ERP is a type of software system that lets you run your entire company, covering finance, development, distribution network, services, procurement, and more procedures. In this article, we will discuss Top, best and open source ERP systems.

History of ERP and Advancement of ERP

Computerized and automatic work software developed in the accounting and finance world in the 1960s using server computers. These pioneering applications were fast enough and more authentic than manual processes – but were costly, insufficient in functionality, and still slow. Before long, these applications spawned the development of dedicated, self-contained solutions such as sales order processing and manufacturing requirements planning (MRP).

In the early 1980’s, demand in the manufacturing sector was exploding and new tools were needed. New MRP II software unified accounting and financing, sales, ordering, inventory, and production preparation and scheduling – providing the manufacturer with an integrated framework.

At the end of the 1990’s, ERP was introduced. ERP changed the technology sector by covering a wider variety of markets and by integrating MRP II, human resources, project accounting, and end-user reporting.

In the short period of the 21st century, higher internet speeds and modern development tools have again revolutionized ERP products. The advent of browser-based applications opened the way for cloud ERP, an innovation that has extended both the scope and the functionality of ERP solutions.
Today – in the age of digital transformation – companies are increasingly dependent on artificial intelligence and other technologies to simplify their business processes and remain competitive.

Open-Source ERP Software

It doesn’t mean you have to pay out on a thousand-dollar enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to solve complicated issues for your company. The market may be dominated by big vendors like Oracle and SAP, but there are free and open-source ERP resources that can help get your company in shape with little awareness of financial investment. There are 5 to check out in the following.

  • Erpnext
  • Odoo
  • Adempiere
  • Dolibarr
  • Metasfresh

ERPNext

ERPNext is one of those popular open-source projects; in fact, it was featured on Opensource.com in 2014. It was intended to scratch a specific itch, in this case eliminating a creaky and costly proprietary ERP implementation. Its initial release date was 2008.
ERPNext was designed for small and medium-sized companies. It includes modules for accounting, handling inventory, sales, purchase, and project management. The software that makes up ERPNext is form-driven—you fill information in a collection of forms and let the application do the rest. The entire software is easy to use.
You can request a demo of ERPNext software before buying or subscribe to a hosted package.

ERPNext Main Features and Module List

  • Cross-compatibility
  • Calendar
  • Employee appraisal
  • Production planning tool
  • Leave and attendance management
  • Expense claim submission
  • Embedded reporting system
  • Multi-currency support
  • Comprehensive user interface
  • Social network and messaging service
  • Flexibility
  • Built-in to-do lists and projects
  • Time log entries
  • Management reporting
  • Sales & quotations
  • Accounting with tax calculations
  • Support requests
  • Communication reporting
  • Inventory warehouse management
  • Website creation and design

Odoo

Odoo is an integrated suite of software that includes modules for project management, accounting, inventory management, manufacturing, billing, and purchasing.
Though ERP software can be complicated, Odoo allows it comfortable with a simple, almost spartan interface. The interface is suggestive of Google Drive, with noticeable functions that are needed. its powerful technology framework provides top-of-the-line usability that scales across all applications. While there is a free application limit, installing more apps isn’t extremely costly.

Odoo Features List

Odoo has been precisely developed to help boost your business’s efficiency. Here is a key features list of Odoo,

  • CRM
  • Sales Management
  • Warehouse Management
  • Manufacturing
  • Project Management
  • Accounting
  • Point of Sale (POS)
  • Purchase Management

Adempiere

ADempiere is aimed at small & medium companies, like other open-source ERP solutions. In 2006, this project was developed by Compiere ERP Software. This Italian title means to achieve or satisfy, where its multifaceted ERP features belong to the businesses that fulfill a wide range of requirements. It is combined with supply chain management (SCM) and customer relationship management (CRM) features and fits to help handle, purchase, stock, accounting, and marketing operations in one software only.

Adempiere Features List

Here is a main features list of adempiere.

  • CRM
  • Invoicing
  • Dashboard
  • Manufacturing
  • Time Tracking
  • Quality Management
  • Project Management
  • Document Management
  • Purchase Management
  • Inventory Management
  • Warehouse Management
  • Work order management
  • Accounting Management
  • Distribution Management
  • Integration capabilities
  • Field service management
  • Business intelligence (BI)
  • Supplier and Purchase Order Management

Dolibarr

Dolibarr provides all an ERP requires, plus accounting, CRM, HR, and inventory modules. This all-in-one suite provides end-to-end administration for small and medium companies keeping track of invoices, contracts, inventory, orders, and payments to handling documentation and supporting electronic point-of-sale system.
It’s all bundled in a pretty tidy GUI. You can install and use Dolibarr as a standalone program, or online on a shared or dedicated server or VM to use it from everywhere, any laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. It is available in different types: From auto-installer packages that install Dolibarr and all requirements with no need of technical expertise, from the regular distribution running on all Operating System platforms and PHP framework (Windows, Mac, Linux).

Features of Dolibarr

Dolibarr features are following:

  • CRM & Sales
  • Human Relationship (HR)
  • CMS
  • Website
  • E-Commerce
  • Point of Sale (POS)
  • CMS / Website
  • E-Commerce
  • Point Of Sale
  • Product & Stock
  • Finance & Billing
  • Marketing
  • Productivity
  • Integration, Development

Metasfresh

Metasfresh’s name reflects its dedication to maintaining its code fresh. Metasfresh is an open-source ERP offering a powerful kit that is fun and easy to use. The open-source framework offers a cost-effective way to address consumer needs. Metasfresh can be used free for self-hosted users.
As a Metas GmbH and Community software, this ERP framework runs on Linux, Windows, OS X, Android, and iOS technologies. It is a GPLv2/GPLv3 license-based software that is accessible in Java, JavaScript, XML, and SQL languages.

Metasfresh Features

The list of Metasfresh’s features are following:

  • Enterprise Resource Planning
  • Contract management
  • CRM
  • Supply chain management
  • Distribution resource planning
  • Document automation
  • Manufacturing resource planning
  • Accounts payable
  • Accounts receivable
  • General ledger
  • Sales
  • Purchase
  • Inventory
  • Bank account management
  • Payments management
  • Shipping management
  • Multi-Tenants
  • Multi-Organizations
  • Multi-Language
  • Multi-Currency
  • Multi-Account Schema