5 best free and open source ERPs
Your company is growing and you feel you need to implement a management tool to better organize it? You're right: implementing an ERP doesn't have to cost millions and will allow you to manage accounting, purchasing, customer relations, invoices and much more, all in a single environment.
However, beware not only of the costs, but also of the complexity of implementation and employee buy-in to the new processes. Yes, it won't be easy, it will take time and other resources, but in the long run, sustaining growth will be worth it. It's also important to compare ERP systems before choosing.
What is open source ERP?
It is an open source management system (an ERP), which means that it is open to anyone who wants to use it, as well as any modifications and changes to the code to adapt it to your business. However, maintenance, support and any other needs are paid for and there are companies that specialize in these services for this software.
What is the difference between open source and free ERP?
Free ERP is usually not open source and the free version ends up being limited, for example, by the number of users or functionalities or both. Whereas an open source ERP is free to use, there are not (many) limitations, but some extra modules can be paid for and its implementation in a company can be more complex, possibly requiring paid external consultancy to implement, depending on the scale.
Advantages and disadvantages of open source ERPs
Advantages
The first advantage of open source ERPs is that most of them benefit from a large community of collaborators bringing many improvements at a rapid pace (sometimes more than one update per month). This makes the user communities very active and ready to answer your questions.
Disadvantages
The lesser-known side of open source ERPs is the additional services. The fact that you don't have to pay can give the illusion of a good deal on an open source ERP, but users often find themselves saddled with catastrophic integrations, failed updates, laborious maintenance or an installation that takes weeks.
Unlike open source ERP, in the case of a proprietary online system, the supplier takes care of everything for you (hosting + security + updates + support + availability guarantees). One possibility would be to check with a consultancy about the costs of installing and implementing open source ERP before choosing open source.
Open source software is not at the same level as paid-for software in terms of performance, interface and functionalities. Odoo was once an exception, but it reduced the scope of open source and made most of the essential features paid for.
In the end, to be really satisfied with an ERP, it's better to acquire a paid solution or have a very solid team of developers to take on all or part of the open source solution.
Which are the best open source ERPs?
We've put together a list of the best open source ERPs available on the market. These are ERPs with a large volume of users, active communities, focused on small and medium-sized businesses and which cover an excellent range of functionalities:
- ADempiere;
- Axelor;
- Dolibarr;
- Odoo;
- Yetiforce.
ADempiere, for small and medium-sized businesses
©️ ADempiere
ADempiere is an old hand on the market, having started its project in 2006. All this history has also meant learning. With functionalities that include: Supply Chain Management (SCM), CRM, purchasing, inventory, accounting, as well as HR, point of sale, payroll and much more.
ADempiere
Axelor, the open source php ERP
Axelor is a French ERP with an English version. Its modern interface is second to none of the paid ERPs. With the basic version being open source, Axelor has optional services to enhance your system, which are paid for. Basic modules include: Purchasing, Billing, Inventory, among others.
Axelor
Dolibarr, the open source php erp
Dolibarr provides a complete package for an open source management system, from tracking invoices, contracts, stock, orders and payments; to point of sale support. Its source code is in php, which makes it relatively popular within the developer community. Dolibarr has an online demo and a store with add-ons that can boost your ERP system.
Dolibarr ERP CRM
Odoo, popular and minimalist
Odoo is a suite of integrated applications that includes modules for: project management, accounts payable and receivable, inventory management, purchasing and accounting. Odoo is easy to use and cloud-based, with a simple and intuitive interface it offers a trial period, but as we've already mentioned, some modules are paid for.
Odoo
YetiForce, the ERP that is a CRM
You may not have heard of YetiForce, but it has a Brazilian Portuguese version. It's an open source CRM, but why is it on this list? Because small and micro businesses often don't need a complete management system, but just a few modules. That's where YetiForce comes in as a CRM that is more than a CRM. From the logistics module to stock management and the customer portal, there are more than 60 modules with intuitive navigation.
Yetiforce
Other open source ERPs
We've listed a few extra open source ERPs, so you know that there are more options, although not necessarily the most widely used ones:
- Apache OFBiz;
- ERPNext;
- Metasfresh;
- Tryton;
- Openbravo (no longer open source, but you can still find downloadable versions, but no longer officially supported).
Conclusion, which open source ERP to choose?
As we've seen, there are several options; in essence, all the functionalities are there. The question may end up being a choice in terms of interface, language (not all of them have a PT-BR version), ease of use, community and, yes, above all, meeting the processes and flows that your company needs.
The most important thing of all, in the end, is to implement a business management system that will help increase the efficiency of your business by better controlling its information and activities.
Which one would you implement in your company? Do you know of any open source ERP software that isn't on the list? Let us know in the comments.
Article translated from Portuguese