CRM Quote-to-Cash: Blockchain Enhancement with Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Houssem BENMAHMOUD

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

houssem.benmahmoud01@gmail.com

Additional applicants

Oussama BENMAHMOUD

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

12

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.” .

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.”

Our primary goal is to ensure transparency and foster community contribution; hence, the majority of our project will be open-source. However, due to the proprietary nature of Salesforce and potential security concerns, the specifics of the integration code between Salesforce and Cardano may not be open source. This measure is designed to protect sensitive information and to comply with the terms of use of Salesforce. Rest assured, any non-open source elements will not inhibit the understanding or usability of our overall solution.

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

Other

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

Our proposed solution focuses on revolutionizing the Salesforce Quote-to-Cash process through integration with the Cardano blockchain. The Quote-to-Cash process encompasses the entire sales cycle, starting from generating a sales quote and concluding with cash collection.

Salesforce is a widely used customer relationship management (CRM) platform that empowers businesses to streamline their sales operations, manage customer interactions, and drive revenue growth. However, existing Quote-to-Cash systems within Salesforce often face challenges related to transparency, data integrity, and automation.

Our solution addresses these challenges by leveraging the unique capabilities of the Cardano blockchain. By integrating the Cardano blockchain with Salesforce, we aim to enhance transparency, ensure data integrity, automate workflows through smart contracts, and provide complete visibility into the sales process.

The integration of Cardano's blockchain technology brings additional layers of trust and security to the Quote-to-Cash process. It enables secure and tamper-proof recording of sales transactions, streamlines contract execution and payment processes, and eliminates the need for intermediaries, reducing costs and potential errors.

This solution will benefit businesses using Salesforce as their CRM system, enabling them to enhance the efficiency and reliability of their Quote-to-Cash process. By leveraging Cardano's blockchain, businesses can achieve greater accuracy, transparency, and automation, leading to improved customer satisfaction, streamlined operations, and increased revenue.

The significance of this solution lies in its ability to showcase the power and potential of blockchain technology within the Salesforce ecosystem. By bridging the gap between CRM systems and blockchain, we not only address the pain points of existing Quote-to-Cash processes but also contribute to Cardano's mission of fostering a thriving ecosystem of innovative products and integrations. This solution will attract businesses, promote blockchain adoption, and demonstrate the value and importance of Cardano within the Salesforce community and the broader Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

Our proposed solution, Salesforce Quote-to-Cash Process on Cardano, will address several key objectives outlined in the challenge.

Firstly, it will introduce a novel product into the Cardano ecosystem that enhances the quote-to-cash process by leveraging blockchain's transparency and immutability. By integrating Salesforce with Cardano, we aim to bring the robustness of blockchain technology to a system used by millions of businesses worldwide. This integration will showcase Cardano's versatility and its compatibility with existing business systems, potentially attracting more integrations and users to the ecosystem.

Secondly, our project aligns with the goal of creating innovative business solutions within the Cardano ecosystem. By improving the sales process, businesses using Salesforce can expect more accurate reporting, improved data integrity, and better compliance due to the transparency and immutability offered by Cardano's blockchain.

The impact of this project extends beyond the team itself, as it paves the way for similar integrations with other CRM platforms, ERPs, and various business solutions. It's expected that our project will set a precedent and provide a blueprint for such integrations, promoting the development of a more diverse range of applications on Cardano.

In terms of quantitative impact, given the wide usage of Salesforce, even a small percentage of adoption would translate to a substantial increase in transactions and users within the Cardano ecosystem. Our realistic aim would be to onboard several businesses within the first year following the completion of the project, which would significantly increase transaction volume on the Cardano blockchain.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

Success of our project, Salesforce Quote-to-Cash Process on Cardano, will be gauged through a combination of both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

1. Number of Integrations: This will be the primary quantitative measure of success. The number of businesses that adopt our solution and integrate their Salesforce quote-to-cash process with Cardano will directly reflect the impact and acceptance of our project within the business community.
2. Transaction Volume: An increase in the number of transactions on the Cardano network following the implementation of our solution will indicate its usage and effectiveness.
3. User Feedback: As a qualitative measure, we will collect and analyze feedback from users of our solution. This will not only provide us insights about the perceived value of our solution but also help us in continuous improvement.
4. Reduction in discrepancies: By comparing the discrepancy rates in quote-to-cash process before and after the implementation of our solution, we can measure the improvement in data integrity.
5. Time-to-Cash: A reduction in the time from quotation to cash collection would indicate an improved efficiency in the process, another direct measure of success.

