Supply chain systems, Internet systems for all, cross-border trade systems, even government and education systems are heading towards a “blockchain nation”.
Blockchain promises better information collaboration between different parties, by facilitating a consensus model to replace a belief system with certain administrators.
The consensus model is used to determine the correctness of the information and record it permanently (eternally) in a single ledger that can be evaluated by all parties.
Blockchain is revolutionizing the world of electronics. Unification of the truth of data in cyberspace. Mathematics and algorithms are the pillars of technology that only emerged a decade ago.
Blockchain will be better able to penetrate all areas of human life if humans are completely immersed in the virtual world. The fact is not. The body requires physical dimensions, not just data. How does blockchain play outside the electronic dimension?
Before this question can be answered, there are at least three questions that must be faced.
Photocopy of QR Code
Blockchain is able to store supply chain information (supply chain) of an item. Through QR codes, for example, users can get information on the origin of the number one piece of tuna meat from the blockchain system.
But, what if the QR code is photocopied (made a copy) and embedded in tuna product quality number five? How can users ensure that this QR code belongs to the number one quality tuna, and not the fifth quality tuna?
Physical Print Electronic Documents
The work-from-home pattern makes the world's citizens rearrange their way of life. From being limited to physical space, they are forced to stay at home while (occasionally) working. Physical mail that had been delivered by couriers was replaced by electronic mail delivered by cable.
Even more sophisticated, electronic mail is registered on the blockchain. He is eternal. The recipient can confirm that this e-mail is indeed sent by a trusted person. The test is easy. The hash value of e-mails is then compared with data on the blockchain. Done.
Once the recipient prints the e-mail, the easy testing process cannot be carried out. Especially if the physical letter was modified. Change the data, then use it at will.
Where can hash values be calculated from physical documents? How to trace the correctness of physical letters from electronic data?
Permanent Junk Data
The problem with blockchain is no longer about data integrity, because blockchain provides assurance, that the data cannot be changed after it is stored.
The problem with blockchain is that it interacts with the three-dimensional world, aka our real world. Garbage input data will also produce garbage output data. Garbage in, garbage out, and especially on a blockchain, garbage permanent.
The quality of blockchain data depends on those who are struggling with data entry. A manual typist, which unfortunately is not free of errors. The salary is not as big as a blockchain consultant.
Electronic-based input data is slightly better. But sensors can also go wrong. It takes extra analysis and investment to make the sensors tolerate errors and correct them.
Conclusion, Blockchain and Real-World Problems
So, blockchain is not necessarily suitable in the physical world. In fact, it takes a great deal of effort to exploit the advantages of blockchain.
We have to make sure the QR code can't be copied. Ensuring physical documents can be tested. Ensuring quality data entry. That way, blockchain can cross from the electronic world to the physical world, in order to save data.
Satoshi must be proud.
