Publishing and using record-keeping structural information in a blockchain

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the role blockchain can play for record-keeping by exploring what information from a record-keeping system it is possible to publish to a blockchain. A credible approach is presented, followed by a discussion on both benefits and limitations. Design/methodology/approach: The approach is a combination of theorised possibilities verifed with practical software implementation. The basis for the work is relevant record-keeping and blockchain litera- ture. Research limitations/implications: The approach is beneficial where there is a record-keeping standard that has a clearly defined metadata model, and that also makes use of globally unique identifiers. Privacy legislation, e.g., GDPR, may limit the scope of an implementation of the approach. Originality/value: The originality lies in presenting an approach whereby a record-keeping standard is analysed, separating structural and content information in order to publish structural information to a blockchain.