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How IPDC Transformed Supply Chain Finance Through Automation
IPDC Finance Limited embarked on a mission to expand its reach among SME clients by developing a robust Supply Chain Finance (SCF) automation system. This initiative aimed to consolidate diverse stakeholders, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers, distributors, and financiers—onto a single platform for streamlined invoice management, transaction tracking, and limit management, leveraging blockchain technology to deliver unparalleled transparency and security.
Tech used
Automation
Cloud
API Management
Microservices
Bangladesh
Challenge
The existing supply chain finance platform at IPDC faced multiple structural and operational constraints that hampered efficiency. One of the most pressing issues was the lack of integration between IPDC, anchors, and suppliers, which led to fragmented data and inconsistent information flows. With many suppliers operating without ERP systems, the exchange of crucial financial data became slow and error-prone, making it difficult to maintain real-time visibility across the ecosystem.
Beyond integration gaps, the platform relied heavily on manual processes for core functions such as invoice reconciliation and transaction approvals. These manual interventions not only delayed payment cycles but also increased the likelihood of errors, disputes, and inefficiencies. As transaction volumes grew, the burden on manual operations escalated, creating operational risks and negatively impacting supplier liquidity and satisfaction.
The platform also struggled with scalability, limiting its ability to support rising volumes of transactions and entities. This lack of adaptability reduced service quality and undermined IPDC’s ability to expand its network effectively. Collectively, these challenges highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive, automated solution that could standardize processes, reduce inefficiencies, and support sustainable growth in supply chain financing.
Solution
To address these challenges, IPDC partnered with technology experts to develop and implement a state-of-the-art supply chain finance automation system. At its foundation, the solution integrated blockchain technology, ensuring that all transactions were recorded in a secure, tamper-proof ledger. This innovation improved transparency, reduced disputes, and established trust among stakeholders by enabling a shared, immutable view of financial data.
The platform also introduced advanced automation features such as entity management and real-time API communication. Suppliers, anchors, and other participants could now be onboarded, activated, or deactivated seamlessly, reducing administrative delays. REST APIs facilitated real-time ERP integration, enabling smooth data exchange between IPDC and stakeholders. These capabilities not only streamlined operations but also enhanced accuracy and speed across the financing process.
User-centric design and scalability were key pillars of the new system. With intuitive tools for purchase orders, invoices, delivery challans, and fund tracking, users could perform tasks efficiently without deep technical expertise. Meanwhile, the scalable architecture allowed the system to manage growing transaction volumes and complex requirements such as composite limit setup and factoring management. Rigorous testing and close collaboration with stakeholders ensured that the platform met operational needs and delivered consistent, high-quality performance.
Result
The new automation system transformed IPDC’s financial operations by driving significant improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. Automated workflows reduced manual interventions by 60%, enabling faster transaction approvals and reducing the risks of errors. This shift toward digitization ensured smoother operations, strengthened supplier confidence, and allowed IPDC to handle processes with greater reliability and consistency.
Transparency and trust were further enhanced through blockchain integration, which offered stakeholders real-time, tamper-proof visibility into all transactions. By maintaining a unified view of financial data, the platform reduced disputes, fostered accountability, and supported stronger collaboration across the supply chain ecosystem. This transformation positioned IPDC as a leader in deploying secure, technology-driven financing solutions.
Most importantly, the system demonstrated scalability and measurable business impact. It successfully integrated 160 suppliers and 139 anchors, processing an average of 75 daily invoices with ease. These advancements not only improved service delivery but also reduced operational costs by nearly 30%, allowing IPDC to focus on expanding its client base and exploring new growth opportunities. Together, these achievements underscored how a technology-first approach could transform supply chain financing into a more transparent, efficient, and future-ready model.
