OpenERP is an open-source enterprise resource planning (ERP) software actively programmed, supported, and organized by OpenERP S.A. OpenERP is an open source alternative to SAP ERP, Oracle E-Business Suite, Microsoft Dynamics, Netsuite, Adempiere, Compiere, OFBiz, Openbravo, and other enterprise resource planning software.
Web Application Architecture:
The most recent versions of OpenERP (including version 7) are mostly implemented as a web application. OpenERP includes an application server/web server (known as the OpenERP Server) that focuses on ERP business logic, stores data through an interface with a database, and web client for web browsers access. The server and business logic portion of OpenERP is primarily written in the Python programming language. The web client is primarily written in JavaScript.
Modules:
Business features are organized into modules. A module is a folder with a predefined structure containing Python code and XML files. A module defines data structure, forms, reports, menus, procedures, work-flows, etc. Modules can also contain web components written in JavaScript.
Database:
OpenERP uses PostgreSQL as database management system.
OpenERP Apps:
OpenERP S.A. provides a web site referencing the officially supported modules as well as contribution modules. Contribution modules can be referenced for free as long as they respect some submission rules. As of November 2012, the number of OpenERP apps reached more than 2500.
Development environment:
Module development mainly relies around editing Python and XML files.
