Choosing the right ERP suite is crucial for businesses looking to streamline their business operations without incurring high costs. Free open-source ERP solutions provide a flexible and cost-effective way to manage core business apps like customer relationship management (CRM), finance, HR, and inventory.
Shortlist and compare some of the top free open-source ERP solutions:
What is free open source ERP?
A free open-source Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is software designed to integrate and manage core business processes whose source code is publicly available. This openness allows organizations to use, modify, and distribute the software without licensing fees, providing flexibility to tailor the system to specific operational needs.
While these systems can reduce initial software costs, it’s important to consider potential expenses related to implementation, customization, maintenance, and support. Leveraging the community-driven development model of open-source ERPs can lead to continuous improvements and innovations.
16 Shortlisted free open source ERPs
Odoo
Odoo is a popular open-source ERP platform with a wide range of business applications. It offers a modular approach, allowing businesses to select the apps they need, from CRM and sales to HR and accounting. Its flexibility makes it suitable for companies of all sizes.
Features:
- CRM, sales, and marketing automation
- Accounting and invoicing tools
- Inventory and warehouse management
- HR and recruitment management
- E-commerce and POS integration
ERPNext
ERPNext is a leading open-source ERP, originally known for its simple interface and ease of use. While the free version was initially limited in scalability, it has since expanded, now allowing unlimited users for self-hosted deployments. However, hosted services come at a cost. With strong features in finance, inventory, and project management, ERPNext remains a solid choice for small businesses, supported by a growing global user community.
Dolibarr
Dolibarr ERP is a user-friendly open-source solution covering essential ERP functions such as accounting, CRM, HR, and inventory management. Its simplicity makes it easy to adopt while still offering comprehensive business management capabilities.
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Metasfresh
Metasfresh is an open-source ERP solution designed to be flexible and scalable for businesses of all sizes. It provides modern features for inventory management, CRM, and accounting. Its active community ensures continuous updates and improvements.
Features:
- ERP and CRM functionality
- Sales and order management
- Inventory and warehouse management
- Financial and accounting tools
- Cloud and on-premise deployment.
OrangeHRM
OrangeHRM is an open-source HR management solution designed for businesses of all sizes. It provides tools for recruitment, performance evaluation, and employee records.
Features:
- HR and recruitment management
- Employee attendance and payroll tracking
- Performance evaluation tools
- Compliance and leave management
- Cloud and on-premise deployment.
Apache OFBiz
Apache OFBiz is a comprehensive open-source ERP and e-commerce platform. It provides a strong framework for businesses to manage inventory, orders, accounting, and customer relationships. Due to its complexity, it is best suited for developers and enterprises with customization needs.
Features:
- ERP, CRM, and e-commerce capabilities
- Accounting and financial management
- Order processing and inventory control
- Workflow and reporting tools
- Scalable and highly customizable.
Axelor
Axelor ERP is a modular and scalable open-source solution offering over 30 integrated business applications. It combines ERP, CRM, and BPM functionalities within a user-friendly interface, providing comprehensive tools for managing various business operations.
Features:
- Financial management tools for accounting and reporting
- Inventory and supply chain management capabilities
- Project management features for tracking and collaboration
- Customizable workflows and business processes
- Real-time data analytics and reporting.
iDempiere
iDempiere ERP is a robust open-source enterprise resource planning system tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. It integrates various business processes into a single platform, offering flexibility and customization to meet diverse organizational needs.
Features:
- Financial management
- Inventory and supply chain management
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
- Human resources management
- Project and service management
- Multi-language and multi-currency support
- Flexible reporting and analytics.
Scipio ERP
Scipio ERP is a free open-source system that combines business applications with e-commerce capabilities in one package. It offers a templating toolkit for customizable layouts and supports a wide range of business processes, making it suitable for small to mid-sized businesses.
Features:
- Accounting and E-commerce integration
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
- Manufacturing, order and return, inventory, and warehouse management
- Workflow automation
- Multi-currency and multi-language support
- Role-based access control.
ERP5
ERP5 is a comprehensive open-source ERP software developed in Python, covering all aspects of business management, including accounting, sales, purchasing, inventory, and production.
Features:
- Accounting
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Inventory management
- Manufacturing
- Project management
- Human Resources management.
BlueSeer
BlueSeer is a free, open-source ERP and EDI solution tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturing businesses. Developed in Java, it operates as a desktop application compatible with both Windows and Linux platforms. BlueSeer offers a comprehensive suite of modules to manage various business operations without licensing fees
Features:
- Accounting and purchasing
- Production management
- Inventory control
- EDI and API Integration
- Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
- Human Resources
- Multilingual Support.
