Definition ∞ Tier-1 suppliers are direct providers of goods or services to an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a primary contractor in a supply chain. These suppliers typically possess specialized capabilities and often play a significant role in design, engineering, and manufacturing processes. They manage their own network of lower-tier suppliers. Their performance directly impacts the quality and delivery of the final product.
Context ∞ In the context of supply chain management, blockchain technology offers solutions to enhance transparency and efficiency when dealing with tier-1 suppliers, particularly for industries where digital assets might represent components or contractual agreements. Distributed ledgers can provide an immutable record of transactions and product information between OEMs and their tier-1 partners. This improves accountability and reduces disputes, contributing to more robust and verifiable supply chains that may eventually integrate tokenized inventory or payments.