ERP software represents an enterprise resource planning platform that offers an all-in-one solution for inter-department management in an enterprise. It is rapidly growing popular in all types of industries. According to a report, the ERP software market is expected to reach a CAGR of 48.21 billion USD by 2025. ERP software can be used to automate processes like payroll management, inventory management, HR management, accounts management, supply chain management, CRM, etc.
Although there are advanced ERP platforms available in the market that can be implemented even for large enterprises, however, for beginners or start-up businesses, it is not a feasible option in terms of budget. In this case, open-source and free ERP software offers a budget-friendly and reliable platform. In this article, we will discuss the 5 best open-source and free ERP software for business in 2021.
Table of Contents
What are the features that users should look for?
Following are the core features that should be offered by the ERP software for efficient and seamless integration in business.
• System integration
ERP platform offers smart features to centralize enterprise operations. This helps the users to keep track of their business performance and progress in real-time. They can make use of the centralized database to change and optimize inter-department collaboration for maximum returns.
• Process automation
ERP software automates crucial routine processes of an enterprise like payroll management, invoicing, order processing, and more. It minimizes the chances of manual error and ensures smooth operation. Process automation also allows enterprises to direct their focus on more value-added tasks.
• Analytics and reports
ERP software performs data analysis and provides regular progress reports. It creates a centralized database that helps users gain valuable insights into the business operation and make an informed decision. Some of the benefits of data analytics are reduced costs, identification of fraud entries, and improved performance.
• CRM functionality
All the well-known ERP software comes with CRM integration. This helps in improving customer relationships. ERP database stores all the contacts, order history, and prospect status of all its customers. It can be used to generate automated PO, set reminders, and follow-up emails to potential clients. CRM integration in ERP software is a must-have feature as it significantly improves the chances of establishing new business opportunities.
• Accounts management
ERP software is capable of tracking, storing, and analyzing financial data. It keeps track of accounts payable (AP), accounts receivable (AR), and general ledger (GL). It can also be used to forecast business performance and budget. In addition, ERP can also perform asset management, cash management, revenue recognition, multi-currency reconciliation, and tax management.
• SCM
ERP can be used to keep real-time track of inventory. SCM integration helps users to predict demand and supply requirements. This helps in the efficient management of logistics, distribution, and manufacturing processes. Users can easily automate SCM or supply chain management processes using ERP software.
• HR management
Data entry plays an important role in the HR department’s functioning. It is essential to maintain the accuracy and efficacy of the information fed and saved in the system. Manual entries are often prone to errors and can cause unwanted discrepancies. So, it is better to automate the process. ERP software is capable of automating data entry into the centralized database of an enterprise. It can be used to maintain employee details such as contact information, designation, payroll details, work hour details, attendance, demographics, and more.
• Sales management
ERP software provides a specialized module for sales and marketing management. It automates and keeps real-time track of the purchase orders, dispatch details, and order follow-up. It also helps in maintaining effective customer communication throughout the process. The sales management module of ERP software enhances the overall customer experience with the brand, thereby, leading to new and potential business opportunities.
Which are the best open-source and free ERP software in 2021?
Following are the 5 best open-source and free ERP software for business in 2021. Beginners can explore these platforms without spending any money and choose the best-suited software according to their needs. These free ERP platforms also help users to understand the feasibility of the software for a specific need or business. This way they can make an informed decision before investing a budget in it.
1. ERPNext
ERPNext is one of the best free ERP software. It is a cloud-based application with open-source accessibility. It offers an intuitive dashboard along with active integration with third-party applications. It also offers modern accounting solutions to simplify bookkeeping processes. It is actively used by the HR department of various businesses to handle individual employee profiles. It stores and manages all employee information like contacts, payroll, expenses, attendance, leave management, and more.
ERPNext can be used for managing other aspects of the business as well like supply chain management, production records, purchase tracking, inventory management, etc. It also offers effective CRM support that can be used for managing customer relations and bringing in new business leads.
ERPNext has an in-built help desk feature that offers intuitive customer support. It also performs regular analytics and generates reports that users can utilize to monitor and optimize their business operations. ERPNext is currently being utilized in industries like healthcare, retail, service-based companies, and schools. ERPNext is the best-suited free ERP software for small businesses and medium-sized corporations.
