Apache OFBiz

Apache OFBiz is a Java-based, modular suite of business applications and a web application framework for building ERP, CRM and e-commerce systems. It bundles an entity engine, a service engine and a widget-driven UI plus a wide set of out‑of‑the‑box modules for business processes. (ofbiz.apache.org)

Key Features

• Comprehensive core modules: accounting (GL/AR/AP/FA), CRM, order management, e-commerce, inventory, warehousing, manufacturing/MRP.
• Framework components: entity engine (data layer), service engine (business logic), widget-based UI and plugin/component system for extensions.
• Developer tooling and build: Gradle-based build, Gradle wrapper tasks for packaging, testing and server control; JDK 17 required for recent versions.
• Multi-database support via JDBC (default embedded Derby for demos; commonly deployed with PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB in production).
• Container and distribution support: official Dockerfile and documented Docker workflows; online demo instances for stable/trunk releases. (github.com)

Use Cases

• Deploy a customizable ERP platform covering accounting, order fulfilment, inventory and manufacturing for small-to-large businesses.
• Run an integrated e-commerce storefront with backend order management and CRM tied to the same data model.
• Build custom business applications on top of a Java service/entity framework using OFBiz components and plugin system.

Limitations and Considerations

• Steep learning curve and significant customization effort: OFBiz is a framework-first platform that often requires deep configuration and development for production fit.
• Deployment configuration is traditionally tied to source artifacts; Docker is recommended to separate deployment concerns and to simplify production packaging.
• Default embedded Derby is intended for demos/development; production deployments typically require external RDBMS configuration and JDBC drivers. (cwiki.apache.org)

Apache OFBiz provides a feature-rich, extensible Java foundation for ERP and e-commerce use cases with strong developer tooling and community-maintained demos. It is best-suited to teams prepared to invest in customization and Java-based development to adapt the platform to their business processes.