Open-Source ERP Software

There are some ERP software systems out there that are “configurable”. You’ll pay a lot of money for some of these systems, and then spend months learning how to configure them properly and get them configured to the point where they can do what you want them to do. It’s considerably more difficult than it would appear at first glance. Even some of your home-grown “I can do that with Access” IT people will have a difficult time with these systems, and it will take just as long as their Access project.

Real open-source ERP software gets you right into the middle of things, “into the weeds” if you will. Custom-tailored software, built on an open-source framework managed by the team performing the custom tailoring, won’t take as long to develop and the finished project will work even better because it was designed specifically for what you’re doing.

It’s also possible to take classes on frameworks such as this so your IT people can help with the management of the software. They’ll be able to track down minor bugs and glitches, and make changes as necessary, with the support of the framework’s development team when the need arises. This kind of support is unavailable with one of those expensive “configurable” ERP systems.

ERP software should assist you in managing your enterprise without that same software bogging you down in the details of its configuration in the first place. Getting a custom-tailored system up-and-running inside of a couple months, with support for another year, with your own people involved in its development and management … this will allow you to focus more on the business of running your business.

That’s really where your focus needs to be.