An open source program or software is licensed to allow for distribution, modification and alteration of its code for improvement. It is usually published and made accessible to anyone. The internet has made it possible to access various types of open source software like enterprise or business solutions. An enterprise solution is programs readily available over the internet free of charge and is used to automate business processes.
A number of CRM software systems exist that small and large businesses or enterprises can use to solve their daily business challenges and automate their tasks. A few examples of these programs are The Open source Business (OFBiz) project, open source Enterprise resource planning software, Customer Relationship Management software, electronic Commerce, Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Resources Planning and open source Maintenance Management System or Enterprise Asset Management.
ERP automates business functions within and outside the organization like information management and sales.
There are quite a number of open source ERP software: Compiere ERP which has a CRM solution completely integrated in it. It is used by small and medium businesses across the globe, used by managers for decision making and mainly involves business processes; Openbravo is mainly made for small to medium sizes companies. It is web-based and used to manage warehouses and procurements. Other examples are SocrateOpen and JALLInOne.
CRM is used to manage the relationship between an organization and its prospective sales, clients and customers and used for decision support and to increase profits. It reduces costs and improves the development of the company's products. It includes: Centric, openCRX, SocrateOpen and JALLInOne.
OFBiz is an Apache software that offers reliability, scalability and security. It can be customized to meet your company's needs and handle challenges that may be encountered. It is used to manage manufactures, orders, catalogs, price and promotions, clients, warehouses, contents and work efforts. High level e-commerce, fulfillment, accounting and point of sales are accomplished with OFBiz.
E-commerce is the exchange of goods and services over the internet and is used by companies that sell their products and services online. The internet and drastically facilitated e-commerce since it came into being. OS E-commerce platforms include Magento with enterprise and community edition, osCommerce, OpenCart, Spree Commerce, Virtuemart, among others.
Open source CSM is used to manage businesses that are linked together that provide products and services needed by end users in a supply chain. It is used to take control of inventory, supply chain outsourcing and supplier relationship. They include SAP SCM system, JDA supply chain, Logility Collaborative supply chain, etc
The open source MRP is used in manufacturing management. It includes multi-level routing and BoMs with no limit, various policies on re-ordering and high flexibility. The software integrates all services involved and reduces costs. Sap Business Suite is a good example.1Open source CMMS are web and windows based and used in industries that manage assets. These software allows for integration and enhanced security.
There are few business these days that do not rely on software systems to provide all of the data that they need to make informed decisions. Such systems are enterprise resource planning software and CRM software and they can really prove to be critical as your business grows. There are some extremely good software packages available that will help manage your business and now there are some good open source systems available. If you go down the open source route this will save you money but you will have to spend a lot of time learning how to install and operate them properly.