Best Open Source ERP Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best open source ERP:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
When your ERP system falls behind, the financial impact shows fast in the form of scattered data, delayed closes, and time lost to manual fixes. As a financial leader, you need more than basic functionality. You need a system that supports strategic decisions, scales with your team, and stays cost-effective.
As someone who works closely with digital software solutions for finance teams, I know what it takes to find tools that make reporting faster, reduce manual entry, and actually help teams stay compliant.
That’s why I reviewed and tested these open source ERP tools based on what really matters: core features, ease of setup, reporting strength, and long-term reliability. This list will help you find a solution that saves time, scales with your business, and gives you the control you’ve been missing.
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Best Open Source ERP Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top open source ERP selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for small businesses | Free trial available | From $5/month | Website | |
2 | Best for mobile accessibility | Free plan available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
3 | Best for CRM integration | Free demo available | From $19/user/month | Website | |
4 | Best for ease of use | 30-day free trial | From $15/user/month | Website | |
5 | Best for cloud deployment | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
6 | Best for manufacturing | Free demo available | Free to use | Website | |
7 | Best for ecommerce integration | Free demo available | Free to Use | Website | |
8 | Best for scalability | Not available | Free to use | Website | |
9 | Best for product-based businesses | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
10 | Best for modular customization | Free trial available | From $7.25/user/month | Website |
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LiveFlow
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.9 -
Float Financial
Visit Website -
Vena
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5
Best Open Source ERP Review
Below are my detailed summaries of the best open source ERP that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer an in-depth look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
ERPNext is an open-source ERP software designed for small businesses across various industries. It handles essential business functions like accounting, sales, inventory, and project management.
Why I picked ERPNext: ERPNext is tailored for small businesses, offering an all-in-one solution with modules like CRM, stock management, and HR. Its open-source nature allows you to customize and expand functionalities as needed, making it adaptable to your specific business requirements. The software also boasts an active global community, which ensures continuous improvement and support. This makes it a cost-effective and flexible choice for small businesses looking for an all-in-one ERP system with transparency and adaptability at its core.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a stock management system to help you keep track of inventory with ease. The software’s project tracking also allows you to monitor tasks and expenses efficiently.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, Amazon, eBay, QuickBooks, PayPal, Stripe, Slack, and Google Workspace.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible customization options
- Strong community support
- Comprehensive feature set
Cons:
- Limited official support
- Customization can be complex
Axelor is an open-source ERP solution designed for businesses of various sizes, focusing on providing mobile accessibility for users. It supports key business functions like CRM, finance, HR, and project management.
Why I picked Axelor: Axelor offers a modern, responsive web-based architecture built on a low-code platform that ensures seamless use across devices without the need for a separate mobile app. Its user interface is designed with adaptive design principles, allowing users to access core ERP functions on smartphones and tablets with full functionality. Additionally, Axelor supports real-time data access and offline capabilities, making it particularly effective for field teams or mobile-first businesses that require ERP access on the go.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a HR management system which supports recruitment, payroll, and employee management. The software’s CRM tools also help manage customer interactions and sales pipelines.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, Slack, Salesforce, QuickBooks, Dropbox, PayPal, Stripe, Amazon, and Shopify.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive HR management
- Advanced CRM tools
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Requires technical expertise for setup
- Some features need refinement
Flectra is an open-source ERP and CRM solution designed for businesses of various sizes, focusing on integrating customer relationship management with enterprise resource planning. It supports key business functions such as sales, inventory, accounting, and project management.
Why I picked Flectra: Flectra offers a unified architecture that seamlessly combines ERP and CRM functionalities in a single platform. This tight integration ensures real-time synchronization of customer data across sales, marketing, and support modules, reducing duplication and enhancing workflow efficiency. As an open source system, Flectra also provides high flexibility for customization, allowing businesses to tailor CRM features to specific industry needs without licensing constraints.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include an inventory management system that helps you manage stock levels efficiently. Additionally, its project tracking tools enable you to monitor tasks and resources effectively, while the accounting module simplifies financial reporting and compliance.
