On Wednesday afternoon, VeChain’s CEO dropped into the official VeChain Telegram to answer a few questions. Here’s a quick transcript for those that missed it, or don’t use Telegram.
1. Will there be videos, tutorials, guides and an overall showcasing of ToolChain in use by a small company to see how easy it is to implement and use? So, basically a journey for other SME entrepeneurs to observe so they can decide if it’s something for them?
Yes. The team has been working on that part. The main target is to enable SMEs to onboard business to VeChainthor in a easy and cost-effective way. As a matter of fact, we did make good use of experiences with big enterprises in the past 3 years and conduct those into VeChainToolchain which could be beneficial to SMEs. Furthermore, we would like to repeat this process from successful cases to be a summarized tool for more builders including SMEs.
2. Will there be a publicly available cost list of everything associated with ToolChain?
Yes. Right now, the team is collecting the feedback from trials to see if we need to make adjustment according to different regions.
3. Will there be special ToolChain options for tech or business universities to play around with, perhaps to introduce IoT, blockchain and logistics to their programs?
That’s a good idea indeed. We didn’t consider that before but we should now.
4. Any plans to introduce certifications for IT-business (implementation) consultants so they can help companies out with ToolChain? Similar to companies like Microsoft, IBM, etc.?
Yes. We have been discussing with DNVGL for a long time. However, creating a certification program is really not easy and we respect the professionalism, expertise and high requirements from DNVGL. For sure, the trial feedback and experiences will definitely help to speed up that.
5. Any plans to add additional consultancy layers under people like Jerome, Sarah and J-Rock to have an easier access to ask ToolChain related questions?
Yes. We are planning for multiple different levels setup including big consultant enterprises (like PwC, Deloitte, DNV GL and others), IT solution providers, individual consultants from the community, etc. The challenge will be preparation of training and onboarding materials according to different players.
6. What exactly is the proposed 500 million $ USD fund meant for?
The VeChain Foundation is leading and working with reputable institutional investors to setup this VeChainThorPower to provide financial and investment support to the VeChain Ecosystem. We would like to use this fund along with several reputable incubators (like BoostVC, LongHash, Tribe Venture and etc.), Venture Capitals (like Fenbushi, Draper, FutureCap and etc.), Government backed Funds and even individual angel investors with expertise and resources in their territory to invest in startups who are devoted to building up business applications on VeChainThor and contribute to VeChain Ecosystem. We will have more official communication release about that once the progress is ready.
7. When can we expect more western-focused (crypto) marketing to happen?
Honestly, VeChain has been focused on global marketing all along including western for sure. I don’t understand this question.
8. Are there any plans to create or support a dev-hub somewhere in the West, say San Francisco?
Right now, we have offices and teams in Paris, Milan, Luxemberg, Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Palo Alto, Shanghai and Beijing who are responsible for providing business engagement and first tier technical support.
9. Are there any plans to add additional utility to the VET token, other than voting mechanisms laid out in the whitepaper?
Yes. Along as with more financial use cases and applications, VET utility will be revealed one by one. Like I have emphasized more and more, we need business applications to transform business activities to VeChainThor, and then the demands to financial applications will be more and more natural.
10. Will there be a Reddit AMA in the near future to ask more indepth questions?
Yes. Stay tuned.
These questions demonstrate the value of having an active community, both by suggesting new ways of innovation as well as utilizing ToolChain to onboard products and clients. The number of VC firms and project incubators surrounding the ecosystem is a good sign that more and more third-party and community driven projects will be landing on the VeChain platform. Investors can also take solace in the prospect of new token utility, providing a deeper connection between token holders and the numerous enterprise use-cases already springing into action.
On May 17th, honoring 65 years of Norwegian & Chinese diplomatic ties, China sent a delegate of officials to visit Norway and some of their local businesses. Among them was Li Zhanshu, Chairman of China’s Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. His role is equivalent to America’s Chief of Staff, playing a critical role in disseminating key info between leader Xi Jinping and the National Congress. Widely considered to be Xi Jinping’s strongest ally in congress, his influence helps determine President Xi’s itinerary and accompanies him on domestic and international trips. In political terms, Li Zhanshu is the third most powerful person in the country.
When visiting Norway, he stopped by the headquarters of DNV GL to discuss issues related to both Norway and China. While details of the meeting are confidential, Norway and DNV GL are highly focused on digitalization and global sustainability. The Digital Low Carbon Ecosystem is a key part of that, and with Chinese and Norwegian companies being at the center of the project, it’s a safe bet that the project was discussed at some point. Regardless, having a meeting with Li Zhanshu is a major testament to DNV GL’s influence in the Chinese corporate and political ecosystem. Leveraging these connections will help facilitate growth of the Digital Low Carbon Ecosystem within the world’s most populous country, increasing the adoption of VeChain’s innovative blockchain technology.