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Flectra
Flectra is an open-source business management platform that combines ERP and CRM functionalities. It is designed as a cost-effective alternative to larger ERP systems, providing businesses with an easy-to-use interface. It is ideal for companies seeking modular solutions without high costs.
Features:
- CRM, sales, and marketing tools
- Accounting and financial reporting
- Inventory and supply chain management
- Project and task management
- Third-party integrations
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Tryton
Tryton is a modular open-source ERP system focused on simplicity and flexibility. It supports a variety of business functions, including accounting, inventory, and project management. It is a great choice for businesses seeking a lightweight ERP solution.
Features:
- ERP and financial management
- CRM and sales tools
- Inventory and warehouse management
- Project and task tracking
- Highly modular and customizable.
FrontAccounting
FrontAccounting is an open-source accounting software designed for small businesses. It provides essential accounting features like invoicing, financial reporting, and inventory management. Its lightweight design makes it easy to deploy but limits scalability.
Features:
- General ledger and financial reporting
- Invoicing and purchase order management
- Inventory and sales tracking
- Multi-currency support
- Web-based interface.
Onfinity (Formerly VIENNA Advantage)
VIENNA Advantage is an open-source ERP and CRM platform designed for businesses looking for document management and enterprise resource planning in one system. It offers a user-friendly interface and is highly customizable.
Features:
- ERP and CRM functionalities
- Document and workflow management
- Financial and accounting tools
- Inventory and supply chain management
- Scalable architecture.
Marello ERP
Marello ERP is an open-source ERP solution focused on e-commerce and order management. It helps businesses streamline their inventory, sales, and fulfillment processes.
Features:
- ERP and e-commerce integration
- Order and inventory management
- Multi-channel sales tracking
- CRM and customer management
- Cloud-based deployment.
12 Legacy systems
The tools listed below are discussed by various tool lists and blogs but their GitHub libraries are either not up-to-date (by 6 years and more) or already archived. We included these tools in our explanation section below:
ADempiere
ADempiere is an open-source ERP and CRM solution designed for small to mid-sized businesses. It offers functionalities for supply chain management, accounting, and manufacturing while being highly customizable. However, it requires technical expertise to set up and manage.
Features:
- ERP, CRM, and supply chain management
- Accounting and financial management
- Manufacturing and inventory control
- Multi-language and multi-currency support
- Highly customizable and modular.
InoERP
inoERP is a modular and extensible ERP suite designed for small to midsize businesses. Built with a Go back-end and Flutter front-end, it offers features similar to Oracle R12, SAP ECC, and S/4HANA. The system uses a MySQL database and OneApp JavaScript APIs, making it flexible for customization.
Features:
- Cross-platform compatibility (Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Web)
- Open-source with full database & JavaScript code on GitHub
- REST APIs for customization and integration
- Supports sales orders, purchase orders, invoices, inventory transactions, etc.
- Integrates with Oracle EBS R12/Cloud, SAP HANA S/4, Microsoft Dynamics 365
- Configurable workflows, reports, charts, and business actions.
EasyERP
EasyERP is an open-source business management tool focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It offers modules for CRM, HR, accounting, and inventory management with an intuitive interface. Its modular approach allows businesses to scale features as needed.
Features:
- CRM and HR management
- Accounting and invoicing tools
- Inventory and order management
- Manufacturing and supply chain management
- Cloud-based and customizable.
webERP
webERP is a lightweight, web-based accounting and business management solution. It is designed for small businesses looking for a simple yet functional ERP system without complex setup requirements.
Features:
- Web-based accounting and financial management
- Inventory and sales order tracking
- Purchase and supplier management
- Multi-currency support
- User access control
Openbravo
Openbravo is an open-source ERP designed primarily for the retail sector. It provides point-of-sale (POS) solutions, inventory management, and financial tracking. While flexible, it requires technical expertise to configure.
Features:
- Retail-focused ERP and POS system
- Inventory and supply chain management
- CRM and customer loyalty programs
- Multi-store and multi-location support
- Cloud-based deployment.
MixERP
MixERP is a free and open-source ERP system designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers a simple and modular approach, allowing users to implement only the needed features.
Features:
- ERP and accounting management
- Sales and CRM functionality
- Inventory and warehouse tracking
- Multi-user and multi-currency support
- Customizable with API integration.
