How does blockchain enable digital provenance?
Provenance refers to something’s origin or record of ownership or existence. Digital provenance is important for financial transactions, tracking food production, and in supply chains. A blockchain ledger records all transactions so that history can be tracked and audited. Blockchain enables digital provenance through its property of add-only. Blockchain provides an immutable record of transactions which means the record is unchangeable. No one can alter, fake or duplicate the transactions appearing on digital ledgers using blockchain technology.
Why doesn’t a normal database bring the same provenance?
A normal database allows for duplication and deletion of data. Provenance using a normal database can’t hold the same level of trust when compared to data kept forever on a blockchain. Trust is further eroded by the central authority required by a normal database. In blockchain we trust.
Why is digital provenance such a great benefit to many businesses?
Many businesses would benefit greatly from digital provenance via blockchain. Businesses offering physical products for sale would be able to record the entire supply chain from raw materials, transport, assembly and production. Knowledge of the suppliers and the exact materials used to produce a product are recorded permanently with blockchain giving a high level of trust to the consumer.