NORFOLK, VA
Open Source-Based ERP Grows into Platform for Third-Party Solutions
OpenMFG, the leading provider of open source-based enterprise solutions for small manufacturers and distributors, today announced a dramatic expansion of its OpenMFG Partner Program. The new program will significantly expand the opportunities for developers and systems integrators to build software solutions on the OpenMFG platform.
OpenMFG's flagship product is an advanced Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software solution built with open source components, such as the Linux operating system, the PostgreSQL database, and the OpenRPT report writer. Available OpenMFG modules include Inventory Management, Part Definition and Costing, Work Order Management, Master Scheduling, Capacity Planning, Purchase Order Management, Sales Order Management, Shipping and Receiving, Sales Analysis, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Bank Reconciliation, and a full General Ledger.
Under the company's existing license and Value-Added Reseller (VAR) partner agreement, customers and VARs have full access to the application source code, and any enhancements made to the product flow back to OpenMFG for review, quality testing, and possible incorporation into the baseline product.
"For core ERP system functionality," notes Frank Parks of EzBizPartner, a certified OpenMFG VAR partner in Chicago, "this arrangement makes all the sense in the world. The VAR is paid to develop the exact functionality the customer requires, and the vendor takes responsibility for ongoing support of the solution."
EzBizPartner has contributed several significant enhancements to the OpenMFG codebase under this model.
The expanded Development Partner Program, however, will embrace third-party developers who wish to sell applications and solutions that integrate with OpenMFG, or could be packaged as separate modules of new functionality. Examples include document control for regulatory compliance or quality control systems, data collection systems for shop floor and warehouse environments, or human resources and payroll applications. Solutions built by OpenMFG Development Partners will be marketed and sold by OpenMFG and its network of VAR partners.
There are three levels to the Development Partner Program:
- Silver. Intended for free-standing applications that integrate with OpenMFG through an API. Development Partner has completed OpenMFG Partner Training, and the solution has been QA-tested in OpenMFG labs. Development Partner receives a royalty on each new sale.
- Gold. Meets all Silver qualifications, plus the solution can be accessed directly from within the OpenMFG application. Royalty is slightly higher.
- Platinum. Meets all Gold qualifications, plus the Development Partner has completed OpenMFG Master Partner Certification. Highest royalties.
One charter member of the Development Partner Program is Tova Systems of Pittsburgh, who has developed a document management solution for medical device manufacturers.
"We're excited to be offering our Tova products to OpenMFG customers and partners," said Tova President Wendy Levine. "Because our solution is integrated directly into OpenMFG's production systems, our customers can be sure there's full accountability with regard to FDA and ISO compliance."
All OpenMFG products are built with robust open-source components, including the Linux operating system, the PostgreSQL database, the Qt framework for C++, and OpenMFG's own OpenRPT report writer. This underlying technology, invisible to the user, enables OpenMFG and its partners to deliver sophisticated ERP functionality at a very low total cost of ownership. It also enables a true multi-platform solution that incorporates Apple Mac OS X or Microsoft Windows, as well as Linux and other Unix variants.
About OpenMFG
OpenMFG, LLC develops next-generation enterprise resource planning (ERP) software applications powered by open source software such as Linux, PostgreSQL, and Qt. OpenMFG products give companies visibility into costs, supply chains, processes, inventory and financial operations with a lower cost of ownership than competing products, and are sold to end-user customers through a network of value added partners throughout North America.