Getting the books in order with SQL-Ledger

Next up in our series looking at open-source business applications is SQL-Ledger. This software package, written in the Perl scripting language, is a double-entry accounting system aimed at small and midsize organizations.

The system provides a front-end graphical user interface, back-end database and reporting tools for tracking sales, purchases, inventory and other accounting data of your business.

A set of Web-based templates are included for such forms as invoices, packing lists, income statements, balance sheets, sales orders and purchase orders. Pre-written scripts are included for running accounts payable (AP) accounts receivable (AR) and general ledger (GL) reports. These scripts are written to produce professional-looking documents that can be generated in text file, or PDF format.

The system allows administrators to create settings for various levels of access for end users. An audit control function is also included for reviewing incorrect accounting data. (If only WorldCom had known about SQL-Ledger!) Scripting tools and a command-line interface also make it possible to link the SQL-Ledger with other point of sale or data input applications. Tools also exist for interfacing SQL-Ledger with an e-mail system, or even hand-held devices.

SQL-Ledger uses Web browsers such as Netscape, Konqueror, and Galeon as a front-end interface. The system runs on either Linux or FreeBSD servers, with Apache as the Web server. PostgreSQL or Oracle have been certified to run as the backend accounting database on the system.

Next: a Java-based open-source enterprise resource planning system.