For those wishing to learn more about DNV GL’s recent accomplishments in China, check out this article.
DNV GL’s strategic investment and partnership with VeChain has given the blockchain startup unfathomable credibility – a point touched on by Deloitte Global Blockchain CEO Antonio Senatore when discussing their motivation for migrating to the VeChain platform. DNV GL has been very vocal on their achievements throughout Europe, in setting up My Story, joining INATBA, and other events that allow them to work with organizations around the world on goals such as digital transformation and global sustainability.
However, the DNV GL Greater China region has also had a pretty impressive spring, and one that has gone mostly under the radar. While many things they’ve accomplished are unrelated to VeChain or blockchain, there’s no denying that the next generation of technologies will be based on interoperability, and expandable, multi-industry ecosystems. Here’s a quick rundown of projects what they’ve accomplished:
March 3rd: Established the DNV GL AI Research Center in Shanghai
The links between AI and blockchain are strong – so having a dedicated research center should have lots of benefits for these emerging technologies. With having VeChain CEO Sunny Lu speaking at the event, it’s hard to ignore VeChain’s involvement in this project.
It’s no secret that China is keen to become a leader in emerging technologies, and AI will bolster DNV GL’s influence across multiple industries. Automated technologies, computerized visual recognition, and developing algorithms will be key in the next wave of digital innovation.
“Establishing a dedicated AI research centre in Shanghai enables us to engage with and benefit from leading edge AI technology developments. We also look to close cooperation with leading Chinese companies willing to implement advanced services based on AI.”
Dr. Pierre C Sames, Group Technology and Research Director at DNV GL.
March 29th – Shanghai HongQiao Airport ThinkSafer Safety Forum
As an important regional hub in the area, the Hongqiao airport is the 45th busiest airport in the world. By hosting the forum, DNV GL was able to discuss a number of important topics with participants from over 130 different organizations. While not directly related to VeChain, blockchain will play an important role in systemizing and automating many safety protocols, especially in high-risk fields such as aviation.
March 5th – Partnership with Ele.me
DNV GL’s partnership with one of the top food delivery companies in China includes a plan for digital food safety management. While VeChain wasn’t specifically mentioned in the press release, this is a perfect use case for blockchain and VeChain, and a partnership worth monitoring in the future.
January 25th – JD.com Corporate Ecosystem Certification
The third largest online company in the world by revenue, JD.com amassed $67.2 billion dollars in 2018. DNV GL awarded its corporate ecosystem an ISO-27001 certification for Information Systems Security Management.
The certification covers a number of business segments including Jingdong Mall, Jingdong Logistics, Big Data Platform, Intelligent Supply Chain, AI Platform and Research Department. At this point, Jingdong Group’s entire business ecosystem has met ISO 27001 certification standards.
While JD.com are developing their own private blockchain service, having this level of client speaks volumes to the credibility of DNV GL within the various Chinese industries.
March 14th – Tencent TAPD ISO 27001 Certification
Few companies are more influential than Tencent (WeChat, QQ) in China, and their Tactile Agile Product Development (TAPD) system for developing on an agile cloud service platform was the recipient of the ISO-27001 for Information Systems Security Management. Like JD.com, having this level of client inspires a lot of confidence in DNV GL’s Greater China department.
Other Important Certifications:
Yantai Donghai Aluminum Company – Passed ASI on-site audit, first ASI-compliant company in China
China Sports Lottery – The world’s second largest lottery received the World Lottery Association Security Control Standard (WLA-SCS) including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001
MeiCloud – A top Chinese cloud provider and SaaS received ISO 27001 for Information Security Management
Fujian Rural Credit Union – This institution, with more than 1,800 locations throughout the Fujian province, received ISO 27001 for Information Security Management.
PingAn Trust Co – Part of the largest insurance company in the country, China PingAn, received ISO-IEC 27001:2013.
PingAn Cloud – Another subsidiary of China PingAn Insurance received ISO -27017
Hangzhou YingShi Software Company – Received ISO 27001 and CSA (Cloud Security Alliance) STAR certification
Jingdong Digital Tech (JD.com) – One of the largest e-commerce sites in China awarded ISO 20000 & ISO 22301 certification
Qingdao Subway – This transportation bureau received multiple certifications including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001.
