Open source ERP for Developers Building on Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Ndu Ekwomadu

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Eniola Olatunji

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

10

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

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

An open-source ERP platform for Cardano developers to build customizable, blockchain-integrated tools for financial and operational management, empowering developers to create scalable solutions.

[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?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

BrandDrive embraces open source principles with certain elements of our platform. Specifically, our publicly available developer APIs are open for use and integration, allowing developers to access, build upon, and enhance their applications with our technology. These APIs are supported with comprehensive documentation to encourage collaboration and innovation within the developer community.

For the open source components of BrandDrive, particularly our publicly available developer APIs, we intend to use the MIT License. This license allows for broad usage, modification, and distribution of our APIs, fostering an open environment for innovation and collaboration.

Further details about the open source status of our project outputs:

• The APIs and associated documentation will be available in public repositories, enabling easy access and contributions from the developer community.
• Regular updates and improvements to the open source components will be shared with the community to ensure continued development and support.

[METADATA] Horizons

Financial Services

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Problem: The current lack of an open-source ERP system optimized for the Cardano ecosystem presents a significant barrier to developers seeking to create innovative financial and operational management tools. Existing solutions are often proprietary, inflexible, and not built with blockchain integration in mind, which stifles creativity and scalability for real-world applications.

Approach: Our approach involves developing a customizable open-source ERP platform specifically designed for the Cardano blockchain. This platform will integrate blockchain functionalities to enable seamless financial transactions, data integrity, and transparency in operational management. By leveraging smart contracts and decentralized storage, our solution will enhance trust and efficiency in business processes.

Project Engagement: The project will engage Cardano developers, businesses looking to adopt blockchain technology, and the broader community interested in decentralized solutions. We will collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the platform meets their needs, fostering a community-driven development process that encourages participation and feedback.

Project Impact: To prove our impact, we will establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track adoption rates, user engagement, and the efficiency gains achieved by businesses utilizing the ERP system. Case studies and success stories from early adopters will highlight the tangible benefits of our solution, showcasing how it simplifies financial and operational management through automation and improved data management.

Unique Aspects: What sets our solution apart is its focus on the Cardano ecosystem, providing developers with the tools needed to build scalable, enterprise-grade applications that fully leverage blockchain technology. The open-source nature of the ERP allows for extensive customization, fostering innovation while maintaining a collaborative environment for developers.

Project Beneficiaries: The primary beneficiaries will be developers, businesses, and the Cardano community. Developers will gain a robust framework to build applications, while businesses will experience enhanced operational efficiency and reduced costs. This initiative is crucial for the Cardano ecosystem as it encourages the adoption of blockchain technology in enterprise solutions, driving growth and innovation within the community. By empowering developers to create effective financial and operational management tools, we will contribute to the overall success and adoption of the Cardano platform.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Positive Impact: Our open-source ERP platform will enhance the Cardano community by enabling developers to create tailored financial and operational management solutions, driving broader blockchain adoption and fostering innovation.

Value to the Community:

1. Increased Adoption: We aim to have at least 500 active users within the first year, leading to a rise in decentralized applications (dApps) on Cardano.
2. Enhanced Collaboration: The platform will encourage shared knowledge and best practices among developers.
3. Economic Growth: Businesses using our ERP are expected to see at least a 20% increase in productivity, contributing to better financial health and potential job creation.

Measuring Impact:

• User Adoption: Targeting 500 active users in the first year.
• New dApps Developed: Aiming for at least 50 dApps built using the platform.
• Operational Efficiency: Measuring a 20% increase in productivity reported by businesses.
• Business Engagement: Track the number of businesses using the ERP, with a target of reaching 100 businesses within the first 18 months.
• User Feedback: Collect testimonials and conduct surveys to gauge satisfaction and gather insights on improvements.

Sharing Outputs: We will disseminate our findings through:

• Regular Updates: Consistent communication via community forums and social media.
• Workshops and Webinars: Educational sessions to showcase the platform’s capabilities.
• Case Studies: Documenting the success of businesses that adopt the ERP, illustrating measurable outcomes and benefits.

By engaging the community and sharing insights, we aim to inspire further innovation and collaboration within the Cardano ecosystem, creating a vibrant environment for developers and businesses.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team is exceptionally well-equipped to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability, thanks to our robust mix of expertise in software development, blockchain technology, and project management. We have a diverse group of professionals who bring extensive experience in building scalable applications, ensuring that our ERP platform can effectively meet the varied needs of users. Our developers are not only proficient in full-stack development and API integration but also well-versed in Cardano’s ecosystem and smart contract development. This deep understanding of the technology will allow us to leverage the Cardano platform effectively.

