Does "Open Source" Mean that the ERP Implementation Effort is Less?

Stumbled upon a blog post where the author was making the case that open source ERP is "free", implementation is "simple" and user training is somehow "optional". The author also seemed to think that all the documentation was available that would make customizations a "snap". Okay that's not exactly what was said, but the  implication was that open source ERP implementation and training was somehow easier and cheaper.

Open source ERP solutions are certainly less costly than proprietary solutions. Open source means that there is a "free" version available, but in general the "free" version will not have the functionality that a business of any substance would require. Licensed versions (like all software, functionality varies by product) of open source software are still considerably less expensive (25 - 50%) than proprietary solutions of the same functionality and scope.

Open Source ERP Implementation

As an open source xTuple ERP Development Partner, I'm starting to see more acceptance for an open source ERP solution. xTuple is a robust ERP, with 100% of the functionality an inventory centric manufacturing or distribution would need. And more times than not all the requirements of other types of enterprises. Because of the open source approach - changes, modifications and extensions can be easily implemented and maintained.

One of the biggest challenges the open source ERP providers have is that users think that open source means "free" and "I can implement and support it myself". Yes, there is a free version of xTuple. And yes, there's an active community, good documentation and training videos for implementation and support. But this is Enterprise software, so its complex and challenging to implement - just like the proprietary versions.