This collection represents some of the completed projects that DNV GL Business Assurance for Greater China was recently working on. With such an impressive list of clients, the company, led by CEO George Kang (VeChain Steering Committee member), amassed a great deal of experience and client connections while developing their own services that integrate VeChain’s enterprise-grade solutions. Within China’s competitive industries, strong client and personal relations are an indication of the strength of a project. Having DNV GL leading through innovation, credibility, and professionalism gives VeChain a strategic advantage that is unique within the public blockchain space.
Multiple sources were used in this article, with many being featured here.
On May 13th, Renji Hospital will celebrate the 175th anniversary of the hospital’s founding, while also commemorating 65 years of diplomatic ties between China and Norway. Featured at the event will be celebrations of Norwegian culture, including the first traceable salmon in China with Norway-in-a-Box.
As one of the oldest and most prestigious hospitals in China, Renji’s addition to the Low Carbon Ecosystem is a valuable one. Renji, partnered with Shanghai’s Jiaotong University, is consistently ranked as one of the top hospitals in the entire country. Established in 1844 with the help of the London Church, Renji Hospital will give priority to low carbon users when providing their distinguished medical services. In a country where quality medical care is in incredibly high demand, adding benefits like these will encourage more users to enter the ecosystem.
Renji’s inclusion is particularly remarkable because it indicates a commitment to global sustainability and social responsibility. Weeks after Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that their country must focus on green initiatives, the signs are in place that more and more corporations will prioritize protecting the environment. The Low Carbon Ecosystem provides the perfect solution by incentivizing consumers and rewarding corporations, allowing the industrialized country to shift towards a cleaner future.
Norway-in-a-Box
Ethically-sourced seafood products to be sold in China
On April 30th, Norway-in-a-Box held an event in Shanghai to announce the launch of their blockchain traceability through Bright Code, and discussed how technology could be combined with fresh seafood to target a new generation of Chinese consumers. Norway-in-a-Box focuses on freshness, ethical-sourcing, and traceability, using blockchain to build trust with consumers. By using IoT sensors and supply chain information audited by DNV GL, they aim to provide consumers with verified data throughout the whole value chain. This includes fishing vessels, fish farms, broodstocks, and continues down to processors, distributors, and retailers.
Note: This guide is written by a guest contributer, and originally published on Medium. It was republished with the permission of the author, Wilson Cheah.
Introduction
For decades, all types of businesses from small businesses to massive private and state owned enterprises have been plagued with various supply chain issues, such as poor traceability, as well as the need for more transparent business practices. Ineffective supply chain risk management as well as a lack of end-to-end visibility are both cited by a 2018 Deloitte study entitled ‘Continuous interconnected supply chain’. Authenticity and anti-counterfeiting is also a concern in many industries, with widespread counterfeiting happening throughout the market.
Today’s consumers are more educated about their purchases and demand greater transparency, sustainability, ethical and business practices. The reality is that even with modern traceability technologies laid out and deployed, businesses still fail to properly track and trace their supply chain. Communicating these efforts to customers also proves to be a challenge.
This article will highlight solutions to these problems, which can help to revolutionize your business, supply chain, and product marketing strategy.
Blockchain has been often cited as the perfect solution to many of these complex supply chain problems. Blockchain’s immutable and transparent distributed ledger coupled with modern IoT sensors could ensure that all supply chain information is tracked in real-time. Practical case studies (which will be highlighted later on in this article) have shown that this data could be then displayed in a transparent manner through QR codes or NFC tags that can be scanned by retail customers.
The problem? Hiring blockchain consultants and developers while ordering physical IoT kits and sensors can cost a lot of money. This is money that most start-ups or SMEs can’t afford. The various enterprise blockchains out there, such as IBM’s Hyperledger, are either too costly or hard to approach, making them only accessible to larger enterprises.
ToolChain: A cost effective, zero-knowledge required blockchain solution for products and supply chains
ToolChain is a revolutionary, turnkey solution powered by the world’s leading enterprise-grade public blockchain, VeChain. ToolChain allows any business or individual to utilize the blockchain and IoT solutions used by VeChain without any technical knowledge.
The ToolChain toolkit, with a complete package of industry-leading IoT sensors, devices, hardware portal and software access to the VeChainThor Blockchain
ToolChain provides a complete suite of industry-leading IoT sensors and devices, including NFC tags, RFID tags, a QR code printer, as well as humidity, acceleration, and temperature sensors. ToolChain users will be able to attach these sensors and write information such as supply chain and logistical data onto the VeChainThor Blockchain. This can be done using the supplied software and web portal assigned to each unique individual or business.
