System architecture for blockchain based transparency of supply chain social sustainability

•Social sustainability demands more transparency in supply chain governance.•System architecture for blockchain based traceability of social sustainability.•Integrating blockchain technology, internet-of-things and big data analytics.•Effectively monitor social sustainability in multi-tier global sourcing supply chains.•System cost is quantified and solutions recommended for potential issues/challenges. Social sustainability is a major concern in global supply chains for protecting workers from exploitation and for providing a safe working environment. Although there are stipulated standards to govern supply chain social sustainability, it is not uncommon to hear of businesses being reported for noncompliance issues. Even reputable firms such as Unilever have been criticized for production labor exploitation. Consumers now increasingly expect sellers to disclose information on social sustainability, but sellers are confronted with the challenge of traceability in their multi-tier global supply chains. Blockchain offers a promising future to achieve instant traceability in supply chain social sustainability. This study develops a system architecture that integrates the use of blockchain, internet-of-things (IoT) and big data analytics to allow sellers to monitor their supply chain social sustainability efficiently and effectively. System implementation cost and potential challenges are analyzed before the research is concluded.