Develop a Logistics App Using SAP Leonardo and Blockchain Technology

SAP Leonardo is an umbrella term for SAP’s digital transformation system. The solution is a collection of software and microservices that allows business enterprises to unleash the benefits of various innovative technologies. These cutting-edge technologies include the Internet of Things, blockchain, machine learning, Big Data, advanced analytics, and more.

SAP claims that Leonardo solutions support business organizations in building new models and driving more capabilities while contemplating with innovative technologies.

The following blog is going to highlight the step on how you can build a fully-functional logistics app using SAP Leonardo solutions in collaboration with blockchain technology.

Beginning with App Development: the first step

Now that you have planned to develop a logistics app leveraging SAP Leonardo solutions, it is advisable to first build an app prototype. The app prototype will serve as a demonstration where you can showcase the latest technologies, which your team is going to implement.

One of the key features of the logistics app is the transportation of goods. You must be aware that there are various factors that can damage cargo including adverse weather conditions, improper handling, and movement, etc.

With SAP Leonardo solutions, you can overcome these challenges to ensure smooth transportation and cargo operations.

However, we dive into more details on the topics, let’s glance through a few important stats about SAP Leonardo presented by HG Data Insights.

• Presently about 140 companies are using SAP Leonardo.
• About 50 companies employing Leonardo have revenue of more than $50 billion.
• The IT industry is leading the way forward in leveraging Leonardo, followed by manufacturing and business services.

When you are building a logistics application using SAP Leonardo, there are four major technologies that you need to focus on. These are-

• Blockchain
• IoT
• SAP S/4 HANA
• SAP Cloud Platform

SAP has officially made an announcement at the SAP Sapphire event that new innovative technologies such as machine learning, blockchain, and the internet of things will come with the SAP Leonardo solutions. This will help enterprises to implement digital transformation.

Collaborating SAP Leonardo with Blockchain

We all have a basic idea about what blockchain technology is and how it has transformed the transaction process with a distributed ledger system. Blockchain technology also offers another unique feature known as smart contracts. Smart contracts are digital agreements through which you can view if certain conditions have been fulfilled or not. You can then proceed further based on the information.

Considering the logistics industry, there are various lengthy contracts and conditions on how goods are transported from one place to another. If the conditions are violated, it calls for imposing penalties on the concerned party. However, the challenge is to find out how the contracts are broken. Now, comes blockchain technology and smart contracts into the picture.

Blockchain is the perfect technology that can easily handle such kind of issues because of its immutable nature. It means that once the terms and conditions of the contract are fixed, it cannot be altered, deleted, or tampered with. In fact, this unique blockchain benefit is also worthy for other industries such as healthcare, insurance, and banking.

We can explain this further with an example. Let’s assume if there is any delay in the shipment of the products due to any unforeseen incident, the logistics company, as well as the receiving customer, will automatically get an update on the same.

SAP’s blockchain services also allow you to develop a chain code using which you can carry out basic functions. It is based on an open-source platform called Hyperledger Fabric. However, please note that the concept of Hyperledger Fabric is not used in cryptocurrency.

You can easily add a single block to the chain with the native REST API capabilities.

Combining the Internet of Things with Blockchain

The Internet of Things has already gained great ground easily connecting with everyday appliances. The IoT has become one of the most essential data sources for business organizations and so SAP was quick to adopt it. However, if you want to leverage the benefits of SAP IoT framework, it’s important to connect the app with MQTT or any other REST protocol.

Smart sensor-enabled devices send real-time data information to the IoT platform. Now you can arrange the data and forward it into your own custom-designed system, which converts it into a human-readable format.

SAP Leonardo Connection with SAP S/4 HANA

In case of any unforeseen incidents such as sudden change of temperature, it’s important to know which orders have been affected. This is where SAP S/4 HANA Cloud Development Services will come into play. You will also have complete access to all your sales and purchase order details to streamline business operations.

SAP S/4 HANA is a cloud-based ERP model with other benefits such as OData services. The service simplifies the process of data receiving and sending.

SAP Cloud Platform

The SAP cloud platform is an open-source PaaS-enabled that helps to seamlessly run apps on the cloud. The solution takes benefit from in-memory database technology and business applications to deliver flexible and robust multi-cloud architecture.

Furthermore, it can handle the communication process and update the cloud portal that includes a database solution.

If you want to begin with SAP Cloud Platform, you need to select a template powered by SAP through the create app button. Next is authenticating with the SAP Cloud Platform.

Summing it Up

SAP Leonardo Services creates an exciting journey for the app developer when it collaborates with blockchain, IoT, S/4 HANA, and cloud solutions. It generates useful data and insights through the connectivity of the objects.