Integrations include Magento, WooCommerce, Shopify, QuickBooks, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, PayPal, Stripe, Dropbox, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless CRM and ERP integration
- Modular design for flexibility
- Integrated accounting module
Cons:
- Requires technical expertise for customization
- Initial setup can be complex
Dolibarr is an open-source ERP and CRM solution catering to businesses of all sizes, including SMEs, large companies, and freelancers. It performs key business functions like CRM, sales management, HR management, and finance.
Why I picked Dolibarr: Dolibarr is known for its intuitive, user-friendly interface and modular design, which allows businesses to activate only the features they need, avoiding unnecessary complexity. Its installation process is straightforward, and it runs smoothly on a variety of platforms without requiring extensive technical expertise. Additionally, the system’s clean layout and accessible navigation make it approachable even for users with limited ERP experience, while still offering powerful capabilities for CRM, accounting, inventory, and more.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a product and stock management system, which helps you track inventory efficiently. The software’s finance tools also simplify billing and invoicing, while its marketing tools further support email campaigns and customer engagement.
Integrations include WooCommerce, Prestashop, Magento, PayPal, Stripe, Amazon, Google Calendar, Dropbox, Twilio, and Mailchimp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy install process
- Modular feature selection
- Customizable with add-ons
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Requires manual updates
Onfinity is an open-source ERP solution designed for businesses looking for flexible deployment options, whether on the cloud or on-premise. It serves various industries with modules for HR, inventory, procurement, manufacturing, and more.
Why I picked Onfinity: Onfinity excels in cloud deployment, offering a versatile platform that accommodates both cloud-based and on-premise needs. Its low-code development framework, Onfinity Canvas, allows you to customize applications to fit your business processes, while its industry-specific templates help streamline the implementation in sectors like retail and construction.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include document management to help you organize and track business documents effectively. The software’s field service management features also support service orders and workforce management.
Integrations include Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, SAP, Oracle, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, Dropbox, QuickBooks, Stripe, and PayPal.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible cloud deployment options
- Low-code customization tools
- Industry-specific templates
Cons:
- Initial setup can be complex
- Limited official documentation
ADempiere is an open-source ERP solution tailored for manufacturing businesses, providing tools for streamlining production and operations. It performs key functions like inventory management, production planning, and procurement.
Why I picked ADempiere: ADempiere offers advanced modules for materials management, production planning, inventory control, and shop floor execution, all tightly integrated and highly customizable. Its open-source nature allows manufacturers to adapt the system to their specific operational needs without licensing constraints, making it ideal for small to mid-sized enterprises seeking cost-effective ERP functionality with deep manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, ADempiere benefits from a strong developer community that continually enhances its features and support.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a detailed procurement module, which helps manage supplier relationships and purchase orders. Plus, its reporting tools provide insights into operational efficiency and performance, while the software’s financial management system supports budgeting and cost control.
Integrations include PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, OpenLDAP, JasperReports, Apache Tomcat, Apache Ant, Eclipse, NetBeans, and JBoss.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tailored for manufacturing needs
- Detailed production planning tools
- Strong community support
Cons:
- Complex configuration process
- Limited official documentation
Apache OFBiz is an open-source ERP and ecommerce suite that caters to businesses seeking integrated solutions for managing operations and online sales. It covers key business functions such as accounting, inventory, order management, and ecommerce.
Why I picked Apache OFBiz: Apache OFBiz excels in ecommerce integration, offering tools that manage online sales channels alongside traditional business operations. Its architecture supports optimal customizability, letting you tailor the system to your specific business requirements. Additionally, the platform's built-in ecommerce capabilities allow you to manage product catalogs, pricing, and promotions effortlessly.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include an order management system to help streamline processing and fulfillment. Its inventory tracking features also ensure accurate stock levels and reporting.
Integrations include Apache Tomcat, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, Java, Eclipse, Apache Ant, Jira, Jenkins, and Git.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly customizable architecture
- Supports multi-channel sales
- Built-in order management
Cons:
- Complex setup and configuration
- Steep learning curve
Tryton is an open-source ERP platform designed for businesses of various sizes, focusing on scalability and flexibility. It supports key functions like accounting, sales, inventory, and project management.
