Open Source, Low Cost ERP Solution: Compiere

Compiere is an Open source ERP and CRM solution for the small to medium sized enterprises, built on a powerful Model-driven Application Platform. Compiere helps in integration of various business processes like Finance, Administration, Sales and Distribution etc. Compiere is Easier to Acquire, Implement, Extend and Change.

What is an ERP?
Enterprise Resource Planning: ERP is a software application which is modeled around, creating a smooth business management process flow, adding to the operational capability of a business. ERP affects a business across the business value chain. Putting simply, ERP amalgamates the various points of business information available into a more cohesive, readily available online resource, which is available on demand to business users across the various functions as: HR, Marketing, Finance, Administration etc.


But its a software: it will cost a lot?!
Now this is where education comes in handy. ERP is a software but burns no hole in your pocket. Compared to a proprietary software the free and open source ERP projects available for download online are a far cheaper and better option. All that you then require is the help of an Open Source evangelist who can help you install and customize the ERP according to your business processes.

Compiere
Compiere is a modern, highly adaptable, enterprise-class business solution - that can be deployed on-premise or on the Cloud - for a fraction of the cost of traditional ERP systems. Improve agility and dramatically lower cost of ownership with Compiere.You can Use Compiere business solutions software to automate all of your financial, distribution, sales and service processes.

Features of Compiere:

Though being an ERP software, unlike traditionally freely available ERP softwares, there are several features part of Compiere:

• Performance Management & Reporting — Report and manage the performance of your enterprise business solutions.
• Purchasing — Automate the steps from procurement to payment.
• Materials Management — Manage inventory receipts, shipments, moves and counts across your warehouses, suppliers and customers.
• Manufacturing — Control Manufacturing operations with material planning, production scheduling and shop floor execution capabilities.
• Order Management — Create quotes, book orders, manage materials, generate invoices and collect cash.
• Sales — Control your valuable customer relationship management solutions.
• Service — Manage the entire Service delivery lifecycle.
• E-Commerce — Create and run a secure web store front.
• Point of Sale — Automate cash sales and inventory management.
• Financial Management — One system automates the processes of your business solution and manages your financial records.
• Projects — Project management, planning and execution. Track costs associated with multi-phase projects across your business solution.

Compiere essentially comes in Professional and Enterprise editions for your business, hence you can choose the software as per your business requirements.

How do I download or try Compiere before buying?

You can try Compiere before actually making a buy decision on the software. The website offers a free 30 day trial version of both their online and downloadable versions.

And what about the TCO: how does Compiere benefits my business?

In technology every business wants to reduce down the total cost of ownership. To understand the total cost of ownership and how using Compiere it is reduced for your business, while comparing with traditional ERP's you have to fill in the required form:

There are many such online tools available, which are benefiting the Small and Medium Enterprise segment. To know more, get in touch with the experts at IndiaMART Knowledge Services. Do drop in a comment to this post to let us know what else would you want us to share about!