In this blog, we will tell you what an ERP is and why an Open source is the best option for your company. We will clarify some points such as: What is ERP? What are Open source and Close code? Why you should choose an Open source ERP?
We know that technology has become an essential part of the business world and that it is of greatest significance when it comes to innovation. A clear example of this is the Enterprise Resource Management or ERP software, if you are not yet familiar with them we leave you a reference to our blog so that you understand what it is: What is ERP Software and how can it improve my sales?
Choosing an ERP is not an easy task, before making any decision it is necessary to make research of all the elements that each one of them offers. Today, in addition to the criteria that we usually evaluate such as flexibility, scalability, usability, price, among others, one of the important elements is to know if the ERP you will choose will be Open source or Closed code, in this blog post we will explain the definition of each one and why an Open source ERP is the right one, so when the time to choose comes you will know for sure which is the best option for your company.
Software Open source
According to the Open Source Initiative (OSI) the term “Open Source” refers to software that is distributed under a license that allows the user to access and modify its code to better meet their needs.
There are several Open Source software on the market: Mozilla Firefox, Libre Office, GIMP, VLC Media Player, Trello, Monday to mention the best known. In the case of ERPs, there are some that are Open source, a very clear example is Odoo ERP, which is an Open source in its Community version.
Closed code
When we speak of "Closed code" we refer to software in which only the company that carried out its development can make modifications within it, it is protected and users do not have access to the code to make changes or adapt it to their needs.
By not having access to the code there is no way to analyze what happens inside, it is encrypted and the disclosure of the code without the permission of the author is a crime. Some examples of closed source software are Adobe, Windows, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, JD Edwards.
5 benefits of open source
The growth that Odoo has had as an Open source ERP brand of around 1500% in the last 4 years, is a clear indicator of how today companies are looking at options of this type as their final ERP option. Here are 5 key benefits of this type of software:
1. Community
Open source software is maintained by a large developer base, allowing it to respond to customer needs and offer new and innovative updates quickly. An example of a strong community recognized by the official publisher of the tool is the Odoo Communitiy Association whose mission is to "Establish and support an Open source and collaborative community for the development and promotion of Odoo features and modules.
2. Security
At the time of having a community of users who are reviewing the code and its functionalities, if there is a security incident, they will be detected and corrected early. Another advantage of having the code is that you can check that there are no security holes and that the software complies with what it says.
3. Evolution
Developers are responsible for improving and innovating from an existing base, which is much faster than creating something from scratch, this helps its evolution to be much faster.
4. Personalization
Having access to the source code gives you the freedom to modify it and adapt it as you need is one of the main benefits.
5. You do not depend on the original editor
By having an Open source ERP, the code becomes available for modification without the need for the manufacturer, it is much more accessible and easy to make adjustments or add things you need simply by having someone who knows how to write code, without depending on what that the original publisher of the software decides to make.
Conclusion
A good choice of an ERP is aligned with the objectives of getting out of the technological obsolescence of the company, improving its processes, improving its income, facilitating compliance with government requirements, and merger or acquisition processes. For this reason, when you know the differences between an Open source software and a closed code, as well as the benefits that an Open source ERP offers, we are sure that the choice of your ERP will be the most appropriate.
Now that you know what an Open source ERP is and its benefits, would you like to implement it in your company?
We can help you!