Dipped Products digitises rural grassroots procurement for over 4500 rubber latex suppliers through its new DPL EasyPay system, transforming Sri Lanka’s rubber supply chain with real-time payments, traceability, and digital integration across rural farming communities.
Dipped Products digitises rural grassroots procurement for over 4500 rubber latex suppliers in Sri Lanka
Dipped Products PLC (DPL), a subsidiary of Hayleys PLC and a global manufacturer of protective gloves, has introduced a fully digitised procurement ecosystem designed to modernise and streamline latex sourcing across Sri Lanka’s rural supply network. The initiative, known as DPL EasyPay, represents a significant shift in how smallholder farmers and corporate buyers interact within the rubber industry.
The platform currently connects more than 4,500 latex farmers with over 40 Smallholder Agents (SHAs), replacing a long-standing manual and paper-driven process with a fully integrated digital system. By doing so, Dipped Products digitises rural grassroots procurement for over 4500 rubber latex suppliers, strengthening efficiency, transparency, and financial inclusion across the value chain.
At the core of this transformation is a structured digital procurement lifecycle that covers every stage of operations—from latex collection and advance payments to transportation, laboratory testing, and final settlement. The system eliminates traditional inefficiencies by enabling real-time data capture and automated processing, significantly reducing delays and administrative workload.
A key feature of the DPL EasyPay platform is its QR-code-based traceability system. Each transaction is digitally recorded and tracked from farmer to factory, ensuring end-to-end visibility across the supply chain. This is further enhanced by geo-tagging technology, which records precise collection locations, allowing for improved logistics planning, route optimisation, and supply chain monitoring.
Biometric validation through facial recognition has also been introduced to strengthen transaction integrity. This system reduces the risk of impersonation and manual errors, ensuring that payments and records are accurately attributed to verified individuals. Integration with SAP systems further enhances the platform’s capability by enabling real-time financial processing and synchronised data management across departments.
The transformation has had a direct impact on operational efficiency. Since its rollout in August 2025, the system has reduced manual workload by approximately 6,200 man-hours per month and decreased paper usage by nearly 90 percent. These improvements reflect a broader shift toward sustainable and data-driven procurement practices within the organisation.
In parallel, the platform has significantly improved payment cycles for farmers. Under the new system, 50 percent of payments are disbursed instantly at the point of latex collection, while the remaining balance is released shortly after laboratory confirmation of Dry Rubber Content (DRC). This faster settlement structure has improved cash flow stability for rural suppliers and reduced financial uncertainty in day-to-day farming operations.
The introduction of DPL EasyPay has also contributed to increased latex collection volumes during the second and third quarters of 2025 compared to the previous year. Industry observers note that improved payment reliability and transparency have strengthened trust between farmers and the organisation, encouraging greater participation in the supply chain.
Designed specifically for rural operating conditions, the mobile application functions even in offline environments, synchronising data once network connectivity is restored. This ensures uninterrupted field operations in areas with limited digital infrastructure. Automated SMS alerts and instant digital receipts further enhance transparency by providing farmers with immediate confirmation of transactions and payments.
According to Dipped Products PLC Managing Director Pushpika Janadheera, the focus of the initiative was to simplify the procurement process while improving fairness and reliability. He noted that the system has provided greater visibility and control across operations, while ensuring faster and more predictable payments for farmers. This operational shift, he added, delivers tangible value both at the corporate level and within rural communities.
The successful implementation of the system was the result of a coordinated effort involving multiple stakeholders. The project was led by the DPL Procurement Team with oversight from the Management Committee. Technical execution was supported by the Hayleys Group Digital Transformation Unit, Group IT division, DPL IT division, and technology partner Agrithmics, along with banking partner Hatton National Bank. Comprehensive training programmes and farmer awareness sessions played a key role in ensuring smooth adoption across rural communities.
Strict data governance and regulatory compliance frameworks were also embedded into the system design to safeguard transaction integrity and user privacy. This ensures that the digital transformation remains aligned with both operational requirements and industry standards.
The broader impact of this initiative extends beyond operational efficiency. By digitising rural grassroots procurement for over 4500 rubber latex suppliers, Dipped Products PLC has established a scalable model for digital transformation within agricultural supply chains. The system not only enhances productivity but also contributes to financial inclusion and rural economic development.
In recognition of its innovation and impact, DPL EasyPay has been shortlisted for the Amazon Business Digital Impact Award at the World Procurement Awards 2026. This acknowledgment highlights the system’s potential to serve as a global benchmark for digital procurement ecosystems, particularly in emerging markets where agriculture remains a key economic driver.