The textile industry is a foundation of many economies, but when it comes to sell of artisan made any textile products it has been struggling with challenges such as product authenticity and close market with limited access to facilities to reach out to customers.
Understanding these challenges, the Public Sector Undertaking initiated a groundbreaking project aimed at introducing a QR Code Enabled Open-Source Traceability Solution. This system was designed to enhance transparency, traceability, and fairness within the textile supply chain. This case study explores the implementation and impact of this innovative Open Source Frappe based solution on various stakeholders within the textile industry.
Challenges Addressed:
One of the primary challenges tackled by the QR Code Enabled Open-Source Traceability Solution was the lack of transparency regarding the origins of textile products. Lack of traceability created challenges in verifying the authenticity of the product and the actual traditional methods and sourcing practices employed by rural artisans. This challenge often left consumers uncertain about the authenticity of the products they purchased. Additionally, artisans faced difficulties in receiving fair compensation due to variances in pricing structures and a lack of accountability within the supply chain. The close market with limited access to facilities to reach out to customers. These challenges hindered the growth and sustainability of both artisans and the textile industry as a whole.
Components and Functionality:
The QR Code Enabled Open-Source Traceability Solution comprised several components developed on Frappe Framework and Android, aimed at addressing specific pain points within the textile industry. A central web-based platform served as the backbone of the system, facilitating coordination among stakeholders and managing data related to product origins, transactions, and certifications. Mobile applications were developed to empower artisans, retailers, and manufacturers with user-friendly tools for registration, inventory management, and accessing real-time data.
Furthermore, the integration of a secure payment gateway streamlined financial transactions, ensuring fair compensation for artisans and reducing errors in monetary transactions. The system also included automated onboarding processes to simplify the incorporation of new stakeholders into the supply chain, along with digital verification tools to authenticate product origins during site inspections.
The solution is built on Frappe Framework, a 100% Open Source framework, Made in India. It includes the number benefits like. Frappe features a user-friendly and responsive interface, enhancing the user experience across various devices. Frappe enables rapid application development with minimal coding due to a low code no code feature. Frappe includes comprehensive user authentication and role-based access control, ensuring secure management of user permissions. The framework comes with a wide range of built-in tools for tasks such as form generation, report creation, and workflow management. Frappe supports real-time data updates, ensuring that users always have access to the most current information. Designed for scalability, Frappe can handle the growing needs of applications as they expand.
Modules Implemented:
- Onboarding of Artisans
- Registration of New Users
- Site Visit Schedule
- Site Verification
- Appeal for Rejection decision on application
- Renewal of Registration
- Label Entitlement Enhancement
- QR Code Generation
- Label Stocking
- Label Fulfillment
- MIS reports & Dashboard.
Impact on Stakeholders and the Industry:
The implementation of the QR Code Enabled Open-Source Traceability Solution has yielded significant benefits for stakeholders across the textile industry. Artisans have experienced streamlined digital processes, leading to increased efficiency and transparency in their operations. Consumers now have the ability to verify product authenticity and access detailed information about the products they purchase, thereby instilling confidence and trust in the market.
Moreover, the system has facilitated fair compensation practices for artisans, improving their livelihoods and fostering a more equitable ecosystem within the textile industry. Enhanced brand reputation resulting from transparent supply chain practices has led to increased consumer engagement and loyalty. This, in turn, has created new market opportunities and contributed to the sustainable growth of the industry.
Market Research Insights:
A study published by Market Research Reports indicated that businesses implementing traceability solutions have experienced an average increase of 23% in consumer trust and brand loyalty. This data underscores the potential for enhanced brand reputation and consumer engagement resulting from the adoption of traceability technologies.