ERPNext is the most popular open source ERP. NeoDonkey is the only one that costs zero and runs in your browser. Here's how two open-source philosophies differ.
| Feature | NeoDonkey | ERPNext |
|---|---|---|
| Software cost | €0 | €0 (open source) |
| Hosting cost | €0 (browser-only) | €20-€200/month (server required) |
| Installation | Open browser | Docker + Linux + Python |
| Server required | No | Yes (Frappe framework) |
| Database | Git (immutable) | MariaDB (relational) |
| Modules included | Core ERP only | CRM, HR, Projects, Manufacturing |
| Offline capability | Full offline | Requires server |
| Mobile app | PWA only | Native iOS/Android |
| Community size | Small | Large (Frappe ecosystem) |
| Code complexity | ~2K lines | ~500K lines |
It depends on your needs. ERPNext is a full-featured ERP with CRM, HR, project management, and manufacturing modules. NeoDonkey is a focused core ERP (GL, AP, AR, inventory) that runs without a server. If you need breadth, choose ERPNext. If you want zero infrastructure and maximum simplicity, choose NeoDonkey.
NeoDonkey is designed as a headless core ERP that integrates with best-of-breed tools. Need CRM? Use HubSpot or Salesforce. Need HR? Use BambooHR. NeoDonkey handles the financial backbone and syncs via API. This keeps the codebase tiny (2K lines vs 500K) and eliminates feature bloat.
Yes. Both systems export to CSV. Extract your chart of accounts, customers, suppliers, and open transactions from ERPNext and import them into NeoDonkey. Historical data can be preserved as signed git commits.