Hash Validation

What is Hash Validation?

Hash validation is a process we use in the Wholechain platform to verify that the data we are handling is secure, authentic, and tamper-proof. It ensures that the information being traced through the supply chain is accurate, consistent, and has not been altered. This process is built on cryptographic standards, specifically SHA-256, a widely recognized and trusted hashing algorithm.


What is a Hash?

A hash is a unique digital fingerprint of a piece of data. When data is “hashed,” it is transformed into a fixed-length string of characters, regardless of the size of the input. The SHA-256 algorithm generates a 64-character long hash value, which is unique to the input data. If even a single character of the input data changes, the resulting hash will be completely different.


Example:

  • Input: “Hello, Wholechain!”
  • SHA-256 Hash: d1d2f0b8a34f65847858909ad4eafe6db7ac76e5679a5dd1b8c1fdf7e9a8a6d3

This makes hashes highly effective for verifying the integrity of data.


What is SHA-256?

SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256-bit) is part of the SHA-2 family of cryptographic hash functions. It was designed by the National Security Agency (NSA) and is used widely across industries for secure data verification. The “256” refers to the length of the hash output, which is 256 bits (64 characters). SHA-256 is designed to be a one-way function, meaning it is practically impossible to reverse-engineer the original data from the hash.


Why is Hashing Important?

Hashing is crucial because it provides:


  1. Data Integrity: Hashes can be used to verify that data has not been altered. If the hash of a dataset matches the expected hash, we can be confident the data is authentic and unchanged.
  2. Security: The SHA-256 algorithm is secure and widely trusted, making it difficult for attackers to manipulate the data without detection.
  3. Efficiency: Hashes allow for quick and efficient verification of data integrity without needing to process the entire dataset.

How Does Hashing Work in Supply Chain Traceability?

In supply chains, data about a product’s journey is gathered at various stages (e.g., harvest, processing, shipping). Each of these stages generates valuable data that needs to be recorded and verified. When we hash this data, we create a digital fingerprint of the information at each stage. By storing this hash on a blockchain, we make an immutable record that can be used to prove the data’s authenticity and integrity.


Why is Blockchain Important?

A blockchain is a decentralized, tamper-proof ledger where data is stored in blocks. When a hash is placed on the blockchain:


  • It cannot be altered or deleted, ensuring an unchangeable record of the data.
  • It creates transparency, allowing stakeholders in the supply chain to trust the recorded information.
  • It provides a way to verify the authenticity of data at any point in the supply chain.

How Wholechain Performs Hash Validation

At Wholechain, we use a three-step hash validation process to ensure the highest level of data integrity:


1. Hash Creation (SHA-256 Standard)

First, we create a SHA-256 hash of the supply chain data. This hash is generated according to the SHA-256 standard, ensuring consistency and reliability. The hash serves as a digital fingerprint of the data, capturing its state at the time of recording.


2. GS1 Alignment

Next, we verify that the hash we generated aligns with the hash that GS1 would create using the same SHA-256 standard. GS1 is a global organization that sets standards for supply chain traceability. By aligning our hash with GS1 standards, we provide additional assurance that our hashing process is consistent with industry best practices.


3. Blockchain Verification (Algorand Blockchain)

Finally, we store the hash on the Algorand blockchain, a highly secure and efficient decentralized ledger. We then verify that the hash we have created and stored on the blockchain matches the hash displayed in the Wholechain application. This step ensures:


  • Immutability: The hash on the blockchain cannot be changed, providing a permanent record of the data’s state.
  • Transparency: Users can independently verify that the hash in the Wholechain application matches the hash on the blockchain, confirming data integrity.

Benefits of Hash Validation for Wholechain Users

  1. Trust and Transparency: By using SHA-256 hashing and blockchain technology, Wholechain ensures that the data you see is the data that was originally recorded, building trust in the supply chain process.
  2. Data Security: Hash validation protects your data from tampering and fraud, as any changes to the data would result in a different hash value.
  3. Regulatory Compliance: Hash validation aligns with industry standards (e.g., GS1 and FSMA-204), helping you meet regulatory requirements for traceability and data integrity.

How to Verify Hashes in Wholechain

Wholechain makes it easy for users to verify the integrity of their supply chain data. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Open the Wholechain application and select the product you wish to view.
  2. Click on the specific lot you want to verify.
  3. Choose the event you need to validate.
  4. Click on “Event Data” and then select “Validate Hash.”
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the validation process.

For a detailed walkthrough, please see our step-by-step video guide:

Conclusion

Hash validation is a critical part of Wholechain’s commitment to data integrity, transparency, and trust. By using SHA-256 hashing and blockchain technology, we provide a secure, verifiable record of your supply chain data, empowering you to make informed decisions and build confidence in your supply chain processes.

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