You Probably Don’t Need Blockchain, Unless… 

In recent years, blockchain technology has gained significant attention as a potential solution for a myriad of problems. While its benefits are indeed remarkable in specific scenarios, it’s crucial to recognise that blockchain is not always the optimal solution for every situation. One contributing factor to this misconception is that blockchain is often misunderstood, making it difficult for people to identify its true value. As a result, they may assume that blockchain is necessary when, in reality, it is not. 

Additionally, in many cases, people may not realise that their current situation could be improved upon. They might believe that their existing technology is optimal, given the circumstances, and may be unaware of the transformative potential of blockchain. When applied correctly, blockchain can be a game changer, revolutionising industries and redefining the way transactions and data management are handled. 

In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into the reasons why blockchain might not be the right choice for you and provide a comprehensive guide to help you determine if it is the suitable technology for your needs. By understanding when and where blockchain’s unique features can offer the most value, you can make more informed decisions about whether or not to adopt this innovative technology. 

Understanding if Blockchain is the Right Technology: 

Trust Issues Between Parties 

One of the primary reasons for considering blockchain technology is to address trust issues between parties. A blockchain’s decentralised nature eliminates the need for a central authority and relies on the technology itself to establish trust. If the involved parties already trust the centralised authority to execute and store transactions securely, a traditional, centrally managed database would be more efficient. On the other hand, if trust is lacking or there is a risk of data manipulation, blockchain can be a viable solution. 

For example, if you’re dealing with a global supply chain where multiple parties may have incentives to manipulate data, blockchain’s decentralised nature can create a trustless environment. 

Transactions Involving Value Transfer 

Blockchain technology is fundamentally designed to act as a ledger that records transactions, essentially actions that transfer value between parties. In cases where no transactions are taking place, a centralised database becomes a more suitable option. Examples of value transfer include sharing confidential reports or shipping goods and materials between entities. 

Consider a financial services platform that allows users to send and receive digital assets – blockchain’s inherent features, such as immutability and transparency, would be highly beneficial in this context. 

Involvement of Multiple External Parties 

A blockchain operates as a digital ledger that is publicly shared within a network. When only two parties are involved, sharing the information publicly does not provide any benefits compared to a centralised database. However, when more than two parties are involved in a process, the transparency and decentralised nature of blockchain can offer considerable advantages. 

In the case of a real estate transaction platform with various stakeholders like buyers, sellers, banks, and government agencies, blockchain can streamline the process and ensure that all parties have access to the same information. 

Need for Transparency in the Supply Chain 

Blockchain’s ability to record transactions transparently and chronologically is one of its key features. This allows all involved parties to access the same information and ensures a consistent understanding of the supply chain status. If clear insight into the entire supply chain is not necessary, or if intermediaries are already trusted, blockchain may not add value to the process. On the contrary, if there’s a lack of trust and a desire for complete visibility into all supply chain activities, blockchain can be a game-changer. 

For instance, if you’re working in the pharmaceutical industry where tracking the provenance of drugs is critical, blockchain can provide a transparent, tamper-proof record for all parties involved. 

Irrefutable Storage of Transactions 

Blockchain technology guarantees that transactions are stored irrefutably, meaning that the information cannot be altered after the fact, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This inherent feature makes blockchain resistant to fraud and data manipulation. If data integrity and reliability are of the utmost importance within the supply chain, implementing blockchain can enhance security and trust. 

A voting system, for example, could benefit from blockchain technology by making it nearly impossible for anyone to alter or manipulate the voting records. 

Permanent Storage of Transactions 

Blockchains offer a robust, permanent record-keeping system. Transactions are stored irrefutably and cannot be deleted. Blockchains are also resilient to crashes, hacks, and other types of cyberattacks. When the need arises to store transactions permanently, blockchain can be a valuable addition. 

Consider the following key points when determining if blockchain is the right solution for your needs: address trust issues between parties by eliminating the need for a central authority, identify transactions involving value transfer as the primary use case for blockchain, evaluate the involvement of multiple external parties to determine if the transparency and decentralised nature of blockchain are beneficial, assess the need for transparency in the supply chain to ensure consistent access to information, ensure irrefutable storage of transactions to maintain data integrity and security, and determine if permanent storage is necessary for maintaining a robust and resilient record-keeping system. 

It’s important to note that attempting to use blockchain in situations where it doesn’t provide any real advantages can be counterproductive. Implementing a blockchain solution where it’s not needed can lead to increased complexity and costs, ultimately outweighing the potential benefits. It is crucial to analyze the specific requirements of your use case before choosing a technology. 

On the other hand, it’s essential not to overlook blockchain’s transformative potential in situations where its unique features have not yet been widely considered. Blockchain can revolutionise industries and reshape existing processes, creating new opportunities for innovation and growth. By understanding when and where blockchain’s unique features can offer the most value, you can make more informed decisions about whether or not to adopt this innovative technology, potentially uncovering novel applications that can transform your industry or domain.