Exploring the Feasibility of Migrating a MySQL-Based Water Billing System to Hyperledger Fabric: A Comparative Study
摘要
This study explores the feasibility of migrating the water billing system of the Municipality of Ginatilan, Cebu, from a MySQL-based client–server model to a private blockchain framework using Hyperledger Fabric. The research examines the limitations of the current system, including security vulnerabilities, data integrity concerns, and operational inefficiencies, and assesses how blockchain technology can address these challenges. A comparative analysis of MySQL and Hyperledger Fabric is conducted, evaluating performance metrics such as transaction processing time, scalability, security, and usability. Additionally, this study proposes a hybrid migration strategy where MySQL remains for non-critical data, while blockchain secures financial transactions. Consideration is given to long-term scalability, ensuring the system accommodates increasing transactions and municipal expansion. The research analyzes regulatory and legal barriers affecting blockchain adoption in municipal utilities, particularly compliance with data privacy and financial policies. A pilot deployment was conducted to assess system adoption, revealing improvements in billing efficiency, data integrity, and automation, while also highlighting the need for extensive technical training for municipal staff. The UI/UX of the existing water billing system remains unchanged, with only the backend being updated to integrate blockchain for enhanced security and efficiency. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on integrating blockchain into public utilities and provide a structured migration framework for local governments considering similar transitions.