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Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is the glue that ties all micro-level business systems together.
I should add the disclaimer that contrary to popular opinion, open-source and free ERP isnt about zero cost.
So cost isnt a real USP of any open source ERP system.
Instead, enterprise users choose it for top-notch data security, hosting control, and customization.
you’re able to trust Geekflare
At Geekflare, trust and transparency are paramount.
The individual applications are integrated but can also be purchased separately.
For instance, the free version doesnt include Accounting, Payroll, and Documents.
Thats why I recommend comparing both, Community and Enterprise, editions before moving ahead.
A third option is self-hosting with a third-party Odoo host such asKamateraorHostinger.
I have checked the Odoo demo which presents all the apps on the startup screen.
From there, you might click to kick off the dashboards.
Every app screen has all the other modules stacked in the left panel.
you could host it with any cloud provider or in-house on Linux or as a Docker image.
Besides, you could extend ERPNext with its no-code/low-code extension for building custom workflows.
With this platform, you get one of the functional and modern-looking user interfaces.
The best part was the dashboard fluidity, which almost instantly responded to my clicks.
you could unpack the necessary modules, which natively integrates with other active features.
Upgrades wont have you lose or re-enter data.
Dolibarr Features
Dolibarr also features a marketplace with tons of third-party apps to extend functionality.
It has applications for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Docker.
you could also run Dolibarr as a Docker image.
Like others on this list, Dolibarr has an official cloud version (DoliCloud) too.
Unfortunately, the UI wasnt as snappy as one would expect.
Still, things worked, even if in the old-fashioned way.
It started as an Odoo (previously TinyERP) fork, with the first version releasing back in 2008.
Currently, its been run by a federation of15+ globally dispersed companies.
Tryton features individual modules that you’re able to turn on and scale as required.
The platform also maintains a collection of hand-picked extensions to shorten the search.
Tryton has clients for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is also available as a Docker image.
Theres also a Cloud edition, which starts at 49 CHF/user/month.
you’re free to get first-hand impressions with the Tryton demo.
It has some placeholder data, but also accepts new entries.
Things worked and the dashboard aesthetics, while not great, werent bad either.
So I suggest you take the Tryton demo, while putting in the extra data for a clear picture.
ERP5
Best for Logistics/Accounting
ERP5 is one of the open source offerings from its France-based developer Nexedi.
This means all these specific modules are tightly integrated and have interconnected functionality.
Per ERP5, the idea is to ease the learning curve and reduce data inconsistencies.
Alternatively, Nexedi recommends deploying ERP5 on its web app-based IDE and PAAS, SlapOS Webrunner.
Taking a test ride of ERP5 isnt straightforward unless youre on Nexedis SlapOS.
As a quick countermeasure, you’re able to hit the modules on the ERP5 homepage.
This provides screenshots and an overview of the under-the-hood workflows.
Metasfresh
ERP for Midsize Businesses
Metasfresh is an open source ERP aimed at SMEs.
It gets updated weekly and is available for Ubuntu and as a Docker image.
Metasfresh Features
Kudos to Metasfresh for not keeping premium features locked to its cloud version.
Besides, its cloud version is open source too.
Businesses can implement Metasfresh ERP as a Docker image for free without any cap on the number of members.
The good thing is you might activate specific modules as per need without hogging computing resources.
Give Axelor a try on Linux, Windows, or as a Docker image.
OFBiz (Apache)
Developer-friendly ERP
OFBiz comes from the stables of theApache Software Foundation.
OFBiz Features
Business owners can instantly go through the OFBiz demo.
you’ve got the option to check the image below of the OFBiz Project console.
While the looks of this open-source ERP solution are plain old simple, the user experience was slick.
There was no lag, every click responded without any awkward delay or freeze.
Unfortunately, Apache does offer an official cloud OFBiz implementation.
you might still check this list ofofficial OFBiz partnersfor deployment support.
Fair-code is a business-friendly version of open-source.
iDURAR Features
you might self-host iDURAR for a one-time payment of $8,000.
There is a limited features demo version, which is free as well.
However, this is only valid for one user.
iDURAR is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, and can also be deployed using Docker.
If youre interested, iDURAR also features a cloud version you’re free to try without paying.
Alternatively, sign up and access its demo for a brief hands-on.
iDURARs demo comes without any default data.
This makes the evaluation challenging since populating an ERP with placeholder data is a time-consuming task.
Ever Gauzy Features
Ever Gauzy has flexible self-hosting options based on the licensing requirements.
you might also deploy it as a Docker image.
Just so you know, Ever Gauzy has a cloud-based ERP in the works, too.
I found the Ever Gauzy demo as the most complete representation out of the box.
Take a look at the weekly time tracking report in the following screengrab.
What Is Difference Between Open Source and Cloud ERP?
The following section will address any doubts if youre still on the edge.
This route offers unmatched flexibility in hosting, integrations, and data security.
However, it’s crucial that you know this is far from the easy alternative.
In fact, its quite the opposite.
I would never recommend self-hosting ERP to any startup with strained financials or without any in-house developers.
For those setups, we have this next offering.
Zero implementation headaches, hands-free maintenance, and absolutely no security overhead are some key virtues ofcloud ERP solutions.
On the downside, you are left with subscriptions that will sting your credit card every now and then .
Still, the pros far outweigh the cons if youre tight on resources or dont want custom solutions.
To summarize…
Self-hosted ERPis best for custom implementations with an in-house developer team.
Youll have control over hosting, data, and everything else.
On the other hand,Cloud ERPis suitable for anyone who is into hassle-free SaaS products.
Security, deployment, maintenance, integrations, etc., are handled in exchange for a subscription fee.
Conclusion
The real cost of implementing an ERP lies with the hosting and support.
Unreliable hosting services or support issues can result in heavy losses, especially if theres a vendor lock-in.
So, ensure a fluid roll-back policy before transitioning to any ERP software.
