Process Manufacturing in ADempiere and iDempiere

Hi Everyone,

I recently received an email about process manufacturing in ADempiere and iDempiere, open source ERP. The purpose of this post is to share my thoughts on the topic with the group.

Here are my thoughts:

• Both ADempiere ERP and iDempiere ERP are open source and freely available (free) for an unlimited number of users.
• iDempiere is a fork or copy of ADempiere.
• ADempiere and iDempiere have different manufacturing abilities.
• iDempiere’s manufacturing ability is a subset of ADempiere.
• Both ADempiere and iDempiere have a process called ‘Production’. This process starts with a window also called ‘Production’.
• ADempiere has a ‘MRPII’ implementation that is above and beyond the ‘Production’ capabilities. Features include MRP, DRP, CRP for implementing multi-level replenishment, scheduling, distribution and manufacturing. The MRPII implementation was created byVictor at e-Evolution.
• ADempiere’s and iDempiere’s ‘Production’ processes are similar but different. iDempiere implemented a derivative implementation from Adaxa called Manufacturing Lite. iDempiere’s BOM structure is more simple. Some of the code has been improved, and there are additional reports and processes over ADempiere’s ‘Production’ implementation. Let me know if you need to know more details.
• It is worth mentioning that Adaxa, an Australian and New Zealand ADempiere integrator, is a respected and capable manufacturing expert. Both Peter and Steven have invested time in me, and they deserve the recognition.
• Both ADempiere’s and iDempiere’s ‘Production’ process are limited to backflush accounting and material management.
• ADempiere’s ‘MRPII’ implements a much more flexible model capable of issue/receipt and/or backflush.
• ADempiere’s ‘MRPII’ features are capable and can be somewhat buggy. Its greatest strength is its ability to be dumbed down. Its capabilities are far beyond the typical shopfloor or light manufacturing environment, and your goal is pull only the pieces that help your organization account for your materials, labor and overhead.
• The greatest challenges are learning how all the ‘MRPII’ pieces work and determining which components are necessary for your organization.

To understand which model or product is best for you, I typically recommend creating a happy path proof of concept using one or more of the above products. I can typically help an organization create the proof of concept within 3 to 6 weeks consuming between 15 to 75 hours of my time depending on the amount of help needed and the complexity of your processes. By the end of this period, your team will be able to create a compelling (positive or negative) case for using ADempiere or iDempiere. Either way, you will have a solid understanding of basic ADempiere/iDempiere and its manufacturing abilities.

I hope this helps!! If I can help you quickly learn, configure and audit manufacturing for your organization, let me know.