Open Source ERP-Another option?

Many companies are turning to a new kind of enterprise resource planning software. This new model is much more affordable, provides faster return on investment, is easier to implement across an enterprise, provides superior connectivity and is highly configurable.

Browser-based, open-source ERP applications hold many advantages over the traditional legacy based software systems of the past. They are easier to modify and customize, for one. This ease of configurability opens up the door to agility - changing the software system to take advantage of new opportunities or changes in the market for optimal positioning. The software can change as quickly as the company can.

This new type of ERP is not “open source” in the usual sense of the term. The meaning of open source for this type of application is that the source code is modifiable, but not available to the general public. It is modifiable by the provider or the individual buyer. This is advantageous to buyers with IT resources for internal modifications and helps ease fears of obsolescence. For smaller companies without internal IT, it opens up the door to an ERP system with the vendor providing any source code modifications they may need.

Another tremendous advantage to these new open-source ERP systems is their inherent ability for connectivity. Extracting and utilizing data from other browser-native applications is easy when compared to accessing data in traditional legacy based systems. Connectivity allows for seamless flow of an order from CRM, to accounting, to scheduling, to SRM, inventory and so on.

Affordability is another major factor companies both large and small must consider when purchasing ERP. These systems can cost millions of dollars with huge maintenance fees on top of that. Browser-native systems cost a fraction of the price tag of a legacy ERP software system. Maintenance, upgrade and modifications fees are significantly less, too.

Faster implementation means faster return on investment (ROI) for browser-based, open source systems. Legacy ERP systems can take years to develop and implement. A browser-native ERP system can be up and running in a few weeks or months. Organizations can start reaping the benefits of a streamlined, more productive, more profitable enterprise sooner. For more information on Open Source ERP solutions you should take a look at Open Source ERP software. They offer info on Open Source ERP technology and solutions providers.