The current process is, therefore, costly and time-consuming to manage. However, with the advent of blockchain, a distributed ledger technology that could be used as a fully auditable and trustworthy system of record, there are now more positives than ever. If you are planning to invest in oil, check out how it works and how to invest in it.
Blockchain has been used in the supply chain industry, but the recent oil price drop and the idea of completely changing the process to become more efficient and cost-effective have brought it back into the spotlight. So, at last, blockchain technology is finally becoming mainstream.
Blockchain Used By Oil Companies to More Efficient Supply Chain
The oil and gas industry is a highly complex process involving many different service providers and trading parties. The end-to-end system must be managed efficiently so that all parties know exactly where they stand with each other, even when one party may not have control over another one’s records. Each party needs to be fully aware of where their orders stand when deliveries need to be made, and what the costs will be. All this information is vital for the success of any business.
However, with so many different parties involved, it can become a manual process that takes time and resources. Blockchain technology can change all this by creating an automated system of records that can be read and updated by all parties. It removes the need for numerous human checks while at the same time guaranteeing integrity again due to the cryptographic security built into the system. Furthermore, an official record of each stage in the supply chain is created and maintained in real time, with no chance of fraud or other malpractice.
Blockchain will reduce the paperwork in the oil industry:
How Blockchain Technology Has Made Its Way into the Oil Industry
Blockchain can also help reduce the amount of paperwork needed in the oil industry by providing a more efficient way for people to interact with each other. In addition, the user can prevent fraudulent practices such as overcharging and incorrect information through blockchain technology because it will be possible to include the end-to-end information of every shipment and document it in real-time on a distributed ledger owned by every party involved.
There is also no chance of any unauthorized actions or omissions being hidden. When updating complex records, blockchain technology will allow people to link all their data together so that they no longer need paper copies of documents or spreadsheets as they did in previous systems.
How Blockchain Technology Could Reduce Costs and Increase Efficiency
Blockchain could also save a lot of money for oil companies because it makes identifying and tracking their deliveries faster, cheaper, and more effortless than the current system. First, the time spent updating information on the blockchain is significantly less than that needed for manual paperwork. Secondly, the need to get expensive IT systems up and running will be significantly reduced when people can integrate paper records into blockchain technology.
Moreover, because companies would no longer need to pay vast amounts of money to ship themselves around because they would also be sent orders as other suppliers complete them, people could drastically reduce costs. As a result, oil companies could sell their products at lower prices, making them more appealing to everyone.
However, the blockchain technology used in the oil industry has its challenges. For example, technology is still relatively new, so some people are sceptical about its tangible benefits. However, these concerns are unwarranted. Blockchain technology has been proven to work repeatedly, and with more and more people realizing its potential, we can only expect it to be used in other ways. Finally, with blockchain being such a complex system, it will take some time before companies can realize its benefits entirely above any sceptical doubts they may have.
Recent Fears That Blockchain Technology is More Difficult than Expected
The main problem facing blockchain technology in the oil industry is that it is still very new, so many people need to be aware of its capabilities and think a user in several areas can use it. However, this will change as more people become familiar with blockchain technology and realize its benefits. While it may seem like a complicated technology, some businesses are already implementing blockchain technology on a large scale to help streamline their supply chain system.
Blockchain will reduce intermediates in the oil industry:
Although blockchain technology is still relatively new, it is growing in popularity. Therefore, people need to realize this technology’s benefits and use it for their businesses. Furthermore, it will mean that the adoption of blockchain technology will continue to grow until, one day, it becomes the standard way of doing things. When this happens, oil companies and other businesses in similar industries will enjoy a wholly automated supply chain system that offers far greater levels of efficiency than ever before.