Water Sorted Banner

Case Study

Transforming New Zealand’s Water Industry with a Digital Marketplace

Watersorted is revolutionizing New Zealand’s water industry by addressing inefficiencies in the procurement of products or services. With over two decades of experience in this sector, our client saw firsthand how councils struggled to access new suppliers and how businesses faced barriers to market entry. Partnering with FATbit, Watersorted created a digital marketplace that simplifies procurement, fosters competition, and promotes the reuse of pre-used equipment—transforming the industry.

Water Sorted Case Study

Key Features Integrated

Standard (Private) RFQ Module for Targeted Suppliers
Global (Public) RFQ Module Broadcasted to Everyone
RFQ Guest Checkout Provision
Bulk Order Purchase
Individual Supplier Storefronts
Responsive Design Layout
Advanced Search Module with Added Filters
Handy Tax Management
Real-Time Inventory Tracking
Personalized Admin Dashboard Configurations
Analytical Tools Integration
Stripe Connect Payment Gateway Integration

Problems With Being Offline

prob image
  • Lack of a centralized marketplace in New Zealand, leading to fragmented supply chains and inefficient procurement processes.
  • Limited visibility and access to specialized water solution providers, resulting in delays and suboptimal purchasing decisions.
  • Inefficient and manual procurement processes causing increased operational costs and administrative burdens.
  • Restricted market reach for suppliers, limiting their ability to scale and connect with potential buyers beyond their immediate network.
  • Lack of streamlined communication between buyers and suppliers, leading to mismanaged orders, delays, and lower customer satisfaction.

Our Strategic Approach

Understanding the Requirements

Water pollution and water management challenges in New Zealand are critical concerns, driven by population growth, industrial expansion, and urban development. To design an effective B2B marketplace for the water industry, we conducted extensive research on compliance requirements, industry standards, and procurement challenges. The goal was to bridge the gap between demand and supply, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

strategic-approach-bg-1
strategic-approach-bg-2

Defining Key Challenges

To identify the pain points in order to create a seamless marketplace experience, we employed the “How Might We?” methodology to identify the critical challenges and opportunities:

  • HMW streamline the procurement process for water treatment products and services to create a seamless experience for buyers?
  • HMW ensure transparency in supplier offerings and pricing to help buyers make informed yet economic purchasing decisions?
  • HMW integrate a robust Request-for-Quote (RFQ) system that streamlines negotiations and purchasing decisions?
  • HMW build a marketplace that not only facilitates transactions but also supports long-term partnerships and trust within the industry?
Supercharge Your eCommerce Business Potential with Innovative Strategies
Consult Experts

Converting Industry Insights into Functional Prototypes

Leveraging the insights gained from our research, we mapped out a user-centric platform design and translated it into refined mockups. Key functional elements include:

  • Intuitive supplier dashboards for managing product/service listings and orders.
  • A structured Request-for-Quote system allowing buyers to efficiently request and compare quotations.
  • A powerful search and filtering mechanism tailored for water industry demands.
  • Subscription-based seller onboarding to ensure premium and verified supplier participation

Evolving from Prototype to a Core Offering

Building upon the prototype, we laid a robust foundation for the marketplace by integrating critical functionalities tailored for seamless B2B transactions. We customized Yo!Kart to facilitate multi-vendor split payments via Stripe Connect, ensuring frictionless financial operations. We also implemented multi-tiered RFQ workflows (Standard and Global) to accommodate diverse buyer-supplier engagement models, optimizing procurement dynamics. Additionally, we introduced subscription-based seller access to efficiently showcase their inventory, avail RFQ responses, and develop dynamic dashboards for both buyers & suppliers to streamline order management & negotiation workflows.

Scaling the Core Offering

With the baseline version validated, our next phase focused on scaling WaterSorted into a fully operational, enterprise-grade marketplace tailored to the complexities of the New Zealand water industry. Through an iterative and research-backed approach, we enhanced procurement efficiency, streamlined supplier interactions, and reinforced regulatory compliance. Enhancements included:

Launch of Mobile Applications

Structured RFQ System

Introduced robust functionality for both closed and open bidding processes, providing greater flexibility and control over supplier selection.

Advanced Analytics & Insights

Integrated data-driven insights to enable businesses and suppliers to refine procurement strategies, optimize spending, and enhance decision-making.

Affiliate & Advertiser Optimization

Strengthened engagement mechanisms by refining affiliate marketing tools and advertiser modules.

Modular, Scalable Architecture

Engineered for future marketplace expansion, supporting advanced features and industry-specific adaptations.

Impact Achieved

Impact Achieved Img 1

Optimized Supplier-Buyer Interactions

  • Facilitated a frictionless RFQ workflow, improving procurement efficiency and enhancing supplier responsiveness.
  • Provided suppliers with dedicated storefronts to showcase their inventory, ensuring enhanced visibility.
  • Implemented a structured multi-category system, ensuring buyers find the most relevant solutions quickly.
Impact Achieved Img 2

Streamlined Operations & Cost Efficiency

  • Automated key processes, eliminating redundant manual tasks in RFQ handling, supplier onboarding, and transaction management.
  • Integrated a strategic subscription-based model, ensuring a stable revenue stream while keeping the marketplace free for buyers.
  • Reduced administrative overhead through standardized workflows, enhancing operational agility.
Impact Achieved Img 3

Elevated Buyer Experience & Procurement Decisions

  • Delivered a data-driven marketplace with enhanced price transparency and supplier competition, empowering buyers to make informed purchasing decisions.
  • Enabling guest checkout and direct buyer-seller negotiations, enhancing purchasing flexibility.
  • Provided multi-vendor comparison capabilities, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality procurement solutions.
Impact Achieved Img 4

Scalable & Future-Ready Marketplace

  • Implemented Stripe Connect for seamless, secure multi-vendor payments, enhancing financial efficiency.
  • Designed a scalable architecture that supports future expansion.
  • Ensured compliance with New Zealand’s regulatory framework, reinforcing sustainable water management practices.
Need a Custom Marketplace Tailored to Your Specific Business Requirements
Reach Experts
Facebook twitter linkedIn youtube instagram
BOOK A DEMO