In the short term, our innovation is expected to attract businesses to the Cardano ecosystem and increase its transaction volume. In the long term, it would pave the way for further integrations of Cardano with other business solutions, enhancing the utility and adoption of Cardano and contributing to its growth.

We believe these measures are realistic given the widespread use of Salesforce and the tangible benefits that blockchain can bring to the quote-to-cash process.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

Our project's outputs will be disseminated through various channels to maximize reach and impact.

1. Documentation: We'll generate extensive documentation covering technical aspects, use cases, and benefits of our solution. This will be made available on our project website and GitHub repository.
2. Workshops and Webinars: We plan to conduct online workshops and webinars for interested businesses, Salesforce users, and blockchain enthusiasts to showcase our solution's functionality and benefits.
3. Partnerships: We will collaborate with business technology consulting firms and Salesforce itself, where possible, to promote our solution as an add-on for businesses looking to enhance their quote-to-cash process.
4. Community Engagement: We'll engage with the Cardano community through forums and social media, sharing updates, seeking feedback, and discussing potential improvements and use cases.

As for the utilization of results for further R&D, the insights gathered from the project will inform the future development of our solution, and potential expansion into other CRM and ERP systems. We anticipate that the knowledge gained from integrating Salesforce with Cardano will open doors for integrating other widely-used software systems with Cardano's blockchain, paving the way for wider adoption and more diverse applications. This project will serve as a stepping stone for future innovations and advancements in the realm of blockchain-powered business solutions.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

Our team is uniquely qualified to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability, combining extensive experience in Salesforce, Cardano's blockchain technology, and software quality assurance.

 

·        Salesforce Expertise: The main proposer, Houssem, is a Certified Salesforce Consultant with five years of experience as a Sales Engineer. His expertise in optimizing CRM solutions provides a deep understanding of Salesforce, its functionalities, and its user requirements.

 

·        Cardano Knowledge: The co-proposer, Oussama, is an active Cardano community member and a Plutus Pioneer, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the Cardano blockchain, its capabilities, and its community. This knowledge is vital for ensuring that our solution fully leverages Cardano's strengths and aligns with its ecosystem.

 

·        Software Quality Assurance: Oussama is also a Software Quality Assurance Expert and holds an ISTQB Advanced Level Certification, ensuring that our application meets the highest standards of functionality, performance, and user experience. This role is critical in ensuring that our solution is reliable, secure, and user-friendly.

 

·        Proven Track Record: Our team has a proven track record of successful project execution, having delivered multiple projects on time and to the satisfaction of stakeholders. We understand the importance of transparent communication, regular progress updates, and timely delivery.

 

·        Passion for Decentralization: Our team shares a deep passion for blockchain and the value of decentralization. This passion motivates us to deliver a solution that not only meets our users' needs but also contributes to the Cardano ecosystem and its vision.

 

As for financial management and ensuring proper usage of funds, we follow a rigorous process:

 

·        Budget Planning: We will prepare a detailed budget plan outlining all the necessary expenses related to the project. This includes development costs, testing, marketing, maintenance, and any other related costs. This budget will serve as our financial roadmap.

 

·        Financial Reporting: We will provide regular financial updates showing how the funds are being used. This includes detailed reports about the project's progress, ensuring complete transparency about where the funds are going and how they are helping move the project forward.

 

·        Milestone-Based Release: The funds will be released based on predefined project milestones. This ensures that the funds are being used for their intended purpose and that progress is being made before more funds are allocated.

 

·        Audit Trail: We will maintain a clear audit trail for all financial transactions related to the project, demonstrating our commitment to accountability and transparency.