If you are an artisan handicraft maker looking for a way to ensure that your products are unique and authentic, you are now able to attach or embed an NFC tag to your product or product label and upload the relevant product information into the Blockchain.
At the same time, product traceability data, logistical flow data, certificates, manufacturing processes, as well as photos and videos can also be uploaded.
When your product gets shipped, all the customer needs to do is use the VeChain Pro app and scan the NFC tag to reveal every detail and story that you always wanted to tell.
Arket (an H&M subsidiary) utilizing VeChain’s ToolChain powered kit to provide traceability and authenticity information for its customers. Photo credit: VeChain Foundation
Scenario B: Supermarket Sushi
Current example marketing efforts to communicate with consumers, credit: Design Ginseisha.jp
Imagine that you are a Sushi distributor thinking of ways to communicate that the salmon or tuna you use is of a certain origin (such as Japan or Norway).
Your current strategy might be: 1) Print physical posters, banners, and leaflets with fancy designs explaining your ingredients, certificates and processes 2) Hire part-time promoters and rent stall space 3) Hand out these physical marketing pieces to customers, hoping that they will not throw it away as soon as they leave the supermarket.
The weaknesses of the current strategy is simply a waste of costs, including cash paid to the print shop, wages paid to the designer and promoter, as well as for physical resources like paper and ink. Such strategies are not only costly, but also ineffective compared to the new age digital marketing with ToolChain.
Sushi with a smart QR code linked to the VeChainThor Blockchain, printed using the ToolChain. Image credit: towelkeeper
With ToolChain, a smart QR code can be directly printed on the packaging, which shows the entire supply chain and packing process, including:
cold chain logistics data
humidity data
temperature levels maintained throughout the journey of the product to stores
Also, not only the stories and pictures that are used on physical leaflets are shown, but also videos can be used — further enhancing your branding and marketing while simultaneously keeping costs down.
Current enterprise and industry case studies
Case 1: SBTG + ToolChain + HBO Asia + Game of Thrones
Mr. Sabotage (SBTG), showcasing his usage of ToolChain for his custom sneakers during the VeChain Summit 2019
SBTG is an influential Singapore-based custom sneaker artist, selling customized shoes while collaborating with multiple sneaker brands including Adidas, Nike, and more.
Brands that are selling luxury or limited goods often suffer from counterfeits, which SBTG often encounters. Artists like SBTG also struggle with communicating their vision and goals with customers, and the storytelling of such products often ends after the sale of the goods.
SBTG’s official Game of Thrones sneakers powered by ToolChain, commissioned by HBO Asia. Photo credit: SBTG Instagram
With ToolChain, SBTG has successfully integrated advanced IoT and blockchain solutions into his products, resolving his authenticity and marketing issues. The official Game of Thrones sneakers commissioned by HBO Asia are completely powered by the ToolChain kit.
SBTG limted edition sneakers are embedded with ToolChain-VeChain NFC chips that can be scanned by customers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ5M_Lr-IPE
An advertising video showcasing SBTG’s enhanced authenticity system using ToolChain
Fuji MARUMO Tea Garden is a Japanese tea company with a rich heritage of history, boasting a business lineage of almost 100 years. Fuji MARUMO’s tea are harvested in one of the most famous origins of Japanese tea, located in Shizuoka, Japan. Shizuoka has been recorded as a staple of tea harvesting as early as the year 1241.
VeChain NFC tags (printed using ToolChain) are embedded in the product packaging. Photo credit: VeChain Foundation
For this solution, VeChain assigns every product a unique ID ensuring the exclusiveness of the line. Through the NFC chip, customers can verify that the origin of their tea is from Fuji MARUMO Tea Garden, the unique environment for cultivating tea in Japan. Furthermore, when scanning the chips, the consumer can retrieve further information about the product, such as the history of the tea garden in a video and a verification certificate issued and stored on the VeChainThor Blockchain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K5mfyAMyIw
Video showcasing enhanced traceability, authenticity, and storytelling using VeChain NFC solution and ToolChain
Case 3: Haier IoC-COSMOplat platform
On April 1st, 2019, Haier, DNV GL and VeChain signed a tripartite strategic partnership to utilize the VeChainThor Blockchain for its COSMOplat platform. COSMOPlat is the ecological backbone of Haier, operating as an open industrial internet platform with independent intellectual property rights. This makes it the first ever platform in-which third parties can participate in the entire industrial process.
