Profit Optimization via Revenue-Sharing Coordination in a Three-Echelon Supply Chain with Blockchain-Based ۳PL

The issues of copyright infringement and the replacement of authentic products with counterfeit ones during the logistics process are critical concerns for online sales platforms and major global brands. In the context of the global supply chain, manufacturers frequently collaborate with third-party logistics providers (۳PLs) to concentrate on their core activities. This study posits that the integration of blockchain technology by ۳PLs can enhance transparency within the supply chain, thereby effectively addressing copyright infringement and product counterfeiting issues through the establishment of a secure platform that safeguards intellectual property rights. A thorough review of the existing literature indicates a gap in research regarding the application of blockchain-enabled ۳PLs and their prospective advantages within the product supply chain. This paper aims to address this gap by investigating the influence of blockchain-based ۳PLs on the pricing of ۳PL services and its subsequent impact on the retail prices of products. The analysis focuses on a tri-level supply chain model comprising a manufacturer, a ۳PL, and an online sales platform, examining relevant parameters for both centralized and decentralized operational structures. The findings demonstrate that the decentralized decision-making structure results in a ۵۶% reduction in aggregate chain profit compared to the centralized model. Nonetheless, when a revenue-sharing contract is employed, the profit disparity between decentralized and centralized modes can be mitigated to ۱۴%. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to evaluate the effects of model parameters on the chain profit function and decision-making parameters. Management recommendations based on the results are subsequently provided.