Recapping the Initial Objective:
As highlighted by Rushabh, why the Hub Marketplace?
- Extends the scope of an ERP system to an entire network. We know how powerful networks are compared to single nodes
- Products listed on Hub Marketplace by ERPNext users get discovered by thousands of other users (who are not on ERPNext)
- Ease of transaction (inter-company) within the network
- Create a free, community owned marketplace for everyone
Unlike ERPNext, which is primarily a software platform, the Hub will evolve into a data-driven marketplace. In addition to product discovery, it will eventually serve as a hub for services and future offerings. Our vision is to build this as a community-owned asset—akin to a Wikipedia for companies and their products.
Why Rebuilding the Hub:
The e-commerce landscape has undergone significant changes, and more businesses are finding value in marketplaces like IndiaMart to generate leads and enhance visibility.
The goal of Hub is to offer ERPNext users a centralized marketplace where they can list products, improving lead generation, discoverability, and transact with convenience.
Although the project didn’t meet expectations when initially launched in 2018-19, possibly due to timing or other factors, the rapid growth of the e-commerce industry presents a new opportunity. Rebuilding Hub in today’s context could yield much better results.
Long-Term Vision:
The vision for Hub goes beyond just being a marketplace—it aims to act as a gateway, integrating with platforms like ONDC, Amazon, and more. This means that when a seller (ERPNext user) lists a product on Hub, it can be simultaneously listed on multiple other platforms, expanding the potential for leads and visibility.
Open Source and Community-Driven:
An important cornerstone of the rebuilt Hub will be its open-source nature. The platform will be maintained by the community but governed in a democratic manner, ensuring transparency and shared responsibility. Just as ERPNext has thrived through community collaboration, Hub will also embody these values, fostering an environment where the marketplace is continuously improved by its users for the collective benefit.
This approach will not only maintain the integrity of the platform but also empower the community to shape its direction, ensuring that Hub remains a community-owned, open-source marketplace for businesses worldwide.