On this page, we have collected the top ten feature-rich and flexible open source ERP systems. The top guns in this department are Microsoft, SAP, and Oracle. But, their products are expensive. What if the organization cannot afford ERP software developed by these brands? You look at open source solutions.
Businesses with a lot of employees have a wide range of tasks to tackle, including inventory, payroll, finance, accounting, and planning. None of the developers can create separate tools for all the tasks and then stitch them together to perform simultaneously. It’s where you can turn toward enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
How to find the best open source ERP system for your business?
- Consider business growth: You should look for an ERP application according to your needs. So, taking all the components of an ERP might not be a bright idea. However, you should consider future growth and find something that can adapt as per the expansion. Therefore, you can try ERP software with additional modules or plugins available to install when you need to add new functions.
- Hosting: The open-source ERP systems are available for cloud-based services and on premise installation. Download and install such software only if you have a trained staff to maintain it. Otherwise, go for the cloud version.
- Support: Ensure the ERP software has complete documentation and support. A user community and knowledge base are helpful. But, a support chat, e, mail or phone number could be better.
Top twelve open-source source ERP systems
- Odoo
Odoo is the best open source ERP system because it comprises separate modules for manufacturing, purchasing, inventory management, accounting, project management, and billing. All these components can communicate with each other for an uninterrupted exchange of information.
Most of the open-source ERPs are complete, but Odoo has a straightforward interface. Its terminal is similar to Google Drive, wherein you can see only the required functions. As this software is free of cost for one app, you can try it without any risk before you go for implementation.
You can purchase Odoo Standard or Custom for more than app apps. Odoo free version and Standard are cloud-based. But you can download the Odoo Custom version and host it yourself. Odoo Custom is also available as a cloud-based service.
2. Metasfresh
Metasfresh is a popular open source ERP program that lives up to its name and offers a fresh interface. This powerful software is user-friendly and hence, suitable for beginners. In addition, the ERP is free if you are self-hosting it. Cloud hosting is available to subscribers at 24 pounds per month for each user. So, a small-medium-sized sized business can have all its benefits without budget adjustment. Metasfresh is compatible with all operating systems, including Windows, Android, iOs, and Linux. Moreover, it’s available in several languages, including JavaScript, XML, and Java. You can request a personal demo on metafresh.com before you start its trial version.
3. ERPNext
ERPNext is a reputable open source source ERP program, launched by Frappe – an India-based remote technology company. It has a wide range of functions, helpful for almost all business types. Plus, ERPNext offers focused solutions for several sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, education, distribution, and retail.
ERPNext is built upon the Frappe web framework, which depends on Javascript and Python. As it’s an open source software, you can add applications according to your requirements. GitHub is hosting ERPNext 2011 onward and its community has more than one thousand members.
The open-source version of ERPNext is free forever. Apart from that, it has four premium plans, including Cloud, Starter, Small Business, and Enterprise. Only the Starter and Small Business packages have trial periods.
4. ADempiere
ADempiere is one of the best open source ERP applications for small and medium-sized businesses. It was initially released in 2006. So, this software has been active in the market for more than 15 years now.
ADempiere is an Italian word, which means to satisfy or to accomplish. Well, the system lives up to this name due to its multidimensional behavior that satisfies a wide range of business requirements. This comprises customer relationship management (CRM) and supply chain management (SCM) to help manage accounting, inventory, purchase, sign, and sales processes without using any other software. Moreover, its latest release has an advanced user interface for a better experience.
ADempiere is a multi-platform ERP based on Java and it’s compatible with Windows, Mac, Unix, and Linux. In addition, this application works on tablets and smartphones. It’s an open-source ERP and CRM. So, you can try this without any risks.
5. Apache OFBiz
Apache OFBiz is written in JavaScript, Groovy, FreeMarker, XML, and Java. But, it has a common architecture using common processes, logic, and data components. Hence, you can customize it easily as per your needs.
