Blockchain technology has a significant potential role to play in the automation of industrial processes.  In addition to its role in implementing cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin) and smart digital contracts, blockchains support the operation of decentralized industrial organizations (DIO), establishing economic value derived from advanced industrial automation (IA) applications—often in the context of emerging Cyber-Physical (CPS) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems.
This paper provides a brief introduction.