Why I picked Tryton: Tryton’s modular architecture and lightweight core allows businesses to start with essential features and seamlessly expand functionality as they grow. Its strong three-tier architecture separates the client, server, and database layers, enabling horizontal and vertical scaling across distributed systems. Tryton also supports multi-company, multi-currency, and multi-language operations, making it suitable for organizations with complex, evolving needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include an accounting module that simplifies financial reporting and compliance. The software’s project management tools also help track tasks and deadlines efficiently, while its inventory system supports multiple locations and advanced stock management.
Integrations include PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, LDAP, WebDAV, CalDAV, CardDAV, Nginx, Docker, and Gunicorn.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly scalable architecture
- Strong community support
- Frequent updates
Cons:
- Customization can be time-consuming
- Some modules lack advanced features
xTuple ERP is an open-source ERP solution tailored for product-based businesses, offering comprehensive tools for inventory, manufacturing, and distribution management. It serves manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
Why I picked xTuple ERP: xTuple ERP combines strong inventory management, manufacturing, and distribution features with the flexibility of open-source architecture. This enables businesses to customize the system to fit specific workflows, integrate with third-party tools, and scale affordably as they grow. Its modular design also allows companies to adopt only the components they need, such as accounting, CRM, or MRP, reducing unnecessary complexity.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a detailed inventory management system to help track stock levels and movements efficiently. The software’s sales and CRM tools also enhance customer relationship management and sales processes.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Salesforce, Magento, Shopify, WooCommerce, PayPal, Stripe, FedEx, UPS, and DHL.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong product management tools
- Supports complex supply chains
- Comprehensive CRM features
Cons:
- Initial setup can be complex
- Some features need refinement
Odoo is a versatile ERP solution designed for businesses of all sizes, offering a wide range of business management applications. It assists users in managing operations, sales, inventory, accounting, and more.
Why I picked Odoo: Odoo's modular structure allows you to customize it according to your business needs. This flexibility lets you choose from various modules such as CRM, sales, and project management, which you can easily integrate as your business grows. The platform also provides a community-supported open-source model, which ensures continuous updates and improvements to help you align the software with your dynamic business requirements.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include an advanced inventory management system to help you manage stock levels efficiently. It also offers an accounting module made to simplify financial tracking.
Integrations include Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Google Maps, Shopify, eBay, WooCommerce, Amazon, PayPal, Stripe, and FedEx.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive module selection
- Flexible customization
- Regular updates
Cons:
- Some modules can be costly
- Occasional performance issues
Other Open Source ERP
Here are some additional open source ERP options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- metafresh ERP
For compliance support
- ERP5
For customization flexibility
- opentaps
For energy efficiency tracking
- Openbravo
For retail management
- LedgerSMB
For financial transparency
Open Source ERP Selection Criteria
When selecting the best open source ERP to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like customization flexibility and integration capabilities. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Manage inventory and supply chain
- Facilitate financial management and accounting
- Support customer relationship management
- Enable human resources management
- Provide reporting and analytics
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Advanced customization options
- Mobile accessibility
- Industry-specific modules
- Integration with IoT devices
- Built-in compliance tools
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Customizable dashboards
- Ease of navigation
- Availability of shortcuts
- Minimal learning curve
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Pre-built templates
- Access to webinars
- Supportive chatbots
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of 24/7 support
- Comprehensive knowledge base
- Multi-channel support options
- Responsiveness of support team
- Availability of dedicated account managers
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing model
- Transparent pricing structure
- Inclusion of essential features
- Flexible payment options
- Discounts for annual subscriptions
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on customer support
- Insights on feature effectiveness
- Comments on system reliability
- User recommendations and endorsements
How to Choose Open Source ERP
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
Scalability | Ensure the ERP can grow with your business, handling increased data and user demands efficiently. |
Integrations | Look for seamless integration with existing tools like CRM, accounting software, or third-party apps. |
Customizability | Choose a solution that lets you tailor features to your specific needs without extensive coding. |
Ease of Use | The interface should be intuitive for your team, minimizing training time and maximizing productivity. |
Budget | Consider not only the initial cost but also ongoing expenses like maintenance and upgrades. |
Security Safeguards | Ensure the ERP has strong security measures to protect sensitive business data and comply with regulations. |
Support | Check for available support options and community forums that can assist when issues arise. |
User Feedback | Read reviews from similar businesses to gauge satisfaction and identify potential challenges. |
What Is Open Source ERP?
