Ding, S; Hu, H; Chai, Z and Wang, W (2024) Secure and formalized blockchain-IPFS information sharing in precast construction from the whole supply chain perspective. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 150(1): 04023150, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Blockchain-Interplanetary File System (IPFS) integration has attracted increasing attention in construction management for addressing storage limitations and improving efficiency. However, a comprehensive evaluation of such integration is lacking. Whether it is practically available remains unclear. In addition, the lack of information encryption mechanism in current blockchain-IPFS solutions may cause security risks. Thus, its wide acceptance is hindered. To address this insufficiency, this paper proposes a hybrid blockchain-IPFS system to improve normativeness, security, and the efficiency of information sharing in precast supply chain management (PSCM). Firstly, consideration analysis of system development was conducted based on user-centered design philosophy, identifying practical needs of information sharing in PSCM and comprehensively evaluating current solutions. Based on identified insufficiencies, a hybrid blockchain-IPFS system is proposed with formalization, security, and efficiency considerations. Specifically, an Omniclass-based classification system is proposed for formalizing information sharing in PSCM, in which multiple channels are introduced to improve security. Furthermore, a two-step lightweight asymmetric encryption scheme is established to protect data privacy. Finally, an off-chain data storage scheme is constructed combining IPFS with cloud-based object storage service. The feasibility of our proposed system was validated by a focus group in a real-world case. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by improving information sharing in PSCM with improved security and advancing its standardization process. This is one of the first studies that conducted both technical and practical evaluation of blockchain-IPFS in practical projects, providing valuable reference for future endeavors in its implementation. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed to suggest future research directions and ways to improve its adoption practices.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | blockchain; information sharing; interplanetary file system; precast supply chain management |
| Index terms: | user-centred design, implementation, efficiency, standardization, privacy, blockchain, information sharing, integration, data storage, focus group, philosophy, body of knowledge |
| Subjects: | organizational analysis, performance management, data management, philosophical studies, performance measurement, contractual arrangements, data collection methods, user-centred design, computing systems, data exchange, knowledge management, professional ethics |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Procurement, Legal Issues, Information Management, Organizational Design, Design Practice, Research Practice, Digital Applications |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here