Blockchain is a game-changing technology that has transformed nearly every industry, including finance, healthcare, supply chain, etc. It has proven to be the ideal and most efficient technology in the quest to manage data more securely and privately. Enterprise blockchain technology continuously creates new opportunities.

The growing number of Blockchain platforms contributes to the development and support of blockchain-based platforms. Businesses have recognized the demand and have begun investigating Blockchain’s capabilities by developing innovative Blockchain applications.

What Is an Enterprise Blockchain, and How Does It Work?

An “enterprise blockchain” is a permissioned blockchain. It is used to automate large-scale business processes, such as tracking supply chain goods or settling international payments.

Corporations believe that this type of blockchain network is better suited to their needs than a public blockchain network like Bitcoin because the visibility of their data can be limited to a small group of people.

While there are various types of blockchains, they are all digital records of financial transactions and data shared among a group of entities. They also employ cryptography to make manipulating the history of previous transactions more difficult for malicious agents.

The Best Blockchain Platforms for Businesses

Ethereum

Ethereum is a Blockchain platform that allows users to run smart contracts on a custom-built blockchain network. It is known for its smart contracting functionality and flexibility, can be used in various industries.

Quorum

By modifying the Geth client, a quorum was derived from Ethereum. It’s an open-source blockchain platform that enables high-performance, custom-tailored apps. It can be used in various industries, including real estate, digital currencies, supply chains, and more.

This platform allows programmers to create blockchain applications on either the Ethereum Mainnet or a private permissioned network.

Hyperledger

Hyperledger is a modular blockchain platform that uses a global, open-source network to help businesses build a robust blockchain ecosystem. The adoption of this technology will alter the way the company operates. It eliminates multiple layers of inefficiency and instills order and confidence in workflows.

Hyperledger ensures that businesses can conduct direct transactions transparently and securely through a peer-to-peer network.

Corda

Corda is an open-source platform that can be used to create applications for financial institutions. The financial industry made it at first, but it now has ramifications in various sectors, including trade finance, supply chain management, and government agencies. It works on a permissioned network, so it can be used to cut down on transactions and streamline business processes.

Business’s Top Blockchain Applications

Until recently, people used to think of Blockchain as a way to replicate Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies with real-world applications until recently. The distributed ledger technology (DLT), which creates a secure ledger and is the subject of this article, has been overlooked.

However, some businesses have recognized the value of Blockchain and are increasingly implementing it. Let us show you some of the most common uses for blockchain technology in various fields of business.

Smart Contracts

Smart contracts, which involve setting a condition that, when met, triggers a specific action, can automate a variety of tasks, including money exchange, content access, and digital identity verification, to name a few.

It can make loan and mortgage management easier. Smart contracts can be programmed to adhere to the mortgage agreement terms. When the borrower meets the conditions set forth by the algorithm, the process is automatically initiated. As a result, both parties will benefit from quick and straightforward mortgage processing. The system can also track the frequency of payments for a mortgage. A breach of contract can result in a mortgage penalty or any other response specified in the contract.

Payments Made Across Borders

Blockchain technology can make international transactions faster, safer, and more secure while avoiding the problems that traditional payment systems (such as SWIFT) face.

When both parties use blockchain technology, payment data is communicated in real time through the encrypted ledger. This allows for instant payment and verification without intermediaries such as banks, resulting in lower transaction fees.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Building IoT ecosystems allows businesses to optimize their infrastructures by utilizing sensors and other cutting-edge technologies. However, as the number of connected devices that enable IoT to revolutionize business grows, the security risks do.

Companies can use Blockchain to combat IoT security issues. The IoT smart device can operate autonomously without a centralized authority thanks to its integration with blockchain technology. Because the ledger is completely decentralized and data is stored on multiple nodes, this helps to mitigate security risks. Because the blockchain network creates immutable and chronological records, you’ll be able to see how assets communicate.

Management of Documents

Document management has become one of the most significant headaches for businesses. Businesses are currently having difficulty managing documents effectively, resulting in information duplication. Two employees, for example, can work on different versions of the same file at the same time. As a result, there is much disorganization, confusion, and errors. The chaos in documentation is a significant hindrance to businesses. Rather than focusing on value-added tasks, workers search for and distribute files.

Use Cases and Best Practices for Enterprise Blockchain

Blockchain technology is increasingly being understood and appreciated by innovators and visionaries in various fields. According to Business Insider, Blockchain is making its way into almost every industry. Many industries incorporate blockchain solutions into their infrastructures, from the government to commerce.

Financial

Banks and other financial institutions use legacy processes to carry out transactions and provide payment, loan, and mortgage services. However, these procedures are inconvenient and time-consuming. For example, obtaining a loan could take 60 to 90 days.

Thanks to enterprise blockchain development, financial services will be streamlined, settlement times will be reduced, and counterparty risks will be reduced. Smart contracts enable more efficient workflows and financial transactions.

Manufacturing and Retail

Thanks to increased transparency and blockchain security, manufacturers and retailers can build trust with trading partners more easily. Both parties can solve issues much faster and easier once they occur on a blockchain platform by providing end-to-end visibility in all processes. Furthermore, having a clear vision of the manufacturer’s goods allows sellers to avoid fraud and counterfeit products. In the retail industry, however, there are other blockchain enterprise use cases:

• Amazon’s Track and Trace feature use blockchain technology to give sellers a better understanding of the location and history of all items in their inventory.
• Walmart uses blockchain technology to improve food traceability.
• Alibaba employs blockchain technology to streamline cross-border transactions and provide customers with accurate product information, including food.
• To manage its supply chain, Aldi has implemented blockchain technology.

Government

To build a cost-effective, more agile system, the government and public sector can move away from siloed and inefficient centralized systems and instead use cutting-edge blockchain technology.

Because the data will be stored in a network, personal identification with minimal information (such as a name and date of birth) will be possible. Voting would be much easier and safer because each ID would only be associated with one vote.

Energy

Blockchain aims to transform the energy sector by injecting innovation into critical processes like any other industry. This technology, for example, is advantageous to utility companies. It allows for tracking grid materials’ chain of custody, the execution of supply transactions, and compliance with industry rules. It also helps with wholesale electricity distribution, oil and gas resource exploration, asset management, document ownership, and other tasks.

Healthcare

Without a doubt, blockchain IT solutions in the healthcare sector have a wide range of applications. A blockchain system will ensure that every piece of data that enters the network is secure, immutable, transparent, and traceable, from fast and accurate medical data transfer to more sophisticated uses like helping researchers unlock genetic code.

Entertainment and the Media

Blockchain technology is primarily used in the media and entertainment industry to reduce costs, combat fraud, and protect intellectual property rights. It is, for example, used to combat the spread of fake news by providing a single source of information or to distribute premium content over large networks.

Afterword

These days, major corporations such as Amazon, Alibaba, Walmart, Microsoft, and others are investigating the benefits of blockchain technology. The entire business world has turned its attention to these businesses and closely monitors their progress.

The blockchain system has a long list of advantages, and the number of companies that provide blockchain technology services is growing all the time. However, there are still some obstacles to overcome.

Regardless, businesses should closely monitor blockchain technology and are prepared to invest in it in the future.