Open source ERP : Where Opportunities outweigh Challenges

Today’s world needs freedom. No one likes to depend on others, and all need independence. This applies to every aspect of life. It doesn’t matter whether it is personal or official. So for Open Source ERP, it applies. So how can we get rid of dependency in ERP Implementation? Now let us take the case of leading ERP. Most of the ERPs are not open source. This Means IP rights and ownership belong to a specific company. So what are the challenges in Implementing such ERPs?

When you try to implement, unlike customer software, there are a few or lots of customization requirements to achieve your complete process flow and aim. You don’t have access to the source code. So what next? Either the company or the person who owns the ERP should do the customization for you. So the charges will be high. You implemented it, and tomorrow you need to add another functionality.

Again you need to approach them and get it fixed for the charges they put on you. So as long as you use the application, you depend on this single company. Now, what if the company closes or changes its policies or a takeover has happened by another company? Follow all the changes they made. Software updates will always be there, and most of the time, it will be optional whether you accept the updates. After a certain period, the company announces that it will support only a particular version or above, and all other versions will be obsolete. So no support. You will be forced to upgrade, which is never free.

Benefits of an open-source ERP

Now let us come back to the benefits of an open source Erp. Before that, let me tell you a myth on open source that open source software is free software. Open source software should not be confused with free software as all open source is not free. Then what does it mean by Open source ERP? Open source means you will have access to full source code, and you will have full access to the codes and are allowed to make any customization that you like. Applications like Odoo Community versions are both open source and free.

So it would be best if you had customization. You approach a company, and they charge more; you are free to move to another company to get this done. Do you have an employee with you who knows the application, you can get your things done using them. If your employee resigns, hire a new person who knows this application, and you can continue with your application. The upgrade comes; you can get it done free or with minimal charges.

So, in short, you are not dependent on any company or individual freelancer or employee, and you are always free to switch between these, where you can get the best service from wherever it is available.