Accenture seeks to leverage blockchain, digital identity and payments technologies to improve global supply chains

Accenture has unveiled a circular supply chain capability that leverages cutting-edge technologies to promote ethical and environmentally mindful practices across the supply chain.

The capability will combine blockchain, digital identity and payments technologies to connect consumers and producers in complex supply chains and enable rewarding sustainable practices of small-scale growers and suppliers.

It will enable “customers to identify individual producers who use sustainable methods and financially reward them with a “tip” made by direct payment.”

In addition, the capability will also enable producers, manufacturers and retailers to better manage their inventory and reduce waste; create better transparency across the supply chain; ensure the authenticity of produce; and provide producers with more-equitable compensation for their produce by enabling consumers to reward them directly.

“Our identity capabilities are already empowering millions of users around the globe to access essential services like healthcare, banking and travel. Our circular supply chain capability combines these components with blockchain and expands its application to places and things, which is allowing us to rethink global supply chains,” David Treat, a managing director and global blockchain lead at Accenture, said.

Accenture said that the capability can benefit large global enterprises, governments and non-governmental organizations by providing a new mechanism for them to track complex supply chains to small originating producers and helping them manage issues relating to accountability, waste and information transparency.

To build upon this capability, Accenture is collaborating with Mastercard, Amazon Web Services, Everledger and Mercy Corps. The companies will explore solutions that empower consumers, enable transparency and promote financial inclusion for small-scale producers.

“Through effective public and private partnerships, we can place sustainability and customer empowerment at the heart of global business models and we invite more partners to join us,” Treat added.