Atomic Execution of Optimization Transactions on Permissioned Blockchains

Abstract

A transaction is executed asynchronously by multiple nodes in a Blockchain and it is imperative that all executions result in the same output for the transaction to be valid. Transactions involving optimization problems can provide differing solutions on different executions. Common supply chain applications with planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and routing optimization are mixed integer linear programs with the above characteristic of generating different solutions. This inherent lack of determinism during the execution of optimization transactions impedes the adoption of Blockchain for the above supply chain applications. In this paper, we address the problem of non-determinism in optimization transactions for permissioned Blockchains. Our proposed scheme enables atomic execution of optimization transactions and we outline its implementation for Hyperledger Fabric.