Best Free & Open-Source ERP & CRM Software for Machine Shops

Every machine shop needs more than cutting tools and machines to stay competitive — it needs visibility. From quoting and scheduling to inventory, maintenance, and customer relations, small shops often struggle to track it all in spreadsheets.

Modern open-source ERP and CRM systems can tie together orders, customers, and production data without the cost or rigidity of enterprise software. These platforms help machine shops quote faster, control jobs, and stay responsive — all while keeping full ownership of their data.

1. ERPNext

Best for: All-in-one manufacturing management and CRM in one stack.
ERPNext remains the most complete open-source ERP for small to mid-sized manufacturers. It covers quoting, BOMs, routings, capacity planning, maintenance, and CRM. The Manufacturing and Maintenance modules let shops manage jobs and tool life directly from the ERP dashboard.
License: GPLv3 / Open Source.
Used by: CNC job shops, fabrication plants, and contract manufacturers worldwide.

2. Odoo Community Edition

Best for: Modular ERP with strong CRM and MRP capabilities.
Odoo CE lets machine shops start small — just CRM, Inventory, and Manufacturing — then expand into maintenance, accounting, and HR. The interface is modern, the app ecosystem massive, and it integrates easily with barcode and MES systems.
License: LGPLv3 / Open Core.
Used by: Machine shops needing modular ERP and CRM flexibility.

3. Dolibarr ERP & CRM

Best for: Small shops needing light, easy-to-deploy management.
Dolibarr is one of the most lightweight ERP/CRM platforms available. It handles quotations, invoicing, orders, product catalogs, and stock control with minimal setup. Add-ons include manufacturing, maintenance, and project tracking.
License: GPLv3 / Open Source.
Used by: Small machine and fabrication shops transitioning off spreadsheets.

4. inoERP

Best for: Engineers who want an open ERP built like Oracle EBS.
inoERP is a modular open-source ERP written in PHP and built for manufacturing. It includes BOMs, routings, WIP tracking, planning, and customer modules. Its strong database structure makes it ideal for small industrial plants.
License: MPL / Open Source.
Used by: Precision engineering firms needing ERP-level control.

5. Tryton

Best for: Shops looking for a clean Python-based ERP framework.
Tryton offers accounting, sales, inventory, and production planning. While its base modules are generic, it’s easily extendable for manufacturing and integrates well with open MES or scheduling systems.
License: GPLv3 / Open Source.
Used by: Technical teams building custom ERP integrations.

6. Metasfresh

Best for: SMEs requiring robust production and logistics ERP.
Metasfresh evolved from ADempiere and focuses on order, stock, and supply chain management. It supports make-to-order and make-to-stock workflows and integrates with modern REST APIs for automation.
License: GPLv2 / Open Source.
Used by: Automotive and machining suppliers managing complex supply chains.

7. YetiForce CRM

Best for: Sales and customer management integration with ERP or MES.
YetiForce is a powerful open-source CRM forked from Vtiger. It manages quotes, service calls, and customer interactions with advanced dashboards. For machine shops that already track production elsewhere, it’s a strong CRM-only option.
License: YetiForce Public License / Open Source.
Used by: Tooling and subcontracting firms tracking client communications.

8. Axelor ERP

Best for: Open-source ERP with BPM (workflow automation).
Axelor combines ERP, CRM, and BPM capabilities. Manufacturing and inventory modules support MRP, job tracking, and supply planning, while the workflow designer allows custom process automation.
License: AGPLv3 / Open Source.
Used by: Mid-size manufacturers needing flexible digital workflows.

9. BlueSeer

Best for: Traditional discrete manufacturing environments.
BlueSeer is a Windows-based open-source ERP built specifically for manufacturing. It includes modules for BOMs, routings, MRP, shipping, purchasing, and quoting — all optimized for small production facilities.
License: GPLv3 / Open Source.
Used by: CNC shops and mold-making operations seeking a simple offline ERP.

10. FrontAccounting ERP

Best for: Accounting-centric ERP with light inventory and CRM.
FrontAccounting focuses on financials but includes items, suppliers, and order management. When paired with external inventory or CRM plugins, it becomes a lightweight option for small precision shops.
License: GPLv3 / Open Source.
Used by: Small shops prioritizing accounting and job costing over complex ERP.

Machine Shop ERP/CRM Comparison Table

Recommendations

For complete ERP + CRM coverage, ERPNext and Odoo CE are the top choices — modern, modular, and supported by large communities.
If you want lean and quick deployment, Dolibarr or BlueSeer are easier to set up and maintain.
For technical customization, Tryton, inoERP, or Axelor allow deep tailoring to your shop’s logic.
If your goal is customer engagement, YetiForce integrates seamlessly with production tracking systems to close the loop between sales and the shop floor.

In 2025, open-source ERP and CRM platforms are powerful enough to run a precision shop from quote to invoice.
They replace disconnected spreadsheets with a shared, auditable workflow — from customer contact to cutting chips.

Whether your goal is digital quoting, inventory accuracy, or traceable customer service, these systems let you scale with control, not subscription fatigue. Machine shops can now run the same digital backbone as enterprise manufacturers — without giving up flexibility or ownership.

About MDCplus

Our key features are real-time machine monitoring for swift issue resolution, power consumption tracking to promote sustainability, computerized maintenance management to reduce downtime, and vibration diagnostics for predictive maintenance. MDCplus's solutions are tailored for diverse industries, including aerospace, automotive, precision machining, and heavy industry. By delivering actionable insights and fostering seamless integration, we empower manufacturers to boost Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce operational costs, and achieve sustainable growth along with future planning.