[Ilugc] Open Source software for Textile unit billing and inventory management
- From: mehul.n.ved@xxxxxxxxx (Mehul Ved)
- Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:25:34 +0530
On Thu, Jul 14, 2011 at 2:32 PM, aruntheguy at gmail.com
<aruntheguy at gmail.com> wrote:
Hello,
Hi Arun,
I have a friend who runs a textile unit. His father has been doing all his
billing and inventory management in paper till now. He wishes to computerize
them now. I would like you to suggest the way things are worked out in this
area in open source.
My answer is a little too late but I thought I'd voice my points,
having done some work on ERP.
1. Is there a specific package for this or generic ERP solutions are to be
used? Comment about the customizations that can be done in generic ERP
solutions.
I have fiddled with OpenERP in the past. It has a lot of India
specific modules. But, considering the nature of ERP, you will have to
end up making some customisation to the software. That will not only
require technical knowledge but domain knowledge as well.
2. By how are the ERP solutions generally deployed? Is it pay for both the
software and service, or is free software available and people charge for
the service and training?
Software like OpenERP and OpenBravo are available free of cost and are
open source. There are other open source solutions too but IMO the
above are two of the best ones.
IMO, the ERP implementation process should go as below to achieve full
potential:
a) The internal process of the company are standardised and streamlined.
b) Inform the employees of the upcoming changes and make them feel
comfortable with the idea.
c) Setup the software as per the information obtained.
d) Carry out training.
e) Do trial run internally to make sure major issues are straightened out
f) Once satisfied, run ERP system in parallel with existing system.
This may go on for a full financial year too.
g) When things are deemed ready, discard the old system.
So, the costs associated would include
a) Data collection and organisation.
b) Setting up the software
c) Customising the software
d) Training
e) Maintenance and support.
3. And a dumb one. Suggest a package / service. Preferably free license, as
he is going to test it out and convince his father before getting it
deployed in real world.
As said above, OpenBravo and OpenERP are best suited packages, IMO. If
you want to try something really simple to begin with, try the
accounting and inventory modules.
Disclaimer: Above are my own views formed during the limited exposure
I've had to working on ERP systems. Do not take it as authoritative
source of information.
--
With Regards,
Mehul Ved
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