Abstract

The Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection is looking to develop a system which is digital, easy to use and fully integrated, that will allow officers and other concerned stakeholders to monitor prices of goods. This mechanism will not only allow the Ministry to monitor and control prices, but also develop a price database that confers a bird's eye view of the whole supply chain in the country. We propose to develop a cloud-based platform that will possess (1) A web-based product information management system for local produce, (2) A mobile-friendly application for price inspectors to record infractions, (3) An Infraction and Fine module for managing defaulters (4) A ticketing module for complaints logging and follow-up and (5) An analytical platform for authorities to monitor prices, infractions and complaints. Phase 1 development includes prices from all retail stores in the country, centralised into a database for monthly monitoring and inventory oversight. Phase 1 also includes a website which will be linked with the App, for ease of use of both Ministry officers and Retailers.