Re: Open source ERP -- MIDRANGE-L

James,

In a message dated 2/9/00 8:52:03 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
qappdsn@attglobal.net writes:

> I've been mulling around the thought of an open source ERP
>  application suite and like the idea.

Hmmm.  Me, too.

<<snip>>
>  I feel that the first business of order would be to
>  determine where such development code would exist and what
>  kind of change management system would be used to control
>  this.

Good questions.  Further, how would it be determined when source was "ready 
to go?"

>  The second business of order would be the application
>  functional design.

Another good question.

>  Even if we just get past the functional design phase, IMHO,
>  all members would benefit from the creation of a blueprint.
>  
>  I've noticed that some PC software providers will offer
>  their prior release as freeware and charge for their current
>  version.  In that spirit I would be willing to contribute my
>  company's prior application suite as a starting point.
>  
>  It's in RPGIII style run through the conversion program to
>  RPGIV.  There is pretty good isolation of function through
>  /COPY modules that the contents could be replaced with a
>  procedure call without overly taxing the base code. (for
>  example, all CHAIN operations are contained within a /COPY
>  subroutine)
>  
>  This would include GL, AP, PR, OE, IC, SA, AR.  Like Ricky
>  said to Lucy, I've got a lot of 'splainin to do.

Yes _AND_ lots of financials and not much ERP.  In my experience, upwards of 
70% of ERP clients do not utilize their ERP vendor's financial package.  
Financials are generally the "weak link" in any ERP package.

>  We've taken our product to a higher level (we have to earn a
>  living <g>) but due to support reasons are restricted to
>  V3R2 features.  IMHO, an open source effort should aim for
>  V4R3 and let the laggards eat dust.

You bet'cha!

>  How about it?
>  
>  Any takers?  Heck I'll even moderate the list.

I'd go for it, but "open source" really needs to aim for open participation.  
What development tools would be used?  Design tools?  Languages?  Standards?  
How would those that don't have access to an AS/400 in their free time 
participate?

Fantastic idea, but making it work in the Linux model will be harder than it 
sounds.  Perhaps the support of a "sanctioning body" such as APICS should be 
sought?  Or maybe an ERP vendor in need of some help?  Just some ideas...

Regards,

Dean Asmussen
Enterprise Systems Consulting, Inc.
Fuquay-Varina, NC  USA
E-mail:  DAsmussen@aol.com

"Anyone who is not liberal in their youth has no heart.  Anyone who is not 
conservative in their adulthood has no brain." -- Winston Churchill
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