactions on the blockchain, HerenBouw ensures an immutable and transparent record of all project-related activities. This enhances trust and transparency among project stakeholders, including investors, contractors, and regulatory bodies. Blockchain technology enables the secure and auditable tracking of crucial project information, such as financial transactions, permit approvals, and compliance documentation.
- De Beers and Everledger: De Beers, a major diamond producer, and Everledger, a tech company, have used blockchain to track the journey of diamonds from the mine to the consumer. This has helped combat the issue of conflict diamonds, increased consumer trust, and brought more transparency to the supply chain.
- Briq: Briq, a blockchain firm operating in California, is pioneering the use of blockchain to capture and secure construction project documentation. Their blockchain solution provides a decentralized and secure ledger to store and verify project-related documents, including blueprints, contracts, permits, and progress reports. By utilizing blockchain, Briq ensures data integrity, reduces the risk of document tampering or loss, and enhances collaboration among project teams. This enables stakeholders to access real-time information, streamline communication, and make well-informed decisions throughout the construction process.
As these examples demonstrate, blockchain has the potential to significantly transform infrastructure management by enhancing transparency, trust, and efficiency. However, it’s important to remember that blockchain is not a magic bullet. For it to be effective, it needs to be combined with other technologies and processes and adopted by all stakeholders. Nevertheless, as blockchain technology continues to mature and as more use cases emerge, we can expect to see its impact on the infrastructure sector grow.
It is indeed an exciting time to be in the infrastructure industry. With the adoption of blockchain, AI and other emerging technologies, we are moving towards a future where infrastructure projects are more transparent, trustworthy, and efficient than ever before.
Written By: Aneesh Goly