ONDC stands for Open Network for Digital Commerce and is a non-profit digital commerce company established by the Government of India to change the landscape of the digital marketplace in India. Launched in 2022, it enables buyers and sellers across various segments and industries to access eCommerce platforms and conduct business. Collaborative commercial platforms benefit businesses in many ways. For instance, Innoviti’s collaborative commercial platform helps you increase productivity, enhance communication, remote collaboration, and many more.

As an open network, it lets local stores across industries like tourism, travel, food, and more be visible. ONDC will benefit those who want greater visibility to propagate their core business as part of the Made in India initiative. If you are a small business wishing to jump onto the ecommerce bandwagon and compete with the bigwigs, this blog will give you a better idea about ONDC.

What is ONDC?

ONDC is an acronym for Open Network for Digital Commerce and was created to develop and foster new opportunities to curb the digital monopolies of star players like Amazon and Flipkart. It mainly supports small businesses, small traders, small and medium enterprises, and even Kirana stores to get a grip on online platforms. As a network, it lets sellers voluntarily display their products and services in all apps and platforms that participate. Buyers and sellers can transact irrespective of the application they use if their platforms are connected to the open network.

How does ONDC work?

ONDC aims to widen the reach of small players and make them available to buyers. Currently running as a pilot program in five cities in India, it aims to reach about over 100 cities. Players who monopolize the market have shown an interest in supporting the program. This will help to break the monopoly and encourage all buyers and sellers to supply goods and meet demand.

Conclusion

ONDC will create a level playing field for e-commerce operators and help new entrants bring inclusivity. Consumers will have a broader choice to discover sellers, products, and services on a common platform. In line with this, Innoviti’s most recent purchase tool, upi deeplink comes as an affordable means for local Kirana stores to go phygital. Innoviti’s collaborative platform has been onboarding over 25,000 merchants to have a phygital command over their niche markets.

FAQ

What is the meaning of ONDC?

Open Network for Digital Commerce is a government initiative that aims to improve the digital penetration of local stores in the e-commerce space.