The ERP system is designed for medium and large businesses. So, it has several functions and features to support internal resources. Therefore, you can effortlessly integrate this ERP with existing processes.
Apache OFBiz comprises multiple modules, including HR, inventory management, e-commerce, CRM, accounting, manufacturing, and some more. You will like the fact that it’s been the top Apache performer for more than ten years. Moreover, this application is free. You can download it from here.
6. Flectra
Flectra is a new open source ERP system. Released in 2016, this application became popular within a few years due to its user-friendly interface. The software is developed on Postgresql and Python.
The open-source version of Flectra is free to download. It also has two premium plans for on premise usage and cloud hosting. The prices are almost the same for both packages because all the components are available separately. Hence, the final investment depends upon your selection. Apart from that, this ERP system offers a 15-day trial without any card details.
7. Dolibarr
Dolibarr is an all-in-one suite for freelancers, foundations, small to medium businesses, and enterprises. It takes care of everything including payments, orders, contracts, invoices, and all other aspects of your trade. Everything is combined in a clean and user-friendly interface.
You can check the Dolibarr demo on its website. It’s capable of handling all the tasks of your business. In addition, this ERP software has DoliStore to download more plugins for added functionalities.
8. Tryton
Tryton serves all business types because it comes with a diverse range of modules including accounting, project management, analytics, inventory management, sales, shipping, and many more. The ERP software has an advanced setup style where it lets you pick the required components.
You can check the demo of Tryton on its website. If you like the ERP, download it without paying anything. In addition, this software has a desktop client for Windows and macOS. You can use its source code to develop similar clients for other operating systems.
9. Axelor ERP
Axelor is a complete ERP package, which helps you manage cash, stock, accounting, sales, invoicing, purchasing, and much more. Everything is collected in a straightforward interface, which helps it overshadow other ERP applications.
All the options are listed on the left panel of the Axelor ERP dashboard. You can perform any action within a few clicks. Hence, you can easily use it as a beginner.
Axel ERP is free to download as open-source software. Then, it has two premium plans, Enterprise Starter and Company Pro. Both the variants are cloud-based.
10. xTuple ERP
xTuple ERP is perfect for small businesses related to online stores, distribution, and manufacturing. It’s especially beneficial if you need more than your current resources. This open source ERP system has solutions for all your business functions. Plus, its powerful features help you manage everything seamlessly.
xTuple ERP comprises ERP, accounting, CRM, inventory, reporting, distribution, and vendor reporting. It is generated using JavaScript. You can watch the demo of xTuple on its website.
11. NetSuite
NetSuite is widely used by large enterprises. The open-source application is one of the ERP leaders because of its top-notch management services. This software includes all the functions to control and develop a large-sized business. For instance, it has order management, financial management, billing, invoicing, accounting, and revenue management.
NetSuite is a cloud-based ERP system and you can check the demo on its website. You can also get free consultations if you like the demo. This software is compatible with all operating systems including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. So, you can try and use it without any restrictions.
12. inoERP
If you need a wide range of features without investing a lot then, try inoERP. It’s one of the best open source ERP systems for small and medium-sized businesses. This software integrates with the business system of your contract manufacturers, suppliers, customers, and others without any code.
inoERP smoothly integrates into Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP HANA S/4, Oracle EBS R12/Cloud, and Custom ERP/PLM/MES Quality systems. So, you can control all the business processes using a single dashboard. What’s more? It’s easy to customize.
inoERP contains building blocks to set a wide range of forms, workflows, charts, reports, or actions using REST APIs. The latter is helpful to map variable business processes across different systems. It can also be used on all kinds of devices, like desktops, tablets, smartphones, and mobile scanners.
Conclusion
Well, now you know some of the best open-source ERP systems in 2024. A high-grade ERP system boosts the efficiency and productivity of your business. It also reduces the overall operational cost. So, if you are starting a new business or have not implemented any ERP in your culture, it’s time to try a reliable application that can help you grow.