 

With this combination of expertise, passion, and stringent financial management practices, we believe we are best suited to deliver this project successfully while maintaining high levels of trust and accountability.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goals of our project, "Salesforce Quote-to-Cash Process on Cardano," are as follows:

1. Develop a Blockchain-based Quote-to-Cash solution: Our primary objective is to create an end-to-end solution that brings the Salesforce quote-to-cash process onto the Cardano blockchain. The successful development and deployment of this system will be a major validation of our approach.
2. Improve Data Integrity: By leveraging the inherent immutability and transparency of blockchain technology, we aim to significantly enhance the data integrity of the quote-to-cash process.
3. Automate Workflow with Smart Contracts: Utilizing Cardano's smart contract capabilities, we intend to automate various stages of the quote-to-cash process, leading to increased efficiency.
4. Facilitate Adoption: A key goal is to ensure our solution is user-friendly and easily adoptable by businesses. This will be measured by the number of businesses integrating our solution into their processes.
5. Expand Cardano Ecosystem: By integrating Salesforce with Cardano, we hope to attract more businesses to the Cardano ecosystem, contributing to its growth and expansion.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will employ a multi-stage validation process:

• Technical Feasibility Study: Before development begins, we'll conduct a technical feasibility study to ensure our approach can be successfully implemented on the Cardano blockchain.

• Prototype Development & Testing: A prototype of our solution will be developed and extensively tested. Feedback from this stage will guide improvements and adjustments to our approach.

• Pilot Implementation: Our solution will be implemented on a small scale initially, with a select group of businesses. The success of this pilot phase will provide strong validation of our approach.

• User Feedback: Throughout development and after deployment, user feedback will be invaluable for validating the effectiveness of our solution and its alignment with user needs.

This combination of goals and validation methods will ensure our project stays on track and achieves its intended objectives while offering significant value to the Cardano ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Milestone 1: Project Initiation & Feasibility Study (Month 1)

• Task 1.1: Set up project management frameworks
• Task 1.2: Conduct a feasibility study
• Task 1.3: Initial market analysis and outreach to key influencers and potential beta testers
• Success Criteria: Detailed project plan, feasibility report, and a database of interested stakeholders.

Milestone 2: System Design & Prototype Development (Month 2-4)

• Task 2.1: Design system architecture
• Task 2.2: Develop a prototype
• Task 2.3: Conduct initial testing
• Task 2.4: Development of a marketing strategy and engagement with the Salesforce and Cardano communities
• Success Criteria: A functional prototype, detailed system architecture, and a well-structured marketing plan.

Milestone 3: System Development & Refinement (Month 5-6)

• Task 3.1: Develop the full system
• Task 3.2: Refine the system
• Task 3.3: Publicize the development progress via regular blog posts, community meetings, and social media updates to generate interest and solicit early feedback
• Success Criteria: A fully functioning system and an engaged and informed community.

Milestone 4: Pilot Implementation & User Testing (Month 7-9)

• Task 4.1: Implement the system for pilot testing
• Task 4.2: Collect user feedback and refine the system
• Task 4.3: Launch a promotional campaign to highlight the system's benefits and gather more users
• Success Criteria: Successful pilot implementation, user feedback that leads to system improvement, and growing user interest.

Milestone 5: Full System Deployment & Support (Month 10-12)

• Task 5.1: Full system deployment
• Task 5.2: Provide user support and training
• Task 5.3: Maintain the system
• Task 5.4: Post-launch marketing activities including webinars, tutorials, case studies, press releases, and active engagement on social media platforms to ensure widespread adoption
• Success Criteria: A successful launch with satisfactory user acceptance, ongoing system maintenance, and an engaged user community.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Milestone 1: Project Initiation & Feasibility Study

• Deliverables: Project Management Plan, Feasibility Report, Market Analysis Report.
• Intended Outcomes: Establishing a robust project framework, understanding the project's feasibility, identifying key market influencers and potential beta testers.
• Progress Tracking: Completion of planned reports and the development of a stakeholder database.

