Use ERPNext as a backend

ERPNext
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Background: I have been working on a flooring app that helps contractors to take floor measurements easily using their phone. Users can then create estimation and send invoices to their clients. I have been using Firebase so far for my MVP. However, recently after talking to a few potential customer, I found out that they want a crm integration with this. I am a solo developer working on this project, so I searched online for a solution and that’s how I found ERPNext.

Question: Can I use erpnext as a crm solution and integrate it with my app. My initial idea was to take the source code and add a module to sync plans from my and also in future add the feature to draw plan on the crm system. However, many are not recommending to do it and suggesting to use erpnextcloud. I am hoping to create a standalone SaaS solution for the customers. I have no intention to completly white label erpnext, I am happy to keep their logos inside the customers dashboard. But I am finding it hard to putting it all together.

  1. Can I use erpnext as a backend? Like do CRUD with erpnext api from my App.
  2. Can I create portal for each customer with erpnext? Customer logs in, see the customized crm (that I design/develop on top of erpnext) and see their own data etc.
  3. Any estimation on the cost? Should I self host or use erpcloud? Can I customize the codes (e.g. Add a module where users can import pdf and draw on top of it) in the erpcloud solution?

Any general suggestion how you would approach this problem?

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You can create a custom frappe app on top of ERPNext that will handle the API calls to and from your non-frappe app.

Yes, you can use it as a pure backend and through APIs do the necessary CRUD operations. Frappecloud hosting is recommended, but you can also use a dockerized hosting solution.

Yes, you can create a custom portal for the customers to view their CRM details in ERPNext via webforms, and in this case you don’t have to worry about any API calls. But if you require a fully customized webpage it can be also be achieved.

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