In this chapter, you can start exploring OpenERP through a basic configuration, with the modules that are discussed in this book. As mentioned before, we want to show an integrated flow, not just logistics management.
Use a web browser of your choice to connect to OpenERP Web.
Figure 1.1: Web Client at Startup
Start by creating a new database from the Welcome page by clicking Databases and then completing the following fields on the Create Database form.
Press Create to start creating the database.
Language
You can install OpenERP in many languages. To be able to easily follo the instructions in this book, we recommend you to choose English (US).
OpenERP suggests that you configure your database using a series of questions. In the software, these series of questions are managed through so-called Configuration Wizards.
Click the [Start Configuration] button to continue.
The next configuration wizard will help you to decide what your user interface will look like, whether the screens will only show the most important fields - Simplified - or whether you also want to see the fields for the more advanced users, the Extended view. Select [Extended] and click [Next] to continue.
User Preferences
You can easily switch from Simplified to Extended view by changing your User Preferences.
In the next wizard, you can fill your company data, select your company’s base currency and add your company logo which can be printed on reports. Click [Next] to continue.
Select the Warehouse Management, Purchase Management, Sales Management and Accounting & Finance business applications for installation and click [Install]. Now OpenERP will start to install these four applications, allowing you to do a complete cycle, from sales / warehouse / purchase to invoice. You will have to wait for the next configuration wizard to be displayed (Loading will appear).
Figure 1.2: Selecting the Required Functionality
OpenERP’s modularity enables you to install a single Business Application (such as Purchase) if that is all you need. Of course, you can choose to install extra applications such as Sales Management, to handle quotations, sales orders and sales invoices as well. For now please install Warehouse Management, Purchase Management, Sales Management an Accounting & Finance, as these four Business Applications will be discussed in this book.
Reconfigure
Keep in mind that you can change or reconfigure the system any time, for instance through the Reconfigure option in the main bar.
When you choose a business application for installation, OpenERP will automatically propose to add or configure related (smaller) applications to enrich your system. When you install Sales, OpenERP will also ask you whether you want to install Invoicing Journals for instance.
The figure Selecting Accounting Configuration (page 5) shows the Accounting Application Configuration screen that appears when you select [Accounting & Finance] to be installed.
Figure 1.3: Selecting Accounting Configuration
Select the [Generic Chart of Account] and fill in the Sale Tax (%) applicable in your country. The Purchase Tax will automatically be set as well. Click one of the disk icons in front of the bank accounts to confirm the bank accounts to be created. Then click [Configure] to continue the configuration.
OpenERP Logistics Management offers lots of features. You can easily manage your address book (customers, suppliers, ...), keep track of procurements and sales, manage your warehouse and inventory, and much more.
The figure Selecting Purchase Configuration shows the Purchases Application Configuration screen that appears when you select [Purchase Management] to be installed.
Figure 1.4: Selecting Purchase Configuration
Simply click [Configure] to continue the database creation.
The following wizards will appear:
OpenERP’s menu will be displayed, because your system is now ready for actual configuration. In the next chapter Complete Example: Sell, Check the Stock, Purchase you will start working in the Logistics application in a step-by-step approach.
As your business is growing and evolving all the time, your requirements as to the use of OpenERP are likely to change. To sustain your growth, you can easily extend your Logistics Management with other OpenERP business applications, such as HR or CRM, to name some. OpenERP offers this flexibility; you can start with one business application and gradually complete OpenERP to suit your ever changing needs!
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