Disaster relief organizations face challenges in efficiently distributing aid due to logistical obstacles and lack of communication networks. Mesh networks, which allow devices to connect directly and transmit messages without central nodes, could provide an alternative. Coupled with blockchain technology, which records transactions in a decentralized digital ledger, relief organizations could gain better visibility into demand and ensure communication remains possible for those in need during emergencies.

1. Background
Disaster relief organizations face the difficult task of distributing aid and supplies to affected areas quickly and reliably.
In doing so, they face numerous comprehensive logistic and organizational obstacles. To overcome this, organizations
and first responders must rely heavily on interagency cooperation and a flexible system. This cooperation, however, is
not always efficient as conflicts between logistics systems, a lack of formal pathways, as well as damaged communica-
tion networks that rely on central nodes like cell towers can negatively impact key stakeholders’ ability to make in-
formed decisions as well as overwhelm local points of distribution. Mesh networks represent a possible alternative to
traditional communication systems, allowing users to send messages by hopping from device to device in the absence
of a central node. Coupled with blockchain technology, a type of distributed database used to digitally represent as-
sets, disaster relief organizations can gain a better overall picture of demand by needs while ensuring communication
is possible for those who need it most in emergency situations.
What is a blockchain?
Blockchain is the primary technology behind Bitcoin. It
is viewed as a decentralized virtual ledger used to record
transactions. It ensures that, as long as the majority of
nodes are trustworthy, people will be able to verify what
goods and services are available. Advantages:
 No “double spending”
 User verification
 Unalterable data record
 Time records
 No central database needed
BLOCKCHAIN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Contact Us
Andrew Stull
Stull_Andrew@bah.com
Natalie Robertson
Robertson_Natalie@bah.com
Evan Phibbs
Phibbs_Evan@bah.com
William Sulowski
Sulowski_William@bah.com
Colby Kissell
Kissell_Colby@bah.com
Dylan Phillips
Phillips_Dylan@bah.com
Jerry Wu
Wu_Mengyuan@bah.com
Solution
Our solution combines the advantages listed above to create a system
of software, hardware, and training available to disaster relief organiza-
tions through Booz Allen that, in conjunction with current supply chain
frameworks, will allow them to efficiently and effectively monitor the
distribution status of supplies at a regional and local level in real time.
To do this, our software supports a request-and-fulfill system built on
blockchain available to front line relief centers connected by a mesh
network as well as to suppliers and regional support offices so they can
monitor up-to-date demand trends. By collecting and analyzing data
from the system, we can also make recommendations to better pre-
pare and preposition supplies for the future.
What is a mesh network?
A Mesh Network is a method of communicating through
a nodal network. Devices on the network connect with
one another using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection's.
These connections can then be used to transmit messag-
es from one individual on the network to another. Ad-
vantages:
 No central cell towers required
 No network overload
 Easy to set up
 Easy to join
 Power increases with more connections
Booz | Allen | Hamilton