The key features of ERPNext include –
- Accounting management
- Intuitive UI
- Sales management
- CRM integration
- Analytics and reports
- Website creation and designing features
- SCM management
- HR management
- Intuitive dashboard
- Inventory management
- Asset management
- Multi-currency support
- Social sharing
- Reminders
- Flexible operation modules
- Stock management
Technical details
| Customer Support | Online customer support during business hours |
| API integration | NA |
| Deployment | Web/Cloud, Mobile phones – Android/iOS |
| Scalability | Suitable for large enterprises, medium enterprises, and small businesses |
| SW score | 97% |
Pros and cons
| Pros | Intuitive UI Self-implementation capability Open-source platform |
| Cons | Technical training may be required for a complete understanding of the software and its operation |
Pricing
ERPNext is free and open-source software. It also offers a free trial for all its subscription plans that start at $9.16/user/month.
2. Odoo ERP
Odoo ERP is an open-source ERP solution. It also has an in-built CRM functionality that helps businesses manage customer relations and even generate new business opportunities. Odoo ERP also offers an eCommerce integration that allows users to directly manage sales. It offers several add-on features and integration with third-party applications that facilitate process automation of administrative and operational tasks.
Odoo ERP is an online centralized platform that allows remote accessibility. This makes it ideal for corporations with a distributed workforce. It has a unique framework and technical design that provides an exceptional user experience. Odoo ERP offers flexible features that can be further customized based on the user’s needs.
The key features of Odoo ERP include –
- Purchase tracking
- Accounting management
- Finance management
- Sales management
- HR management
- CRM integration
- Supply chain management
- Intuitive dashboard
- Asset management
- Stock management
- Warehouse management
- Social sharing
- Multi-currency support
Technical details
| Customer Support | Online customer support in business hours |
| API integration | Yes |
| Deployment | Web/Cloud, Mobile phones – Android/iOS, desktop – Windows/Mac |
| Scalability | Suitable for freelancers, large enterprises, medium enterprises, and small businesses |
| SW score | 95% |
Pros and cons
| Pros | Robust platform Flexible modular design Helpdesk integration |
| Cons | Odoo requires a comparatively complex installation and set-up process |
Pricing
Odoo ERP is a free and open-source ERP software. It also offers a free trial on all its paid subscription plans that start at $6/user/month. Users are even allowed to customize their subscription plans based on their needs.
3. Dolibarr ERP CRM
Dolibarr ERP CRM is an open-source ERP and CRM solution. It is one of the best free ERP software for small businesses, medium enterprises, and even large corporations. It is utilized by freelancers and individual creators as well for effectively managing customer relations. It can also be used to manage inter-department operations in an organization including resource management, foundation management, accounts management, invoicing, surveys, employee management, SCM, inventory management, and more.
Dolibarr ERP CRM offers an easy-to-use platform with an intuitive dashboard. Users can monitor their business performance in real-time and use that observation to optimize operations to reap maximum benefit. It is an easy-to-install software that is known for providing an unparalleled user experience. Dolibarr also offers multiple modules and flexible features that can be further customized based on the business needs.
The key features of Dolibarr ERP CRM include –
- Finance management
- Timeline management
- Vendor management
- Marketing management
- CRM integration
- Order management
- Inventory management
- Employee management
- Project management
- Multi-currency support
- Reminders
Technical details
| Customer Support | Online customer support during business hours |
| API integration | Yes |
| Deployment | Web/Cloud, Mobile phones – Android, desktop – Windows/Mac |
| Scalability | Suitable for individuals, freelancers, large enterprises, medium enterprises, and small businesses |
| SW score | – |
Pros and cons
| Pros | Dolibarr has CRM integration that helps in maintaining customer relations. Dolibarr also has eCommerce integration for effective sales management. Dolibarr has multiple third-party integrations that provide extended features and support. |
| Cons | Dolibarr offers limited customization options. |
Pricing
Dolibarr ERP CRM software is open-source software available for public use. It offers custom features like POS, eCommerce integration, import/export compatibility, API integration, and more.