Haier has committed to using the VeChainThor Blockchain for its COSMOplat platform, tracking Haier products in the ecosystem. Photo credit: VeChain Foundation
For the purpose of this case study, a simplified overview of Haier’s efforts involve placing Haier products on the Blockchain, tracing its entire product lifecycle history as well as product information.
A user scanning Haier’s ecosystem product to obtain the product’s lifecycle and general information. Photo credit: VeChain Foundation
Case 4 : Swell-INNERSECT fashion initiative by Edison Chen
Another example of ToolChain’s flexible and powerful features was showcased during Swell’s INNERSECT event in 2018.
Swell is a fashion brand intiative partnered with INNERSECT, a fashion event hosted by famous celebrity Edison Chen. The event showcased the latest in fashion trends, and Swell X INNERSECT opted to showcase their usage of the ToolChain toolkit.
Nike Air Jordans are integrated with ToolChain technology. Designed by Edison Chen’s Clot and Air Jordan
Using the dedicated Swell app from the Google Play Store and iOS App Store, users can directly scan the NFC chip embedded in various fashion products such as hoodies, beanies, Nike shoes, and more. Users can then register their products on their Swell profile and tie the authentic fashion goods on the blockchain to their own user profile.
ToolChain is powerful for brands as it is white-label friendly.
White labelling refers to the process of rebranding a turnkey solution with a businesses’ own branding, design, and logo. Swell rebranded the entire ToolChain kit with their own brand language and released their own ToolChain-powered App.
ToolChain Admin Center
The ToolChain Admin Center allows you to register your products, add descriptions, pictures, videos and other data that you wish for your customers to see. The portal allows you to have as many instances on the blockchain as you like. To prove the origin of your products, your manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and teams can use the VeChain Work App to contribute to the story of your product. When the customer sees the final product, they can use the VeChain Pro app (or similar QR/NFC reader) to view the entire story of your product, including proof of authenticity and origin, all in a consumer friendly interface.
Conclusion
Through the various use case examples and real case studies above, it is evident that issues with supply chain traceability, authenticity, and marketing can be resolved by VeChain’s ToolChain.
The call for more transparency by customers has been both a boon and bane for companies worldwide. With VeChain’s solutions, there is finally a user-friendly, transparent, secure and immutable way of transforming a company’s supply chain and marketing strategy. Already, enterprises like BMW, Deloitte, PwC, H&M, Givenchy, Haier, and many others are signed up and using these solutions.
ToolChain is an unprecedented toolkit that brings the commercial VeChain IoT and Blockchain solutions used by famous companies and global enterprises to everyone, without any technical knowledge or consultants.
VeChain GM for Europe, Jerome Grilleres showcasing ToolChain, a complete turn-key solution for businesses and individuals. Photo credit: VeChain Foundation
Article written by Wilson Cheah Telegram: fatalexe Twitter: twitter.com/FatalFatalexe If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider sharing this to your circles. William’s VeChain tip account (VIP180 tokens): 0x2C50c7AbA38b0C7ca4B5965f2ec9457Bcd319E18
Deloitte 2018, Continuous interconnected supply chain
The ToolChain toolkit, with a complete package of industry-leading IoT sensors, devices, hardware portal and software access to the VeChainThor Blockchain
Arket (an H&M subsidiary) utilizing VeChain’s ToolChain powered kit to provide traceability and authenticity information for its customers. Photo credit: VeChain Foundation
Current example marketing efforts to communicate with consumers, credit: Design Ginseisha.jp
Sushi with a smart QR code linked to the VeChainThor Blockchain, printed using the ToolChain. Image credit: 
Mr. Sabotage (SBTG), showcasing his usage of ToolChain for his custom sneakers during the VeChain Summit 2019
SBTG’s official Game of Thrones sneakers powered by ToolChain, commissioned by HBO Asia. Photo credit: SBTG Instagram
SBTG limted edition sneakers are embedded with ToolChain-VeChain NFC chips that can be scanned by customers
VeChain NFC tags (printed using ToolChain) are embedded in the product packaging. Photo credit: VeChain Foundation
Haier has committed to using the VeChainThor Blockchain for its COSMOplat platform, tracking Haier products in the ecosystem. Photo credit: VeChain Foundation
A user scanning Haier’s ecosystem product to obtain the product’s lifecycle and general information. Photo credit: VeChain Foundation
VeChain GM for Europe, Jerome Grilleres showcasing ToolChain, a complete turn-key solution for businesses and individuals. Photo credit: VeChain Foundation