Network access creates possibilities; reliable discovery, fulfilment and support turn them into a usable service.
Understand the network model
ONDC describes an open-network approach to digital commerce with different participant roles. A founder should begin by understanding which role the company intends to serve and how it connects to the rest of the transaction. Joining a network is not the same thing as acquiring a customer base. The product still needs a reason for buyers or sellers to choose and continue using it.
Choose a specific customer problem
A hypothetical seller tool might focus on making catalogue information accurate and keeping availability current. A buyer-facing product might help a particular customer group discover suitable options. These are different businesses with different operating needs. Avoid treating the network as a general growth shortcut before identifying the workflow the startup can improve and the party willing to pay for that improvement.
A coherent network transaction
Role
Choose the participant function.
Value
Solve a defined buyer or seller problem.
Handoff
Make responsibility and status clear.
Repeat
Measure completed, satisfactory transactions.
Trace the full transaction
Map discovery, ordering, payment, fulfilment and resolution across the participants involved. Determine who communicates with the customer when something goes wrong. A distributed transaction can still feel coherent if status and responsibility are clear. It can become frustrating if each participant directs the user somewhere else without resolving the issue.
Evaluate repeat use rather than initial access
During a pilot, measure successful orders, fulfilment quality, support effort and whether participants return. Check current network policies and the obligations that apply to the chosen role. A founder should compare the total operating cost with the value delivered, including exception handling. The opportunity is strongest when the product solves a specific problem repeatedly, using the network’s connections as infrastructure for a service customers actually want.
Sources
- ONDC — source and reference material ↗ ONDC · Primary source
Have additional information? Request a correction.
