# DHL Blockchain-based Pharmaceutical Tracking

> 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.

**Sector:** Tertiary sector · **Industry:** Postal, parcel and courier services · **Organisation:** DHL und Accenture · **Maturity level:** Concept

Canonical URL: https://www.sapientblock.com/en/use-cases/dhl-sendungen-weltweit-lueckenlos-verfolgen

## 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).

## Benefits

- Companies can automatically meet their compliance requirements and reduce the risk of liability claims due to counterfeit medicines.
- Patients receive better protection against counterfeit medicines and can strengthen their trust in their medication supply.
- 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.
- Logistics staff receive digital tools for rapid authentication of medicines without manual checks.

## Challenges

- Companies must adapt their existing IT systems and integrate them into the blockchain network, which requires significant investment.
- 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.
- 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.

## Sources

- [DHL und Accenture: Blockchain hat enormes Potenzial in der Logistik](https://group.dhl.com/de/presse/pressemitteilungen/2018/dhl-und-accenture-blockchain-hat-enormes-potenzial-in-der-logistik.html)
- [DHL and Accenture unlock the power of blockchain in logistics](https://newsroom.accenture.com/news/2018/dhl-and-accenture-unlock-the-power-of-blockchain-in-logistics)
- [DHL und Accenture prüfen Potenzial: Blockchain in der Logistik soll Leben retten](https://www.eurotransport.de/logistik/spedition-und-logistik/dhl-und-accenture-pruefen-potenzial-blockchain-in-der-logistik-soll-leben-retten/)