Simple Invoices review
A web-based open source invoicing application that is designed to be very easy to use, but requires LAMP…
Another great feature is reporting. You can generate reports based on previously generated invoices. These reports can be generated for individual clients, or for a month, or to see how many payments are outstanding. What appears to be missing here is an export feature. It would really be great if you could generate these reports and export them into a PDF document. What would be even nicer is to be to able to schedule reports that Simple Invoices would generate and mail out.
If you go to the Simple Invoices website, you will see a section dedicated to extensions at www.simpleinvoices.org/wiki/extensions. Here you can view and download extensions that give Simple Invoices a bit more. There’s an extension that allows you to use Simple Invoices to manage your expense accounting. Here you will also find templates that add something more to the application’s user interface. There are also some ‘Modifications’ for Simple Invoices on this page; these are quite similar to extensions. The fact that Simple Invoices is an open source application means that you too can create and share extensions, modifications and templates.
Verdict: 3/5
Simple Invoices uses a simple approach to help small organisations create and manage their invoices. What we like about it is that it does what it does well, without using the ‘kitchen sink’ approach and trying to do everything else. If you already have a LAMP stack in place, the installation shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes, and is well documented. Overall, the software has a good feel to it. The main hiccup is the need to install LAMP. This may place the software out of the reach of users who aren’t familiar with using LAMP.
Sukrit Dhandhania
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Great review!
I’m a bit surprised that you are showing the install of supporting software a “con” for it, though. I applaud the makers of Simple Invoice for using what I have/desire vs forcing me into a stack that I do not want. All of your favorite distributions have a simple way to install/configure a LAMP stack. Besides, the AR person is not going to be installing it!
What I would be more interested in knowing is how it integrates into my CRM system. I don’t care that it does not integrate into project management like BaseCamp, but I do want integration with my SugarCRM and possibly into my Openbravo ERP system.
Thanks for the review!!
re Con having to install it
- http://www.smarterinvoices.com offers Simple Invoices hosting
- that way you don’t have to do anything – just sign up and its all taken care of
Cheers
Justin
– simpleinvoices.org
– smarterinvoices.com
@JP
there is no direct integration into any CRM / ERP etc..
Simple Invoices is all php/mysql so whatever you want is possible – just take some work
Cheers
Justin
Simple Invoices is such a straightforward app, that I’ve integrated its database into our customer portal; the fact that Simple Invoices does not lock itself into other apps made this SO very easy to do.
We’re putting the finishing touches on a web portal that brings together:
– VPS (Virtual Private Server) management tools
– Auto-payments w/ PayPal IPN hooks (C/O: Simple Invoices)
– Resource utilization tracking
– DNS management
– Chat/discussion forums
– Trouble Ticketing system
– An extensive customer documentation website
– General account management
We picked the best-of-breed tools, tied them all together under a single authentication solution, and Simple Invoices fills its niche quite nicely.
thanks TOCICI,
great to hear Simple Invoices is helping your business!!
cheers
justin
– simpleinvoices.org
I have been using simple invoices for the last 6-7months for my small business.
It appealed to me initially because, unlike the other free to use applications, SQL-ledger, open-bravo etc, it was ONLY an invoicing system and I didnt have to learn all about the other guff worked, (how the sales invoices tied in with balance sheet entries etc etc…) just so I could use the invoicing part which is all I wanted!
So far its been stable and great, yes the LAMP etc is a bit to get your head around but the fact that has HTML (and other languages, i think) components and the code is quite accessible and modifiable makes it really handy and flexible, as per the previous comments.
Regarding system requirements, I was running SI on a 900mhz celeron, and am currently build a new server on a 2.6ghz pentium as i have found it did run too slow for my liking on old box.
so thanks to Justin and the other developers! keep up the great work :)
Thanks Mike !!
re need to install LAMP
there is currently work underway to get Simple Invoices running locally without having to install LAMP
a self contained version of Simple invoices is a work in progress, refer: http://simpleinvoices.org/forum/discussion/1307/simpleinvoices-offline-portable
Cheers
Justin
It won’t install!
I have been looking for a basic program to make invoices, about only 20 a month so I want it free of charges and look better than hand written ones. I have tried to install ‘Simple Invoices’ and ‘Bamboo Invoice’. Both of these will not install! I tried on two other computers, same result. I read above about LAMP what ever that is?
How anyone can offer software that can’t be used is crazy, It’s like making a motor car before anyone has invented the wheel!!!
If there is an easy way to make them go that a non computer geek can understand I would be pleased if someone would tell me. No codes or chinese writing please.
Why bother, when you can use services that cater for this?
http://www.billfor.it
http://www.invoicemachine.com
http://www.freshbooks.com
etc
All the hard work and setup is done
Somebody Sometimes with trips your internet site regularly and advised this to me to find out also. The clear way of creating is great as well as the content is top-notch. Thanks to the insight you supply the visitors!