Blockchain–IoT–IPFS Framework for Secure Logistics Traceability

Abstract

The growing demand for transparency and trust in logistics has exposed the limitations of centralised traceability systems, particularly in high-stakes sectors such as Halal trade, pharmaceuticals, and agri-food. This paper presents a decentralised framework that integrates blockchain (BC), Internet of Things (IoT), and the Interplanetary File System (IPFS) to support secure, real-time, and scalable logistics traceability. The proposed framework utilises Hyperledger Fabric, a permissioned blockchain, to ensure tamper-proof recording of logistics events and verifiable access control among stakeholders. IoT devices enable the continuous sensing of critical parameters such as temperature, location, and handling conditions, while IPFS supports off-chain storage of large sensor payloads with verifiable hash linking. Implementation involved setting up a Hyperledger Fabric v2.5 network, configuring Certificate Authorities, creating channels, deploying smart contracts, and integrating sensor data sources for real-time event capture. Performance evaluation was conducted using Hyperledger Calliper under both read- and write-intensive workloads. Results show that the system achieved up to 600 transactions per second (TPS) for read operations and 130 TPS for write operations, with sub-second latency and a near 100% transaction success rate under optimal load conditions. Offloading payloads to IPFS reduced on-chain storage by over 60%, preserving auditability without compromising performance. Compared to traditional centralised systems, the proposed framework demonstrates superior scalability, integrity, and operational readiness for real-world logistics applications, especially in compliance-sensitive and SME-driven environments.