I-Rule based matching algorithm:
1. Rule-Based Matching AlgorithmIn the initial phase of Branch’s development, we employ a rule-based matching algorithm due to the limited availability of data at the early stages. This structured approach ensures farmers are paired with the most suitable buyers based on predefined criteria.For each farmer, the algorithm evaluates all potential buyers, assigns individual scores based on specific attributes, and calculates a final weighted score to determine the optimal match. This system ensures fairness, efficiency, and transparency in the marketplace.2. Scoring FormulaThe total score for each buyer is computed using the following weighted summation formula(see in the figure to the left) Where:
The weights are adjusted based on whether the buyer is a personal consumer or a market buyer, ensuring a fair and optimized matching process.3. Attribute Weights & Matching CriteriaThe following table outlines the weights assigned to each attribute, categorized by buyer type:
This scoring system allows Branch to dynamically rank buyers in a way that optimizes revenue potential for farmers while considering logistical and transactional feasibility.
4. Product Mismatch Penalty
To ensure relevant and meaningful matches, a penalty system is applied when a buyer’s requested products do not overlap with the farmer’s available products. In such cases, the Product Match Score is set to -9999, effectively placing the buyer at the bottom of the ranking list.
This mechanism ensures that only buyers with compatible product requirements are prioritized, thereby improving match accuracy and transaction efficiency.
5. Justification & Future Scalability
This rule-based approach is a strategic choice for the early stages of platform deployment, offering the following advantages:
As the platform evolves and more transactional data becomes available, this rule-based system can transition into an AI-driven model, allowing for more precise predictive analytics, demand forecasting, and automated matching based on behavioral patterns.
II -The evolution of the matching algorithm:
As Branch expands and accumulates more transactional data, we aim to transition from a rule-based matching algorithm to an AI-driven model. This evolution will allow us to further optimize the matching process by integrating machine learning techniques, enabling more precise and dynamic pairings between farmers and buyers.
The feasibility and effectiveness of an AI-driven system will depend on several key factors:
Our long-term vision is to develop a self-learning system capable of predicting optimal matches, adjusting scores dynamically, and identifying market trends, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and profitability of the platform for both farmers and buyers.
III - Branch-Transport: A Vision for the Future of Branch?
As Branch continues to grow, we envision expanding beyond just matchmaking to fully integrating logistics solutions through Branch-Transport, a decentralized system designed to optimize produce deliveries. Inspired by ride-sharing models like InDrive, this system will enable farmers, logistics providers, and independent transporters to seamlessly coordinate transportation, ensuring that produce reaches buyers efficiently, even over long distances.
The mechanism will function as follows:
This vision for Branch-Transport aligns with our long-term goal of creating a fully integrated ecosystem where farmers not only find buyers but also have the means to transport their goods efficiently and affordably. By eliminating logistical barriers, reducing costs, and improving market accessibility, Branch-Transport will play a key role in scaling our impact and ensuring a sustainable future for small-scale farmers.
How the payment gateway works + courses
-The buyer selects a product (e.g., farming equipment or produce) from Ramesh’s listing on the BRANCH app and proceeds to checkout.
-Before confirming payment, the app displays the commission details that BRANCH will take from the transaction.
-The buyer selects Credit Card as the payment method.
-The buyer enters their credit card details (card number, expiry date, CVV) and confirms the payment.
-The payment gateway (e.g., Stripe or Razorpay) processes the transaction securely.
-The bank may request OTP or biometric authentication for added security.
-Once the payment is approved, the buyer sees a "Payment Successful" message.
-BRANCH holds the payment in escrow until the buyer confirms receipt of the product.
-Once the buyer confirms the item is received in good condition, the escrowed funds are released to Ramesh, minus the commission.
-If the buyer disputes the delivery or item condition, the funds remain in escrow until the issue is resolved.
The course runs on a secure Learning Management System (LMS) with:
-Video streaming for easy access to course content
-Progress tracking with a database to monitor course completion
-Interactive discussion forums for student engagement
Premium Features (for Paid Courses):
-Certificate of completion upon finishing the course
-PDF downloads and quizzes to reinforce learning
-Access to premium resources, such as templates, case studies, and eBooks
-Offline access to course materials through the app
-Priority support for any course-related queries
~We hope you liked the website~
Please let us know what changes we can make by filling this form
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.