Main technology giant IBM is leveraging blockchain technology to connect buyers with non-traditional suppliers producing masks and other PPE needed to combat COVID-19. The company is leveraging its expertise with blockchain to help address medical supply chain shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), used by health care professionals due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
IBM has launched a blockchain network, called Rapid Supplier Connect, to help government agencies and healthcare industries identify new, non-traditional suppliers that have pivoted to address the shortage of equipment and supplies needed for COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts. The company mentioned that Rapid Supplier Connect is freely available to qualified buyers and suppliers in the U.S. and Canada by the end of August this year.
Rapid Supplier Connect intends to link buyers with non-traditional suppliers that are now making masks, gowns, and other essential supplies items for health care facilities and personnel. Mark Treshock, IBM’s Global Leader for Blockchain Solutions in Healthcare and Life Sciences explained the mission of Rapid Supplier Connect stating, “The goal is to bring two parties together, reducing the friction and time it normally takes to conduct business. Blockchain is applied here to enable companies to move forward fast and efficiently.”
