January 22, 2022
As with the blockchain technology that underpins most cryptocurrencies, smart contracts evolved from less-than-complete technologies. In the case of smart contracts, they are developed from older electronic instruction execution systems that used if/else statements and other conditional logic to generate a conclusion depending on the data supplied.Â
The phrase “smart contract” was invented in the 1990s by Nick Szabo, a notable computer scientist and cryptographer who was also responsible for designing one of the early antecedents to Bitcoin, Bit Gold. Szabo first outlined smart contracts for several fundamental reasons, such as fraud reduction and contract enforcement, but subsequently expanded on the technology’s possible applications to digital currency, smart property, and more in a 1996 study.Â
Ethereum pioneered § smart contracts in 2015, opening up a plethora of new possibilities beyond financial transactions. In a nutshell, smart contracts let two or more parties reach an agreement based on predefined criteria. When these criteria are satisfied, the smart contract is immediately executed.Â
How Do Smart Contracts Benefit You?
1. PrecisionÂ
A smart contract’s essential need is that all terms and conditions be explicitly recorded. This is a necessity, since omitting it might result in transaction failures. Consequently, automated contracts minimize the difficulties associated with manually filling out mountains of documents.Â
2. Availability of InformationÂ
All relevant parties are fully aware of and may access the terms and conditions of these contracts. Once a contract is created, it is impossible to challenge them. This ensures the transaction is entirely transparent for all parties involved.Â
3. ConfidentialityÂ
The need for accuracy in contract documentation necessitates the use of clear language. No space for misunderstanding or misinterpretation is permitted. As a result, smart contracts can significantly reduce the amount of efficiency wasted due to communication breakdowns.Â
4. Accelerated transactions
These contracts are computer programs that operate over the internet. As a consequence, they may complete transactions in a matter of seconds. This speed enables several typical corporate operations to be completed in a matter of hours rather than days.Â
5. Security
Automated contracts use the most robust degree of data encryption presently available, the same quality employed by contemporary cryptocurrencies. This degree of security puts them among the safest things available on the internet.Â
6. PromptnessÂ
The efficiency with which these contracts are executed is a natural outcome of their speed and precision. Increased efficiency results in the processing of more value-adding transactions per unit of time.
How to Utilize Smart Contracts
Smart contracts may be applied across the value chain, from finance to healthcare to insurance. Consider the following examples:Â
Governmental Affairs
While Government Insiders attest that it is quite challenging to rig our voting system, smart contracts would ease any fears by creating a much more secure method. Ledger-protected votes would need to be decoded, which would take an unreasonable amount of computational power. Because no one has so much computational power, God would be required to hack the system! Second, smart contracts have the potential to increase low voter participation. Much of the inertia stems from a clumsy system that requires lining up, demonstrating your identification, and filling out documents. Volunteers may transmit voting online via smart contracts, and millennials will show out in droves to vote for their choice.
Corporate ManagementÂ
Not only does the blockchain offer a single source of trust, but it also eliminates any bottlenecks in communication and process due to its correctness, openness, and automated system. Typically, corporate activities must undergo a back-and-forth process while awaiting approvals and resolving internal or external concerns. A blockchain-based ledger simplifies this process. Additionally, it eliminates common inconsistencies with separate processing and may result in expensive litigation and settlement delays.Â
Supply Chain Management
Too frequently, supply chains are harmed by paper-based systems, in which paperwork must be approved via many channels, increasing the risk of loss and fraud. This is obviated by the blockchain, which provides a secure, transparent digital format to all chain participants and automates duties and payment.Â
HealthcareÂ
Personal health data might be encrypted and kept on the blockchain using a private key that would enable access to only a limited number of users. Surgery receipts might be maintained on a blockchain and automatically submitted to insurance companies as proof of delivery. Additionally, the ledger might be utilized for primary healthcare management purposes, such as monitoring medications, ensuring regulatory compliance, analyzing test findings, and managing healthcare supplies.
Considering these applications and benefits, smart contracts bring innovative prospects that will be exponentially leveraged in the following years.
