EkPay
Ekpay allows putting all utility bill payment services under a single window.
EkPay
Introduction to the Project
EkPay is the first and only Public to Government (P2G) Digital Payment Aggregator that aims to revolutionize payment by putting all utility bill payment services under a single window. The service was launched in November 2017 by a2i and Synesis It. It is a payment processor for Utility Bills, Student Payments, and P2G Payments such as Passport Office prices, Business Registration Fees, Vehicle Registration, Co-operative Society fees, and so on.
Challenges Before EkPay
Geographic and Accessibility Barriers
People, especially in rural areas, had to travel long distances to make utility payments, often facing significant inconvenience and time wastage.
Complex and Slow Processes
The payment process was characterized by long queues, confusing paperwork, and reliance on middlemen, leading to delays and additional costs.
Lack of Banking Access
Those without access to banking or mobile banking faced more difficulties, as they had to rely on cash transactions, which were insecure and time-consuming.
Inefficiency in Transactions
The absence of digital payment options made transactions slow and inefficient, particularly for the population without banking facilities.
Solution Overview
Project Launch
EkPay was developed as the first and only Public to Government (P2G) Digital Payment Aggregator, offering a centralized solution for government service payments.
Goal
The platform connects all banks, credit card processors, and mobile financial services, ensuring seamless and secure transactions across various payment methods.
Simplified Payment Process
EkPay provides a straightforward payment process where citizens can complete payments in just three steps, eliminating the need for intermediaries.
Instant Notifications and Secure Transactions
Users receive instant notifications upon successful payments, ensuring transparency and confidence in the transaction. The involvement of banks and financial services ensures secure, reliable transactions.
Key Features
Digital Payment Ecosystem
Digital Payment Platform
Ekpay provides a user-friendly platform for bill payments, supporting both web portals and mobile applications for easy access.
Payment Gateway
The system acts as a strong payment processor, facilitating the collection of utility bills and other service-related payments through secure transactions.
Instant Payment Confirmation
Upon payment, users receive instant confirmation via SMS, email, or a printable receipt, ensuring transparency and trust in the transaction process.
Biller Portal & Collection Management
A dedicated biller portal enables utility companies and service providers to manage payments and collections efficiently.
Government Agency Integration for Identity Verification
The platform integrates with government agencies for secure identity verification, enhancing the reliability of transactions.
Bi-Lingual Features
Ekpay supports Bangla and English languages, making it accessible to a wider demographic.
Hosting & Integration Support
The platform offers reliable hosting and easy integration with third-party systems and applications.
Admin Features
Complaint Management System (CMS)
Ekpay includes a comprehensive complaint management system to handle user queries and issues efficiently.
Data Visualization & Analytical Dashboard
Advanced data visualization tools, including a Management Information System (MIS) module and analytical dashboard, provide real-time insights into transactions and user behavior.
Custom Reporting & Workflow Management
The platform supports a custom report module and offers a robust workflow management system for better operational control.
Subscriber Profile Management
Users’ profiles are managed efficiently, ensuring secure handling of personal and transactional data.
Security, Exception Handling, & Configuration
The system incorporates advanced security measures, exception handling protocols, and master settings for configuration management.
Third-Party e-TIN Verification
Obtaining a TIN certificate took a considerable amount of time.
Historical & Audit Logs
The platform maintains historical and audit logs for transparency, compliance, and security monitoring.
Technology Platform
Angular
Swift
PostgresSQL
Java
InteliJ
Netbeans
CentOS
Webstorm
SQLite (Mobile App)
NagiOS
Android Studio
XCode
Core Expertise
Cyber Security
DevOps
Fintech
Impact
Widespread Reach and Market Growth
The project has significantly impacted the lives of citizens and various stakeholders, including Mobile Financial Services (MFS), banks, and billers. The P2G payments market, currently valued at 4,01,709 Crore BDT, is projected to grow substantially to 1,62,330 Crore BDT by 2025, indicating the system's growing influence.
Limited Digital Financial Adoption
Currently, only 7.7% of the population (about 30,931 Crore BDT) uses digital financial systems. However, the introduction of this system will enable people nationwide to access digital financial systems for government-related transactions.
Empowerment of the Unbanked Population
The EkPay system also benefits individuals who lack traditional or mobile banking facilities, enabling them to pay utility bills and other fees through the Unified Digital Channel (UDC), providing them with a digital payment option.
Simplified Payment Process
Citizens can now pay their bills in just three simple steps, improving convenience and reducing barriers to entry for digital payments.
Conclusion
Ekpay, developed by Synesis IT in partnership with a2i, has transformed the payment process in Bangladesh by providing a simple, secure, and centralized digital platform. It addressed the challenges people, especially in rural areas and those without banking access, previously faced. Now, citizens can easily pay their bills from anywhere, improving efficiency and convenience for everyone.