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The True Cost of Proprietary ERP

The True Cost of Proprietary ERP

Published: Aug 30, 2025 • Category: TCO • Reading: ~5 min

Proprietary ERP often looks affordable at first — until hidden costs arrive.

Where the Money Goes

  • License & User Fees: Costs grow with headcount, not value.
  • Forced Upgrades: Major version jumps require paid consulting.
  • Customisation Trap: Vendor-locked extensions you can’t control.
  • Integration Tax: Add-ons tied to closed ecosystems.
  • Time Cost: Projects move at the vendor’s pace, not yours.

An Open Alternative

ERPNext + ERPy deliver open-source freedom: no license fees, transparent stack, community partners, and faster ROI.