Milestone 2: System Design & Prototype Development

• Deliverables: Detailed System Design Document, Prototype, Marketing Strategy.
• Intended Outcomes: A functional prototype ready for initial testing and a comprehensive marketing strategy to ensure project visibility.
• Progress Tracking: Completion of system design, successful prototype development, and marketing plan.

Milestone 3: System Development & Refinement

• Deliverables: Full System, Blog Posts, Social Media Updates.
• Intended Outcomes: A well-developed and refined system, increased community engagement and interest.
• Progress Tracking: Successful system development, post counts, community engagement metrics (likes, shares, comments, etc.).

Milestone 4: Pilot Implementation & User Testing

• Deliverables: Pilot Test Report, User Feedback Report, Promotional Campaign Materials.
• Intended Outcomes: Successful pilot testing, valuable user feedback for further refinement, increased user base.
• Progress Tracking: Completion of pilot test, user feedback collected, engagement and response to promotional campaigns.

Milestone 5: Full System Deployment & Support

• Deliverables: Final Product, User Support Material, Marketing Collaterals (Webinars, Tutorials, Case Studies, Press Releases).
• Intended Outcomes: A fully deployed system with satisfied users, strong community support, widespread product adoption.
• Progress Tracking: Successful product deployment, user satisfaction surveys, user support engagement, user growth, and feedback on marketing materials.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Project Management & Planning: 50,000 ADA

This includes initial project setup, risk management, resource allocation, scheduling, monitoring, and adjustments throughout the project.

System Design & Development: 80,000 ADA

This includes designing the architecture of the solution, developing smart contracts, integrating Salesforce with the Cardano blockchain, testing and adjusting the system.

Market Research & Feasibility Study: 20,000 ADA

This includes a comprehensive analysis of market trends, potential user segments, competitors, and viability of the project.

Prototype Development: 60,000 ADA

This involves building a functional prototype of the system that will be used for testing, demonstration and gaining feedback from users.

Marketing & Community Engagement: 40,000 ADA

This includes strategy development, content creation, social media campaigns, community interactions, user education, webinars, and overall promotion of the project to attract potential users.

Stakeholder Communication: 10,000 ADA

This involves regular updates and transparent communication with stakeholders, investors, and the Cardano community about project progress.

Documentation & Reporting: 20,000 ADA

This covers creating comprehensive documentation for system usage, project reports, progress updates, and final project report. This also includes feedback collection, user support, and making improvements based on the received feedback.

Contingency: 20,000 ADA

This is kept aside to deal with any unforeseen circumstances or expenses that might arise during the project execution

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Our project, the Salesforce Quote-to-Cash Process on Cardano, brings unique value to the Cardano ecosystem. Here's how our budget represents value for money:

1. Innovative Solution: Our proposal targets a significant gap in the market - integrating blockchain technology into enterprise sales processes. Once successful, this solution has the potential to draw significant interest and new users to the Cardano ecosystem, thereby enhancing the blockchain's reputation and growth.
2. Experienced Team: Our team consists of industry professionals with years of experience in Salesforce, blockchain development, and project management. The costs include fair compensation for their expertise and the time they will invest in this project.
3. Market Research & Feasibility Study: This is crucial for understanding the user requirements, market trends, and creating a product that provides real value to the users. The insights from these studies will contribute to making our solution more competitive and user-friendly.
4. Prototype Development: By investing in developing a working prototype, we'll be able to get early feedback and make necessary adjustments, increasing the likelihood of creating a product that meets user needs and expectations.
5. Marketing & Community Engagement: Successful promotion of the project to the target audience and community engagement is key to driving adoption. This will lead to increased usage of Cardano and drive growth in the ecosystem.
6. Transparency and Accountability: We are committed to maintaining transparency about fund usage. We will regularly communicate with the Cardano community about our progress and how the funds are being used.

The costs included in our budget are based on industry standards and the average wage for the necessary skill sets in our country. We have also included a contingency fund to address unforeseen expenses, ensuring that the project can proceed smoothly even in case of unexpected challenges.

Overall, we believe that the cost of our project is justified given the significant potential benefits it can bring to the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept