The Apache OFBiz is an open-source business framework that includes a suite of tools for business automation, incorporating various technologies into one comprehensive solution.
This open-source ERP software provides a community of contributors working to create a robust enterprise-level framework for small businesses.
Over the course of this review, we will explore Apache OFBiz in detail, covering its architecture, modules, and pricing features, as well as the pros and cons of adopting this system.
By the end, you will have a clear understanding of how Apache OFBiz can be a game-changing addition to your B2B operations, streamlining your supply chain processes and contributing to your business’s success.
New version: Apache OFBiz 18.12.12
Released date: February 2024
What is Apache OFBiz ERP?
It is an open-source business-to-business (B2B) software suite for automating supply chain management processes. The Apache Software Foundation developed it with input from volunteer contributors and users.
The software provides an agile framework for managing information about products, suppliers, services, and transportation methods, specifically designed to make it easier to coordinate between various production levels throughout a global supply chain.
The OFBiz developers worked closely with hundreds of companies to create a flexible, scalable platform that you can adapt to meet your business needs, no matter which industry you operate in.
It has been designed to be easy to set up and operate but powerful enough to handle the processing power of even the most critical data centers.
Unlike other Enterprise Resource Planning solutions designed for large data centers, it can run on your personal computer (without requiring special software or hardware).
Architecture
It is a Java-based web framework including an entity engine, a service engine, and a widget-based UI, allowing you to prototype and develop your web application quickly.
The common architecture allows developers to easily extend or enhance it to create custom features. In addition, it has shown its stability and maturity as an enterprise-wide ERP solution that is flexible enough to change with your business.
Development environment setup
Setting up the development environment is a straightforward process you can complete in simple steps. This article will outline the steps necessary to get it up and running on your local machine.
The development environment requires the following software:
- Java SE Development Kit (JDK) 8 or later
- Apache OFBiz 16.11.01 or later
- Git
- Maven 3.2.5 or later
Once you have installed all of the necessary software, you can proceed with the following steps:
- Clone the git repository: git clone
- Create a local ofbiz.properties file in the apache ofbiz root directory and add the following lines: i) sdk.dir=<path_to_JDK>/Contents/Home ii)java.VM.version=11
- Build using maven: mvn clean package
- Run using the following command: java -jar target/ofbiz-16.11.01-SNAPSHOT-distribution.jar
You can also create a startup script to make it easier to run in the future.
Pricing
As of writing this article, it is available entirely free of charge. (For more updates, refer to its official website).
Modules
Accounting( GL, AR, AP, FA)
This ERP helps with General Ledger reconciliation, deposit and withdrawal processing in FA, and creating account payable and account receivable invoices.
Customer relationship management (CRM)
You can customize relationships freely and get granular control over user access and permissions.
Order management and E-commerce
Take orders from mobile, online storefronts, Electronic data interchange(EDI), and Point of sale POS. Process payments, track order status and fulfillment, and process returns, exchanges, and refunds.
Warehousing and Inventory Management
Warehousing includes packing catalogs, matching orders with inventory, managing different shipping methods, and tracking stock.
Manufacturing and MRP
A production schema is a plan that tells you how to make something. You can use it to make many of the same thing or just one. A task is something you do to make something using a schema.
You need materials to do the tasks and know how much of each material to use. The integrated Materials Resource Planning (MRP) system helps you keep track of all this.
Apache OFBiz Features
- Product and catalog management
- Promotion and pricing management
- Supply chain Fulfillment
- Contracts, Payments, and Billing
How to download Apache OFBiz?
Certainly, here are the two ways to download Apache OFBiz:
Using a Download Mirror
You can acquire the Apache OFBiz source code by utilizing one of the available download mirrors. Follow these steps to get your required version:
Navigate to the Apache OFBiz website and locate the “Downloads” section.
Choose your preferred version and click on the download link for that version. This will typically lead you to a list of download mirrors.
Select a download mirror from the list and download the ZIP file for the source code.
Once the download is complete, you can extract the contents of the ZIP file.
Using a download mirror is a straightforward way to obtain the source code of Apache OFBiz. It’s convenient for users who want to download a specific version of the software.
Check out the Source Code
Alternatively, you can directly access and acquire the source code from the repository. Here’s how to do it:
Apache OFBiz maintains public repositories on platforms like Gitbox and GitHub, allowing anyone to check out or browse the source code.
To check the source code, you can use Git commands. If you prefer a graphical user interface (GUI) client, configure it accordingly.
Advantages
- It is entirely free. No upfront charges
- It is a fully scalable, flexible, and customizable open-source ERP
- It provides various features, including billing, invoicing, and vendor management.
- It is developed and run by a foundation. Hence, a good and active community supports this software.
Disadvantages
- Project management or scheduling is not available.
- It would help if you spent more time understanding and handling the software.
- It would help if you had the guidance of a person with experience handling this software.
Alternatives
- Odoo
- ERPNext
- Dolibarr
- Magento
- Bitrix 24
- Reaction Commerce
- inoERP
- insightly
- Project Open
- Grails
- Spring
- Blueseer
- metasfresh
- webERP
Customers
- Sonata Software Limited
- Acepac International
- HotWax Systems
- SPEL Technologies
Apache OFBiz v/s Odoo
| Apache OFBiz | Odoo | |
| Categories | Business Management | ERP, CRM, Accounting |
| Deployment model | ——— | Cloud, On-premise, Odoo. sh |
| Intended users | All sizes (Good for small and midsize businesses) | All sizes |
| Programming langauges | Java, Javascript, XML, Freemake, Groovy | Python, XML, Javascript |
| License | Apache License 2.0 | GNU Lesser, GPLv3, Proprietary |
| Supported devices | Web apps, Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Web apps, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Language support | English | Multi-lingual |
The future
The future looks bright for this OFBiz ERP, and we expect to see more businesses adopting it as their go-to ERP solution.
We hope this has been a helpful introduction to Apache OFBiz. You can find more information on the project and its capabilities on the Official Website.
FAQs
How does Apache OFBiz work?
The Apache OFBiz can connect to other products or systems through APIs. This open-source framework also works quite well with industry-wide applications such as Amazon Web Services. By integrating other services, modules, and components, it is possible to extend the functionalities of Apache OFBiz.
Conclusion
Apache OFBiz is open-source, enterprise-class software companies can use across industries.
Apache OFBiz ERP is a versatile solution that addresses the complex needs of businesses. We’ve explored how it works, delved into its wide array of modules, and examined its key features. We’ve also considered the pros and cons, as well as the methods for downloading this powerful software.
It has shown its stability and maturity as an enterprise-wide ERP solution that is flexible enough to change your business.
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