Additionally, our project management team has a proven track record of successfully delivering projects on time and within budget, ensuring efficient resource management and seamless communication with stakeholders. We have previously launched several software products, demonstrating our capability to deliver complex projects while maintaining high standards of quality.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will undertake a series of essential steps. First, we will conduct thorough market research to gain insights into the needs of developers and businesses within the Cardano ecosystem. This research will help us ensure that our platform addresses real-world challenges effectively. Following this, we plan to develop a minimum viable product (MVP) to validate our solution with early users, allowing us to gather invaluable feedback for iterative improvements. Engaging actively with the Cardano community will also play a crucial role in refining our approach and building partnerships that enhance the credibility and reach of our platform.

In terms of accountability, we have a solid history of managing funds responsibly in our past projects.

• Our approach involves establishing a transparent budgeting process where we outline clear financial plans for each project, detailing all costs and anticipated expenditures.
• Throughout our previous initiatives, we maintained rigorous financial tracking systems, allowing us to monitor spending against the budget continuously. We provided stakeholders with regular financial reports (monthly or milestone reports) that include detailed accounts of expenditures, milestones achieved, and any deviations from the original financial plan. This level of transparency has built trust with our partners and stakeholders.
• To further enhance accountability, we engaged independent auditors for select projects, allowing for thorough reviews of our financial practices and project progress. This added layer of scrutiny ensures that we remain responsible stewards of the funds entrusted to us.

The strength of our team lies in its diverse mix of skills and experiences. Alongside our skilled software engineers, we have blockchain developers experienced in Cardano smart contracts and decentralized application development. Additionally, our UI/UX designers focus on creating an intuitive interface that enhances user experience and engagement. Our product managers ensure that project execution aligns with market needs, effectively overseeing the entire development process.

With this strong blend of capabilities and a steadfast commitment to transparency and accountability, we are confident in our ability to deliver a successful open-source ERP platform that will significantly benefit the Cardano community.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Research, Documentation, and Development

• Outputs: Comprehensive research report, user documentation, and initial code development for the AI module.
• Acceptance Criteria: Submission of research findings and documentation, and demonstration of initial AI features.
• Evidence of Completion: Research report and documentation signed off by the project team, along with a demo showcasing initial features.

Milestone 2: Design and DevOps Implementation

• Outputs: Finalized design prototypes for the platform, deployment pipeline established, and integration with the development environment.
• Acceptance Criteria: Approval of design prototypes by stakeholders and successful setup of DevOps processes for continuous integration and deployment.
• Evidence of Completion: Prototype approval documentation and a report outlining the DevOps pipeline, including screenshots of the setup.

Milestone 3: User Beta Testing of Developer's APIs

• Outputs: Feedback report from beta testers, bug tracking, and iterative improvements based on user input.
• Acceptance Criteria: At least 50 users participating in testing, with feedback collected and documented.
• Evidence of Completion: Feedback report summarizing user insights and changes made based on their input.

Milestone 4: Blockchain Integration

• Outputs: Fully integrated blockchain features, including smart contracts and transaction functionalities.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful deployment of blockchain features tested in a controlled environment.
• Evidence of Completion: Technical documentation and performance reports from testing the integrated features.

Milestone 5: Market Expansion Launch in Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda

• Outputs: Launch marketing campaigns, localized versions of the platform, and operational infrastructure set up in each target country.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful launch events in each country and user registration targets met.
• Evidence of Completion: Event reports, user registration data, and marketing performance analytics.

Milestone 6: Open Source Contributions and Impact Testing

• Outputs: Contributions to open-source repositories and a report on the impact of the platform in user communities.
• Acceptance Criteria: At least three open-source contributions and completion of impact assessments.
• Evidence of Completion: Documentation of contributions and an impact report with user testimonials and analytics.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Ndu Ekwomadu – CEO & Co-Founder

• LinkedIn
• Role: Overseeing the entire project, ensuring alignment with Cardano ecosystem objectives, driving strategic partnerships, and managing stakeholder relations.

Eniola Olatunji – CTO & Co-Founder

• LinkedIn
• Github
• Role: Leading the technical development, blockchain integration, and AI module deployment. Responsible for the technical roadmap and ensuring smooth execution of open-source contributions.

