A Complete Step-by-Step Methodology for Defining, Deploying and Monitoring a Blockchain Network in Industry 4.0

Billions of dollars in investments are expected for Industry 4.0 due to the arrival of technologies like the blockchain within the scope of the Industrial Internet of Things. The blockchain has attracted attention to the industrial context due to its potential to provide processes with a functioning in which information is immutable, traceable and auditable. Currently, the blockchain is evaluated and applied by the academy in different application areas. These applications helped in the development of this technology, allowing it to be applied not only in traditional systems, but also in industrial processes. Despite its rapid technological advancement, and considering that the industrial environment presents great challenges and requirements that are different from traditional applications for human use, the definition of a blockchain network in the industrial environment becomes critical. Given this context, this work presents a step-by-step methodology that presents paths to be followed, and presents and discusses important aspects to be analyzed in order to define, implement and monitor a blockchain network in an industrial environment. Given the heterogeneity and complexity of blockchain systems, thismethodology becomes essential to assist in the proper choice of platforms and parameters for blockchain networks, providing cost reduction and safety in the operation of sensitive industrial processes.