Vodafone Digital Asset Broker (DAB) has joined the Chainlink network as a node operator after completing a proof-of-concept with Japanese trading and investment company Sumitomo for exchanging trade documents across platforms. The companies hope to improve document transfer and processing of financial transactions in the $32-trillion global trade ecosystem, Vodafone said.

The proof-of-concept used oracle network Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP). DAB “provide[d] security and interoperability across IoT devices at the edge of a network.” The proof-of-concept showed the potential of Vodafone Internet-of-Things devices and blockchains to provide data for use in contracts and AI applications. Potentially, a single interface could be created to transfer data and tokens, the company said:

“For example, a vessel detecting a cargo fire could autonomously relay data to smart contracts via DAB’s platform and CCIP, potentially triggering a marine cargo insurance process.”

Trade documents are a particular challenge because they may exist on paper or on digital platforms with low interoperability and need to change hands repeatedly.