Blockchain: More than just records – application & advantages and disadvantages

The term blockchain means “chain of blocks,” in which the blocks represent individual data records that are stored one after another. This results in a chain of data records. In principle, it is no more than a large database where an original block represents the beginning. Other or new data blocks are always added chronologically, after verification and confirmation. In practice, it shows the history of data records. It is a distributed database, meaning that each participant user of the blockchain system stores a complete copy of the blockchain on their computer. It is frequently used in connection with financial transactions, but it should not be limited to just one type of information, since accounting or the backup of music, texts, or photos can also benefit from blockchain.

Examples of blockchain applications

Probably the most well-known example of blockchain technology application is the cryptographic currency such as Ethereum and Bitcoin. But buying and selling digital currencies is only one area of application, because blockchain technology is also suitable for many different processes in companies, for example:

  • Logistics: Proof of deliveries and tracking of orders
  • Insurance: Claims management
  • Finance: Fast, secure, and inexpensive execution of financial transactions
  • Industry: Smart contracts

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Advantages and disadvantages for companies

In addition to the high potential for companies, blockchain technology also offers some risks.

Advantages: security, speed, and traceability

First of all, we list some advantages here:

  • Transaction documentation
  • Traceability of different processes
  • Possibility to modify data only with the consent of all participants in the network
  • Security
  • Speed of transduction

Disadvantages: Manipulation, energy consumption and transparency

As already mentioned, there are risks as well as advantages:

  • Existing risk of manipulation and division of a network
  • High energy consumption due to high computational power
  • Excessively high transparency

 

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