Beatrice Omoh – Chief Operations Officer

• LinkedIn
• Role: Managing day-to-day operations, overseeing the launch strategy in new markets (Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda), and ensuring efficient execution of user testing and impact analysis.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

1. Milestone 1: Research, Documentation, and Development – ₳20,000.00

• Duration: 2 months
• Expenses:
• Research and Documentation: ₳5,000.00
• Developer Payroll:
• Number of Developers: 2
• Monthly Payroll per Developer: ₳2,500.00
• Total Payroll for 2 Months: ₳10,000.00
• Total: ₳20,000.00

2. Milestone 2: Design and DevOps Implementation – ₳15,000.00

• Duration: 2 months
• Expenses:
• Design Prototypes: ₳5,000.00
• DevOps Setup and Tools: ₳10,000.00
• Total: ₳15,000.00

3. Milestone 3: User Beta Testing of Developer's APIs – ₳10,000.00

• Duration: 1 month
• Expenses:
• User Incentives: ₳2,000.00
• Beta Testing Coordination: ₳8,000.00
• Total: ₳10,000.00

4. Milestone 4: Blockchain Integration – ₳25,000.00

• Duration: 3 months
• Expenses:
• Blockchain Development:
• Number of Developers: 2
• Monthly Payroll per Developer: ₳2,500.00
• Total Payroll for 3 Months: ₳15,000.00
• Testing and Validation: ₳10,000.00
• Total: ₳25,000.00

5. Milestone 5: Market Expansion Launch in Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda – ₳35,000.00

• Duration: 2 months
• Expenses:
• Marketing Campaigns: ₳15,000.00
• Localization and Compliance: ₳10,000.00
• Operational Setup: ₳10,000.00
• Total: ₳35,000.00

6. Milestone 6: Open Source Contributions and Impact Testing – ₳20,000.00

• Duration: 2 months
• Expenses:
• Open Source Contributions: ₳10,000.00
• Impact Assessment and Reporting: ₳10,000.00
• Total: ₳20,000.00

Total Budget Summary

• Milestone 1: ₳20,000.00
• Milestone 2: ₳15,000.00
• Milestone 3: ₳10,000.00
• Milestone 4: ₳25,000.00
• Milestone 5: ₳35,000.00
• Milestone 6: ₳20,000.00

Total: ₳125,000.00

Recurring Costs Breakdown

• Developer Payroll:
• Total Duration: 5 months (overlaps across milestones)
• Number of Developers: 2
• Monthly Payroll per Developer: ₳2,500.00
• Total Payroll for 5 Months:
• 2 Developers x ₳2,500.00 x 5 Months = ₳25,000.00
• Total Operational Costs:
• For marketing campaigns, compliance, and operational setup will total ₳35,000.00, primarily incurred during the launch period.

Alignment with Project Timeframe

• Total Project Duration: 10 months
• Milestones:
• Milestones are aligned with specific timeframes, with active development and marketing phases concentrated within the first 5 months, followed by testing, integration, and open-source contributions in the latter months
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[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The costs associated with our project are designed to reflect true value for money for the Cardano ecosystem. We have undertaken a meticulous process to determine these costs, ensuring they align with industry standards while remaining justified by the project's unique offerings and potential impact.

To begin with, our cost structure is carefully constructed based on comprehensive market research, analyzing average wage rates for software development and blockchain expertise within our region. This ensures that the compensation we propose for our team is competitive and reflects the skills and experience required for successful project delivery. By benchmarking against typical freelance rates and salary expectations in the technology sector, we confirm that our costs are not only reasonable but also proportional to the value our skilled professionals bring to the table.

Furthermore, the investment in this project is justified by the significant returns it promises for the Cardano community. By creating an open-source ERP platform tailored for developers, we are facilitating innovation and enhancing the ecosystem's overall efficiency. This, in turn, will encourage more businesses to adopt Cardano's blockchain solutions, driving higher transaction volumes and fostering greater community engagement.

We have also factored in the costs of necessary infrastructure, including robust security measures and compliance with best practices in software development. While these investments may appear high upfront, they are essential for building a reliable and trustworthy platform that encourages long-term adoption and usage. The expenses associated with quality assurance, user testing, and continuous improvements will ensure that we deliver a product that meets the highest standards, ultimately saving users time and resources in the future.

Moreover, we will continuously evaluate our financial management practices throughout the project to ensure that we remain accountable and transparent. By providing regular updates to stakeholders on expenditures and project milestones, we will foster trust and demonstrate our commitment to delivering value.

In summary, the costs associated with this project reflect the necessary investments to build a high-quality, impactful ERP platform for the Cardano ecosystem. By grounding our cost decisions in industry standards and focusing on long-term benefits, we are confident that our project will provide substantial value for money and drive significant growth within the Cardano community.