A quantitative-qualitative framework for evaluating blockchain adoption in PI-oriented logistics systems

Background: Blockchain has emerged as a promising enabler for improving transparency, trust, and operational efficiency in logistics systems. In PI-oriented logistics environments, where openness, interoperability, and streamlined information exchange are emphasized, blockchain offers a decentralized alternative to conventional coordination methods. However, its economic feasibility remains uncertain due to substantial system development and operational costs. Existing literature largely isolates qualitative benefits from quantitative cost structures. Methods: This study proposes a quantitative-qualitative evaluation framework to assess blockchain adoption in PI-oriented logistics systems. Two Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) cost-minimization models were constructed to represent alternative coordination approaches: PI-BC (blockchain-enabled coordination) and PI-Human (traditional human-centered coordination). The results of the optimization analysis were integrated into an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) evaluation alongside qualitative criteria such as interoperability, reliability, and transparency. Results: Numerical findings show that although PI-BC incurs higher operational costs, it performs considerably better in qualitative dimensions related to information visibility and robustness. Conclusions: These results suggest that blockchain provides particular value in PI-oriented contexts at the adoption stage. However, the framework does not provide a universal recommendation, as the relative advantage of PI-BC is highly contingent on decision-makers' subjective criterion weight assignments, as revealed by the sensitivity analysis.