Rapid Supplier Connect: Leveraging Blockchain for Urgent Sourcing of PPE and Medical Supplies
Case number:
A04-21-0003
Abstract
IBM launched Rapid Supplier Connect, a blockchain-based solution to help battle medical supplies supply chain shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the April 31 launch, the company also announced that this solution would be offered at no cost, until August 31, 2020, to qualified buyers and suppliers in the United States and Canada. The solution provided healthcare procurement professionals with secure lists of vetted suppliers. Each supplier’s available capacity, quality and regulatory compliance data were stored in the blockchain. An integrated supply chain solution provided details on order fulfillment status.
Teaching
Teaching Purposes
1. To expose participants to challenges with rapid sourcing of scarce and changing supply sources.
2. To gain exposure to a blockchain-based solution in order to better understand the role of digitization of supply chains.
3. To assess how such digital solutions can contribute value in a post-pandemic new normal setting.
1. To expose participants to challenges with rapid sourcing of scarce and changing supply sources.
2. To gain exposure to a blockchain-based solution in order to better understand the role of digitization of supply chains.
3. To assess how such digital solutions can contribute value in a post-pandemic new normal setting.
Case number:
A04-21-0003
Subject:
Industry and Competitive Strategy
General Management
Year:
Setting:
North America
Source:
Published Sources