54 / 2024-04-17 21:31:16

The impact of retailer's demand forecast information sharing on platform supply chain efficiency under blockchain technology

Blockchain technology, platform supply chain, supply chain efficiency, demand forecast information sharing, selling modes

In this paper, we investigate a platform supply chain where the manufacturer distributes his products through a traditional retail channel or online platform. The online platform operates in either agency or reselling mode, while the end retailer determines whether to share demand forecast information with the manufacturer. Enhancing demand prediction accuracy through blockchain technology is examined. We explore the impact of the retailer's demand forecast sharing strategy and the utilization of blockchain technology on the platform supply chain efficiency. The results show that the platform supply chain efficiency is highest when the manufacturer adopts the agency mode and the retailer shares information. However, the retailer may lack the motivation to actively share information and may prefer cooperation with the manufacturer in the reselling mode, potentially leading to a reduction in supply chain efficiency. The introduction of blockchain technology not only mitigates the bullwhip effect in information flow but also resolves decision conflicts among supply chain members, ultimately enhancing overall supply chain efficiency. Furthermore, we find that even in scenarios with high blockchain investment costs and consumer indifference towards product traceability information, supply chain members can derive benefits from incorporating blockchain technology in the face of significant demand volatility to mitigate risks. Finally, we extend our analysis to a hybrid selling mode.