Kuali
Kuali is an open-source ERP solution designed for higher education institutions. It provides financial management, research administration, and student service tools.
Features:
- Financial management for educational institutions
- Research administration tools
- Grant and funding management
- Student information and HR management
- Cloud-based and scalable.
Rukovoditel
Rukovoditel is an open-source project management tool with CRM capabilities. It is designed for businesses looking for a highly customizable task tracking system.
Features:
- Project and task management
- CRM and customer database
- Reporting and analytics tools
- Multi-user collaboration
- Customizable workflow management.
HeliumV
HeliumV is an industry-specific open-source ERP solution primarily focused on manufacturing and engineering firms. It provides specialized modules for production planning, quality control, and financial management.
Features:
- ERP and CRM functionalities
- Manufacturing and production management
- Quality control and compliance tracking
- Accounting and financial tools
- Industry-specific customization.
xTuple
xTuple is an open-source ERP system tailored for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. It provides robust business management tools, including CRM, inventory tracking, and financial management.
Features:
- ERP and CRM functionalities
- Manufacturing and supply chain management
- Accounting and financial tools
- Sales and order tracking
- Customizable with third-party integrations.
OpenPro
OpenPro is an open-source ERP designed for manufacturing and distribution businesses. It includes CRM, accounting, and supply chain management in one system.
Features:
- ERP and CRM capabilities
- Inventory and warehouse management
- Accounting and payroll processing
- E-commerce and POS integration
- Multi-language and multi-currency support.
Compiere
Compiere is an open-source ERP and CRM platform designed for small and mid-sized businesses. It is highly adaptable, with features for accounting, supply chain management, and e-commerce.
Features:
- ERP and CRM functionalities
- Accounting and financial reporting
- Supply chain and inventory management
- Business intelligence tools
- Scalable for enterprise use.
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Benefits
- Low cost: Open-source ERP systems eliminate licensing fees, reducing initial expenses. Businesses can allocate resources toward customization, integration, and training rather than proprietary fees.
- Customization and flexibility: Access to source code allows businesses to modify workflows, add features, and create custom modules, ensuring the software aligns perfectly with their operations.
- Community support: A strong and vibrant user community often surrounds open-source ERP projects, offering free and transparent solutions to system bugs or customization needs.
Challenges
- High IT effort: Implementing and maintaining an open-source ERP system requires significant technical expertise. Businesses without a skilled IT team may face challenges in customization and ongoing support.
- Complex implementation: ERP projects are inherently complex, and open-source solutions can amplify this complexity. Without careful handling by experts, projects can become unmanageable.
- Vendor viability concerns: Many open-source ERP vendors may lack financial stability, posing a risk of discontinuation and leaving businesses without crucial support.
- Limited support: Unlike proprietary software, open-source ERP systems may offer limited official support channels, relying instead on community assistance, which might not be sufficient for all businesses.
- Data security risks: Robust security and data encryption are integral to ERP systems, but open-source solutions may have limitations. Businesses may face challenges in ensuring data security, especially during data transfers, without dedicated support from the software provider.
FAQs
Is Odoo 100% free?
Odoo offers a free Community Edition with no limitations, allowing users to extend workflows through coding. However, some external features are exclusive to the paid Enterprise Edition. Additionally, Odoo provides a free plan for its accounting software, which is free forever with unlimited users.
Is ERPNext completely free?
ERPNext is entirely free and open-source, with all functionalities available without cost. Users can install and host it on their servers independently. While the software is free, Frappe offers paid hosting and enterprise support services for those seeking assistance.
Is there any free ERP?
Yes, several free ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems are available, offering cost-effective solutions for businesses. Notable examples include ERPNext, a free and open-source cloud ERP software designed for small and medium-sized businesses, offering a cost-effective solution with no user limits. Another option is Odoo, which provides a Community Edition that is open-source and free to use.
Is there any open-source ERP?
Yes, numerous open-source ERP systems are available, providing businesses with customizable and cost-effective solutions. ERPNext is a prominent example, offering a comprehensive, open-source platform tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises. Another notable option is Odoo, which provides an open-source Community Edition encompassing various business applications.
Dolibarr is also a widely recognized open-source ERP and CRM system, known for its user-friendly interface and active community support. These open-source ERP systems allow organizations to access and modify the source code, facilitating tailored solutions that align with specific business requirements.
Further reading
Explore more on ERP tools by checking out:
