ERP Systems

The Ins and Outs of Open Source ERP

If you’re considering an open source Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) package, read on because this article is just for you.  First lets get this part over with…yes…open source ERP packages are free!  Yes, free!  When you’re done jumping up and down for joy, read on.  Another great thing about open source ERP systems is that you don’t have to depend on snobby ERP vendors.  We all know that if you’re not the big customer then you’re not the important customer and you’re probably low on the totem pole.  If you need a fix and you’re not a big important customer, forget about it because the vendor may not make you their priority.  If you need a fix with open source ERP, get one of your techie programmers on the job and they can resolve the matter.

Some companies buy huge ERP on-site systems.  The installation period takes two years and then they run into mega road blocks when they go live.  Open source ERPs are quick to implement.  If you run into a road block, you can fix it right away.  In fact, if you have a functional road block, you can simply customize the software’s source code.  Yes!!!  Who doesn’t like that?  Fine tune your open source ERP and make it perfect for your business needs, wants, and would like to haves. 

Open source implementations are quite friendly.  They don’t disrupt your day-to-day business operations.  When your open source ERP system is implemented, you can use the comprehensive documentation that comes along with your open source ERP to train employees on the system. 

Now, don’t get too excited because there are some pitfalls with open source ERP.  For example, there is no dedicated support folks provided by the open source ERP vendor.  “Ugh” you say.  “Nay” I say because you can always hire a third part support service.  One more thing to consider with open source ERP systems is that some are not compatible with certain platforms and are difficult to integrate with third party applications.

Open source ERP systems are making themselves well-known in the market.  However, some companies are still quite timid and don’t want to take a “chance” on open source code.  With the downturn in the economy it will be interesting to see who prevails in the marketplace.  Good old fashion competition is great for buyers shopping the ERP market.

Written by :

tracey boxer