## **Overview** **This document outlines the plugins and tools required to create a WordPress-based system that supports project posting, bidding, proposal evaluation, project execution, progress tracking, project submission, approval, and payment processing. The goal is to streamline the process of students and contractors working on projects and receiving payments.** ## **System Components and Required Plugins 1. Decision on projects to be posted** ### **2. Project Posting and Bidding** **Key Requirements:** * **Open projects posting** * **Bid submission with standardized templates** **Recommended Plugins:** * **WP Job Manager: Enables job posting and management functionalities.** * **Freelancer Marketplace: Facilitates the bidding process by allowing users to submit proposals.** * **Gravity Forms: Used to create customized forms for bid submissions, capturing details such as timelines and pricing.\ \ Example of WP Job Manager layout\ ** ### **2. Proposal Evaluation and Project Award** **Key Requirements:** * **Proposal evaluation by the board** * **Presentation of top proposals** * **Project award to selected bidder** **Recommended Plugins:** * **WPForms: For collecting and managing proposal submissions.** * **WP User Frontend: Allows users to submit content from the frontend, including proposals.** * **User Role Editor: Assigns specific roles for board members to evaluate proposals.** ### **3. Project Execution and Progress Tracking** **Key Requirements:** * **Progress reporting** * **Communication platform for questions and meetings** * **Documentation of project requirements and specifications** **Recommended Plugins:** * **UpStream: Provides a comprehensive project management solution, including progress tracking and task management.** * **BuddyPress: Creates a social network for project communication and collaboration.** * **WP Project Manager: Manages projects, tasks, and team communication.** **4. WP Simple Booking Calendar:** Schedules meetings and tracks availability. ### **5. Project Submission and Approval** **Key Requirements:** * **Deliverable submission** * **Approval or feedback process** **Recommended Plugins:** * **WP Document Revisions: Manages document submissions and revisions, allowing students/contractors to submit deliverables.** * **WPForms: For submission of final deliverables and tracking feedback.** * **ReviewX: Enables board members to review and approve or request updates on project deliverables.** ### **6. Payment Processing** **Key Requirements:** * **Notification for payment approval** * **Payment initiation and processing** **Recommended Plugins:** * **WooCommerce: Manages the payment process, integrating with various payment gateways.** * **WooCommerce Subscriptions: Handles recurring payments if needed.** * **Stripe Payment Gateway or PayPal Payments: For secure payment processing.** * **WP Notification Bar: Sends notifications to account managers about payment approvals.** ## **Additional Plugins for Enhanced Functionality** * **Wordfence Security: Ensures the security of the system against threats.** * **UpdraftPlus: Provides backup and restore functionalities for the WordPress site.** * **Yoast SEO: Optimizes the site for search engines.** * **WP Super Cache: Improves site performance and speed.** ## **Conclusion** **By integrating these plugins into the WordPress platform, the organization can effectively manage the entire lifecycle of WiseNxt project’s bidding, execution, and payment processing.** **Alternatively, the use of custom themes may apply.** **Theme Examples\ \ 1\. WP Job Manager + Add-ons ($447/year for complete bundle)** **Core features are free** **Bidding and proposal system** **Project management tools** **Payment integration** **Key add-ons needed:** **Applications** **Bookmarks** **Contact Listing** **WC Paid Listings** **Simple Paid Listings** 2\. **WorkScout Theme + Plugins ($59 one-time + add-ons)** Complete freelance marketplace theme Built-in proposal system Project tracking Integrates with common payment gateways Requires additional plugins for full functionality 3\. **Workreap Theme ($69 one-time) RECOMENDING!!** All-in-one freelance marketplace solution Built-in bidding system Project milestone tracking Payment processing included Real-time messaging No additional plugins needed for core functionality 4\. **WooCommerce + Dokan Multi-vendor ($149/year)** Transforms WordPress into a marketplace Bidding system available Project management features Payment splitting capabilities Requires additional configuration --- 5\. **PeachPay** ($0-299/month based on volume) Focuses on payment processing Can be integrated with other solutions Multiple payment gateway support Automated invoicing