Two routes to an ERP
An ERP joins accounts, stock, sales, purchasing and payroll in one system. In Nepal, businesses usually consider two routes: adopting an existing ERP product such as Odoo, or having a custom ERP built for them.
What is Odoo?
Odoo is an ERP made of many modules, including accounting, inventory, sales, CRM, manufacturing and human resources. It comes in a free, open-source Community edition and a paid Enterprise edition licensed per user. A local implementation partner installs it, configures it and adapts it to the business.
Comparison
| Factor | Odoo | Custom ERP |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Hundreds of ready features | Built from your requirements |
| Time to first use | Shorter for standard processes | Longer; delivered module by module |
| Licence fees | Per user for Enterprise; none for Community | None |
| Fit to your process | Good where your process is standard; customisation costs extra | Exact |
| Nepal localisation | Must be added by the partner | Built in from the start |
| Ease of use | Many screens and options; needs training | Only the screens you need |
| Upgrades | New versions arrive regularly; customisations must be carried over | Changed when you decide |
When Odoo suits
- Your processes are close to standard practice.
- You need many functions quickly.
- You have a capable local partner and a budget for implementation and yearly fees.
When a custom ERP suits
- Your process is particular to your sector, such as a cooperative, school, hospital or seasonal factory.
- Staff need simple Nepali-language screens.
- Bikram Sambat dates, IRD billing formats and local payment and SMS services are central to daily work.
- You want to avoid per-user fees as the team grows.
Questions that decide it
- How much of our process is standard, and how much is special?
- What will each option cost over five years, including licences, hosting, customisation and support?
- Who will support us locally, and what happens if that company closes?
- Can we get all our data out in a usable form?
- Will our least technical staff member be able to use it?
An honest note
Neuro AI Nepal builds custom ERP systems, so that is where our experience lies. Odoo is a capable product and is the better choice for some businesses. If your needs are standard, we will say so.
Custom ERP development starts from NPR 1,00,000. See ERP development, the ERP cost breakdown and custom versus ready-made software.
