Blockchain and the Industrial Internet of Things: A requirement taxonomy and systematic fit analysis
Journal of Enterprise Information Management
ISSN: 1741-0398
Article publication date: 7 January 2020
Issue publication date: 24 November 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the suitability of Blockchain technology for applications in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT). It provides a taxonomy of system requirements for such applications and maps these requirements against the Blockchain’s technological idiosyncrasies.
Design/methodology/approach
A requirement taxonomy is built in an iterative process based on a descriptive literature review. In total, 223 studies have been screened leading to a relevant sample of 48 publications that were analyzed in detail regarding posed system requirements. Subsequently, Blockchain’s capabilities are discussed for each requirement dimension.
Findings
The paper presents a taxonomy of six requirement dimensions. In the mapping process, areas of greater fit (e.g., reliability, nonrepudiation and adaptability) were identified. However, there are also several constraints (e.g., scalability, confidentiality and performance) that limit the use of Blockchain.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the limited amount of studies and the vibrant development of Blockchain technology, the results may benefit from practical evidence. Researchers are encouraged to validate the results in qualitative practitioner interviews. Focusing on literature-backed public Blockchain, idiosyncrasies of private implementations and specific distributed ledger technologies may be discussed in future studies.
Practical implications
The paper includes use cases for Blockchain in manufacturing and IIOT applications. Potential caveats for practitioners are presented.
Originality/value
This paper addresses the need to understand to which degree Blockchain is a suitable technology in manufacturing, especially in context of the IIOT. It contributes a requirement taxonomy which serves as the foundation for a systematic fit assessment.
Keywords
Citation
Siegfried, N., Rosenthal, T. and Benlian, A. (2022), "Blockchain and the Industrial Internet of Things: A requirement taxonomy and systematic fit analysis", Journal of Enterprise Information Management, Vol. 35 No. 6, pp. 1454-1476. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEIM-06-2018-0140
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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