ERP Software

Open Source ERP Software

ERP, or enterprise resource planning, is software intended to organize and run businesses in a more efficient and effective way, in that manner guaranteeing an increase in both productivity and revenue. In a competitive market, companies are always seeking out ways to better the way they run their operations. The goal, then, is for a business to find ERP software that best fits its specific needs. This is easier said than done. Even though ERP software systems characterize the hub of modern businesses, they are intrinsically saddled with the problem of mismatch. Very few ready-made, off the shelf software packages are perfect for any company. In fact, in order to find the fit that every company hopes for, ERP software systems straight from the vendor tend to require lengthy and extremely expensive customizations. The cost of achieving the perfect ERP software fit is so high, that many smaller, less prosperous companies do not even try -thus leaving themselves at a deficit compared to other, more streamlined, wealthier businesses in their industry.

Many experts believe the answer to this costly dilemma has finally been found in Open Source ERP Software because Open source ERP software can be used, modified, and customized for the specific needs of any business without incurring fees. This no fees policy signifies a substantial savings; it has allowed the smaller companies with less money at their disposal to participate in the ERP software advancement. Small and mid-market businesses were really the first users of open-source ERP software.

Essentially, open source ERP software is the outcome of the Free Software Movement, begun by Richard Stallman about thirty years ago. He called for software that would be available without restraints. Almost right away, this Free Software Movement witnessed close to a hundred Open Source Initiative certified licenses which became accessible by businesses hoping to enjoy the benefits brought about by ERP software.

Yes, there are some regulations that are part of the process and these are generally codified by the General Public License. So far, however, businesses have not complained that these rules are markedly strict. As a matter of fact, there exists the general opinion in the business community that with Open Source ERP Software a company can take the code and do whatever they need to do. There is a basic notion attached to this software that tells a company they are in control of when they use it.

Written by :

Amy Cruz