Open source ERP is software that lets businesses manage and automate core processes using source code that's freely available for customization. These tools are generally used by IT professionals, business analysts, and operations managers, providing flexibility and cost savings.
Typically, open source ERPs offer key features such as inventory management, financial tracking, and customer relationship management to help with customization, scalability, and integration. Overall, these tools offer businesses a cost-effective way to tailor software to their unique needs.
Features of Open Source ERP
When selecting open source ERP, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Scalability: Supports business growth by handling increased data and users efficiently.
- Customizability: Allows tailoring of features to specific business needs without extensive coding.
- Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly connects with existing tools like CRM and accounting software.
- Inventory Management: Tracks stock levels and movements to optimize supply chain operations.
- Financial Tracking: Simplifies accounting processes and provides insights into financial health.
- Customer Relationship Management: Enhances customer interactions and sales processes.
- Security Safeguards: Protects sensitive data and complies with industry regulations.
- User-Friendly Interface: Minimizes training time and maximizes team productivity.
- Workflow Automation: Streamlines repetitive tasks, improving efficiency and accuracy during team and individual projects.
- Community Support: Offers assistance through forums and user groups for troubleshooting and advice.
Benefits of Open Source ERP
Implementing open source ERP provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Cost Savings: Open source ERP often reduces costs by eliminating licensing fees and allowing for in-house customization.
- Flexibility: Tailors the software to your specific needs makes it adaptable for diverse industries.
- Scalability: Supports your business growth by efficiently managing increased data and user demands.
- Improved Efficiency: Automates workflows and integrates systems to help streamline operations and reduce manual tasks.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Centralizes data and processes, making it easier for teams to access and share information.
- Stronger Security: Provides tools to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
- Community Support: Access to a network of users and developers offers valuable resources for troubleshooting and innovation.
Costs and Pricing of Open Source ERP
Selecting open source ERP requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in open source ERP solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Open Source ERP
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
Free Plan | $0 | Basic inventory management, basic CRM, and community support. |
Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Enhanced CRM, financial tracking, and limited customization options. |
Business Plan | $30-$60/user/month | Advanced inventory management, workflow automation, and integration capabilities. |
Enterprise Plan | $70-$150/user/month | Full customization, advanced security safeguards, and dedicated support. |
Open Source ERP FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about open source ERP:
How does open source ERP handle integration with existing systems?
Open source ERP solutions often come with integration capabilities that allow you to connect with existing systems like CRM, accounting, and other third-party applications. This ensures smooth data flow across your business processes. Look for ERPs with APIs or connectors that facilitate these integrations.
How customizable is open source ERP?
Open source ERP software solutions are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor them to your specific business needs. You can modify modules, add new features, or even develop custom applications. This flexibility ensures the system grows with your business and adapts to changing requirements.
What support options are available for open source ERP users?
Support for open source ERP systems can vary. Many solutions offer community support through forums and user groups. Some vendors provide professional support services, including training and consultancy, often through a network of certified partners. Assess your support needs when choosing an ERP.
How long does it take to implement an open source ERP?
Implementation timelines for open source ERP can vary widely, from a few months to over a year, depending on the complexity of your business processes and the level of customization required. It’s crucial to plan for data migration, integration, and employee training to ensure a successful rollout.
Is open source ERP suitable for global businesses?
Yes, many open source ERP solutions are designed for global operations, offering multi-currency, multi-language, and multi-organizational functionalities. These features help businesses manage international operations efficiently, ensuring compliance with local regulations and supporting global growth strategies.
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