4. Deskera
Deskera is an all-in-one free ERP software. It is the best-suited free ERP software for startups and small businesses. It can be used to automate and manage inter-department operations like accounting, CRM, SCM, payroll, and more. It also offers advanced dashboard features that allow users to track operations in real-time and troubleshoot issues efficiently.
Deskera offers multi-currency support that allows businesses to collaborate globally. The integrated CRM feature of Deskera also allows businesses to effectively manage customer relations and bring in new business opportunities.
Deskera offers multiple third-party integrations and add-on features that further extend its functionality in the business. Currently, Deskara integrates with QuickBooks and Xero for additional accounting features. Email marketing is another advantage of using Deskera. Users can utilize this in-built feature of Deskra for scheduling regular marketing emails and customer follow-ups.
The key features of Deskera include –
- Purchase management
- Accounts management
- Finance management
- Sales management
- CRM integration
- HR management
- Intuitive dashboard
- Supply chain management
- Asset management
- Stock management
- Billing and invoicing
- Sales tax reports
- Business analytics
- Email support
- Mobile app compatibility
- Pre-configured invoice templates
Technical details
| Customer Support | Online customer support |
| API integration | Yes |
| Deployment | Web/Cloud, Mobile phones – Android/iOS |
| Scalability | Well-suited for medium enterprises, and small businesses |
| SW score | 95% |
Pros and cons
| Pros | Intuitive UI CRM integration for maintaining customer relations. Active Help desk for effective customer support. |
| Cons | WordPress can undergo frequent updates that make it difficult to operate. |
Pricing
Deskera offers a free trial on all its subscription plans that start at $29/user/month. Users can explore the advanced features offered by the software during the free trial before making the final purchase.
5. MRPeasy
MRPeasy is one of the best free ERP software for manufacturing companies. It offers a robust platform with powerful ERP features. It is a cloud-based platform scalable for businesses of all sizes. MRPeasy can be utilized by manufacturers for streamlining production processes. It also has an in-built forecasting feature that allows users to analyze business processes and optimize performance.
MRP easy can be sued to automate inter-department processes like production planning, sales management, inventory management, SCM, and more. It offers a comprehensive platform with a reliable CRM module and simplified MRP solutions. It supports multi-lingual, multi-currency collaborations that allow users to do business across the globe. It also offers dynamic rescheduling functionality that automates and maintains regular customer communications.
The key features of MRPeasy include –
- Purchase management
- Accounts management
- CRM integration
- Project management
- Asset management
- Intuitive dashboard
- Supply chain management
- HR management
- Reports and analytics
- Multi-language support
- Multi-currency support
- Third-party integrations
- Dynamic rescheduling
- Email support
Technical details
| Customer Support | Online customer support during business hours |
| API integration | NA |
| Deployment | Web/Cloud, Mobile phones – Android/iOS |
| Scalability | Suitable for large enterprises, medium enterprises, and small businesses |
| SW score | 94% |
Pros and cons
| Pros | Self-implementation capability. CRM integration for effective customer management. Offers an intuitive dashboard. |
| Cons | MRPeasy software may require technical training of the employees for a complete understanding of its operation. |
Pricing
MRPeasy offers a free trial on all its subscription plans that start at $49/user/month. MRPeasy subscription plans offer unlimited user access and advanced features like dynamic rescheduling, analytics and reports, SCM management, CRM integration, and more.
Conclusion
ERP solutions are essential for businesses of all sizes. Irrespective of the type of industrial sector, ERP platforms offer a complete solution for managing all business resources. These platforms can be used to automate all inter-department operations. It also minimizes system errors that are common in manual operations. Process automation driven by ERP software takes the pressure off from the manpower thereby allowing them to focus on more important tasks.
There are several options of ERP software available in the market today. These include both paid and free platforms. However, for startups, small businesses, and beginners it is better to start with a free platform. This allows users to understand the functionality and feasibility of the platform in their business by gaining hands-on experience. Users can then switch to paid platforms and subscription plans based on their needs.
In this article, we discussed the 5 best free and open-source ERP software that you can try for business in 2021. We also discussed their key features, functionality, and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision. In case you have any further queries or you wish you explore more, get in touch with us at SaaSworthy.
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