I'm researching the potential for blockchain smart contracts to be utilized for streamlining order fulfillment against requirements contracts; and possibly other contracting/acquisition uses.
By way of example, when a Government agency wants to contract for spare parts/part replenishment as such items are required, the Government may negotiate an indefinite-delivery requirements contract containing all the main contract terms and conditions. Then, when the need for a specific part arises, a supply planner will input a requisition for the item (i.e., a purchase request), which would flow to finance person (puts the money on the requirement). Then, the full requisition would go to a purchaser, who prepares an Order for the item. The order is routed to the vendor, who then fulfills and ships the item. After receipt, inspection, and/or acceptance of the item, the vendor's invoice is processed for payment. Lots of different hands and documents in the process and time consuming, but perceived as necessary for assuring accountability and auditability.
Is there any granular data/information that could walk me through how a blockchain smart contract could be utilized to pair-down/eliminate the inefficiencies, speed up the process, and assure security, transparency and accountability?
