The GeM Portal (GeM) is becoming an essential tool for businesses to sell products and services to the government in India. Since its launch, GeM has improved how government bodies buy things, making it easier, faster, and more transparent. As technology advances, GeM will continue to grow and change. In this article, we’ll explore the future trends and innovations that will shape the GeM platform and make it even more useful for both suppliers and government buyers.
1. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
In the future, GeM will likely use AI and ML to make processes smarter and faster. AI can help match suppliers with the right tenders (opportunities to sell to the government), analyze buying patterns, and predict what products the government might need. Over time, these systems will get better at recommending the best suppliers to government agencies and the best tenders to suppliers.
For example, AI can suggest which tenders are most relevant to a business based on its previous sales or products. This will save time and help businesses make informed decisions.
2. Blockchain for Safe Transactions
As more and more transactions happen on GeM, security becomes even more important. Blockchain is a technology that keeps records secure and tamper-proof. In the future, GeM might use blockchain to make sure all transactions, from bidding on tenders to receiving payments, are safe and transparent.
Blockchain’s system makes it impossible to change or fake records, which will help reduce fraud and increase trust in the platform.
3. Faster Digital Identity Verification
At present, businesses need to submit many documents to register on GeM. In the future, digital identity verification could make this process quicker and easier. By using technologies like Aadhaar-based biometric verification, businesses could complete the registration in just a few minutes.
This change will help ensure that only genuine businesses register on the platform, which will make the system more trustworthy.
4. Improved User Experience
For GeM to be successful, the platform needs to be easy to use. In the future, the design of the GeM website will likely become simpler and more user-friendly. This will help even small business owners or first-time users who may not be very familiar with technology.
Features like step-by-step guidance, video tutorials, and real-time chat support could make the platform easier to navigate, helping suppliers and government buyers alike.
5. Mobile App for GeM
As mobile phone usage increases, GeM could introduce a mobile app to help users manage their accounts, register, and bid on tenders from their phones. This will make it easier for small businesses and those who prefer mobile access to stay updated and manage their activities on GeM.
The mobile app could notify users about new tenders, bidding deadlines, and payment updates, helping them act quickly.
6. Connecting GeM with Other Government Programs
GeM will likely connect more deeply with other government programs in the future, like Udyam Registration (for MSMEs), GST (Goods and Services Tax), and the Digital India initiative. This connection will allow businesses to manage all their registrations and legal requirements from a single platform.
For example, if a business registers with Udyam, its details could be automatically updated on GeM, saving time and effort.
7. Sustainability and Green Products
As the world focuses more on sustainability, GeM may also promote the procurement of eco-friendly products. In the future, suppliers who sell sustainable or green products (like energy-efficient machines or recycled materials) may get special benefits on the platform.
GeM could also create certifications for suppliers who focus on green products, allowing government buyers to filter tenders and choose environmentally friendly options. This shift will encourage businesses to adopt more sustainable practices.
8. Smart Pricing Tools
Pricing products competitively is a challenge for many businesses. In the future, GeM could introduce tools that use AI to suggest optimal prices based on market trends and competitor pricing. These tools could help suppliers set prices that are competitive while ensuring they make a profit.
This will also help government buyers understand the fair price for products and services, ensuring that public money is used wisely.
9. Focus on MSME Growth
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are key to India’s economy. GeM has always supported MSMEs, and in the future, the platform will introduce even more features to help them. Simplified registration processes, special tenders for MSMEs, and exclusive support could make it easier for small businesses to succeed on the platform.
GeM could also create mentorship programs where larger businesses guide MSMEs on how to navigate the platform, helping them with bidding, pricing, and meeting government requirements.
10. Global Opportunities for Indian Businesses
Although GeM mainly focuses on domestic procurement, there is potential for it to expand globally in the future. Indian suppliers could bid on tenders from other countries or international organizations, opening up new markets and opportunities for growth.
This global expansion will require additional rules and support, but it could greatly benefit Indian businesses, especially in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.
11. Product Demos with Augmented Reality (AR)
Imagine if government buyers could view a 3D model of a product before buying it. In the future, GeM could introduce Augmented Reality (AR) to allow suppliers to show off their products virtually. For example, a supplier could use AR to demonstrate how a machine works, reducing the need for physical demonstrations.
This will help buyers make more informed decisions and speed up the purchasing process.
12. Using Data for Market Insights
In the future, GeM could use data analytics to help suppliers understand market trends, buyer preferences, and demand patterns. Suppliers could use this information to adjust their offerings and better meet government needs.
For example, if data shows a growing demand for certain products, suppliers can focus on offering those products, increasing their chances of winning tenders.
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Conclusion
The future of GeM registration is full of exciting possibilities. From AI and blockchain to mobile apps and sustainability, the platform will become even more efficient and secure. These innovations will make GeM more accessible to businesses of all sizes, especially MSMEs, and help them grow by offering better opportunities. As GeM continues to evolve, it will play an even bigger role in public procurement, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity for everyone involved.