Blockchain and Industrial Traceability: Insights from a Systematic Literature Review Within Industry 4.0 Contexts

Abstract

In the context of Industry 4.0, industrial firms are encountering new challenges related to data management, flow traceability, security and process transparency. Blockchain, as a distributed ledger technology, offers innovative solutions to meet these challenges. This study proposes a systematic literature review (SLR) on the recent contributions of blockchain in industrial environments. A total of 20 scientific articles, published over the last ten years, were analyzed to better understand how this technology is being integrated into production processes and supply chains. The analysis identified four major areas in which blockchain is being mobilized: traceability of production processes, transparency of supply chains, integration into digital industrial systems, and its role in decision support. The results show that blockchain enables reliable, real-time monitoring of industrial operations, particularly when coupled with technologies such as IoT, smart contracts or event-driven databases. It also promotes better coordination between players, reinforces trust, and facilitates audits in complex or multi-actor environments. However, despite its potential, several limitations remain. Barriers related to scalability, implementation costs, system interoperability and the integration of manual tasks still limit its widespread adoption. Furthermore, in many cases, blockchain is treated as a secondary technology, reducing the depth of analysis available. This review offers a structured vision of the contributions and limitations of blockchain in industry while identifying future research prospects, particularly around hybrid models and concrete implementation cases.