Technology As Innovator

Sep 11

Free & Open Source Enterprise Resource Planning Software

Category: How Information Systems are managed Add comments

ERP

ERP is free?

At first, I could believe that a highly complex software like that of ERP can be open or free.

However, it is a truth. Some communities are really committed to engage to this sophistication.

Now here it is: ERP comes open-source!

ERP is really free?

I like the way Adempiere depicts the complexion of costs:

“Information Is Free - U have to Know
People Are Not - U have to Pay
Contributors Are Priceless - U have to Be”

Open-source ERP, like any other open-source project, is not totally intended for larger enterprises seeking highly stable software and business partnership.

Open-source ERP makes it possible for SMEs to go in for Enterprise Resource Planning at a more affordable price. This is a wise step of initiators in that this kind of collaboration would benefit both parties.

Users get the software for free, and pay a relatively reasonable amount for supports and customization
Some R&D departments from these ‘purchasers’ even involve in developing the software, thus enlarging the community to people inside businesses
Some companies such as Compiere offer free packages and products with fee. This gives their customers more options

Personally I don’t think the “sense of open-source” including flexibility, community-knowledge, freedom and such is the most significant factor for enterprises to go for these products. They’re simply looking for a product that works with a more affordable price. Instead of doing separate accounting, financial management, CRM, SCM, HRM etc., they have the option to start doing ERP at an earlier stage.

It’s all about Open-source

People in Open-source community have their manifesto. Communities have gone from developing open Operating Systems to open File-Sharing, from Office to Browsers. There is no reason why they can’t be doing ERP now.

Entrepreneurship & OSS

ERP has “enterprise” in it. Correct! ERP OSS is not software for individuals, but for Organizations. Enterprises. And Enterprises do business.

An ERP, though require a tremendous technology commitment, is far less geeky than any other OSS ever developed. It’s business, which so unfortunately a number of geeks take a distance from afar.

Because ERP is developed to solve the problem of and boost business, ERP OSS requires entrepreneurship and business minds! That’s where the leading heads and consultants are called.

Development Prospects

People talk ERP. People use ERP. People do ERP. Everywhere is ERP.

Some sell ERP. Some give ERP for free.

It’s obvious, Open-source ERP is in a terribly good jumpstart to develop. If they can overcome some difficulties such as commitment, simplification of complexity and harmonization of business and technology, the future is bright for them.

And for SMEs too.