DHL Blockchain-based Pharmaceutical Tracking
Sector: Tertiary sector · Industry: Postal, parcel and courier services · Organisation: DHL und Accenture · Maturity level: Concept
DHL and Accenture developed a blockchain-based proof of concept in 2018 for pharmaceutical tracking to combat counterfeiting and increase supply chain transparency. The system can process more than 7 billion unique serial numbers and handle 1,500 transactions per second. This approach tackles pharmaceutical counterfeiting that causes up to 1 million deaths annually according to Interpol.
Documentation status
- Project status: Concept
- Evidence: Evidence high
- Editorial review: Ufuk Avci, 15 April 2026
Description
DHL (Bonn) and Accenture jointly published the trend report Blockchain in Logistics on 12 March 2018 and presented initial results of a pharmaceutical serialization prototype. Matthias Heutger (SVP DHL): We believe logistics is an area where the new technology will have a profound impact.
The DHL+Accenture pharma prototype: a global network of blockchain nodes in six regions documents every step of a medicine from manufacturer to patient. The ledger is shared with all stakeholders: manufacturers, warehouses, distributors, pharmacies, hospitals, doctors. Lab simulation results: over 7 billion unique serial numbers processed; 1,500 transactions per second — sufficient for global pharmaceutical demand. Interpol estimates: 1 million lives are lost annually due to counterfeit medicines; in developing markets up to 30% of all pharmaceutical products are counterfeit. Andreas Baier (Accenture): With a shared, immutable and secure ledger, the industry can achieve much higher safety standards — from factory to patient — at much lower costs. Eurotransport headlined: Blockchain in logistics could save lives. Additional benefits: 5% savings on freight costs through improved invoice accuracy (fewer billing disputes).
Perspectives
B2B — organisations perspective
Logistics providers and pharmaceutical companies can integrate blockchain-based serialization into their global supply chains using the DHL/Accenture model: seamless tracking, 1,500 transactions per second, immediate counterfeit detection.
B2C — consumers perspective
Patients and consumers benefit from increased safety in medicines, as counterfeit drugs can be more effectively removed from circulation. The system strengthens trust in the medication supply and can save lives.
Employees perspective
Logistics employees receive digital tools for rapid verification of medicines without elaborate manual checks. The system automates many control processes and enables staff to focus on more value-adding activities.
Benefits
General
- The system can manage over 7 billion unique medicine serial numbers while processing 1,500 transactions per second.
- Blockchain technology enables immutable documentation of the entire supply chain, thus preventing tampering.
- The system contributes to combating counterfeit medicines, which cause up to 1 million deaths annually.
B2B — organisations
- Companies can automatically meet their compliance requirements and reduce the risk of liability claims due to counterfeit medicines.
B2C — consumers
- Patients receive better protection against counterfeit medicines and can strengthen their trust in their medication supply.
Employees
- Logistics staff receive digital tools for rapid authentication of medicines without manual checks.
Challenges
General
- Integrating all supply chain actors into a shared blockchain network requires extensive coordination and standards.
- The system must meet high scalability requirements to handle billions of transactions.
B2B — organisations
- Companies must adapt their existing IT systems and integrate them into the blockchain network, which requires significant investment.
Employees
- Employees need training to handle the new blockchain technology and digital verification tools.
Technology foundation
The system uses blockchain-based serialization with network nodes in six regions that create and manage unique serial numbers for medicines. Blockchain technology enables immutable documentation of the entire supply chain from production to end consumer, allowing counterfeit medicines to be identified.
Implementation examples
DHL-Accenture Pharma Blockchain Proof of Concept
The project aimed to address the growing problem of counterfeit medicines, which according to Interpol cause up to 1 million deaths annually. The goal was to create an immutable record of the entire pharmaceutical supply chain.
DHL and Accenture jointly developed a proof of concept for blockchain-based pharmaceutical tracking in 2018. The system demonstrated the ability to manage over 7 billion serial numbers.
The project was realised as a proof of concept in 2018 and primarily focused on pharmaceutical logistics to combat counterfeit medicines. The system used blockchain-based serialisation with network nodes in six regions and was able to process more than 7 billion unique serial numbers in lab simulations. The solution achieved a processing speed of 1,500 transactions per second and aimed to solve the problem of counterfeit drugs, which affects up to 30% of available medicines in emerging countries.
The system addressed the lack of transparency in pharmaceutical supply chains and the difficulty of identifying counterfeit medicines. The solution was intended to enable seamless tracking from production to the end consumer.
Tags
Pharmaceutical logistics, Anti-counterfeiting, Serialization, Supply chain transparency, Health protection