Which are the top open source ERP (enterprise resources planning) systems for small business in 2011? Which are the most cost-effective open source ERP software solutions? This article will try to give you a simple answer and an easy to use guide for choosing a best open source ERP application.
ERP software was developed from the concepts of MRP (Material Requirements Planning or Manufacturing Resource planning) and CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing). It could be part of a company’s integrated system covering the management of CRM (customer relationship management), HR (human resources), accounting, inventory, and supply chain.
Cost Effectiveness of Open Source ERP Solutions for Small Business
ERP can help business users improve their productivity and reduce operating costs. But an ERP software system could be very expensive – sometimes it could cost millions of dollars for a big organization, which largely increases the business costs and the risks of ERP implementations. To help users reduce costs and risks, some ERP software developers go open-source. An open source ERP application usually has lower software prices compared to its proprietary counterparts. But the hardware, implementation, integration, configuration and support of an open source ERP program are still costly. Please see the article ERP Costs and Prices Comparison and Reviews for details.
Today open source software developers not only offer cheap ERP solutions, but also provide good customer service. A best open source ERP system is a software program that has got a balance between low-cost solution and full-feature customer support.
Top Open Source ERP Software Download and Comparison
In 2010, seven software systems led the pack of the open source ERP industry. They are Adempiere, Compiere, Openbravo, Opentaps, OpenERP, OFBiz, and Tryton. At the same time, BlueErp, JFire, xTuple, and other open source programs might take small market shares. These software solutions will still dominate the open source ERP market in 2011.
The success of these software programs is not accidental. For example, Openbravo grasps the core of open source ERP: cost effectiveness and customer support. Cost effectiveness is the main reason why a user chooses an open source solution. Openbravo offers a subscription model that avoids capital expense. It also provides comprehensive for users in various industries, which was once the main reason users gave up open source ERP solutions. Openbravo’s comprehensive support covers automotive, clothing and textiles, chemical, communications and high tech, food and beverage, freight and logistics, education and research, retail, medical and heath, wholesales and distribution, and entertainment industries.
Openbravo eliminates the biggest obstacles of choosing an open source ERP solution. Other leading open source ERP solutions also take a similar strategy. In 2011, the winners of the open source ERP market will be the companies that do excellent jobs of improving cost effectiveness and providing better comprehensive support.
Related Articles:
Best ERP Software Solutions: 2011 Comparison and Reviews
Best Free ERP Software Download Review: Open Source Small Business Enterprise Resource Planning Solution
Chen Nanyang - Chen Nanyang's journalist career began in 2002 when he started writing for China's Nanfang City News, Singapore's United Morning Post and ...
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