Summary

Carbon is an open-source, API-first operating system for manufacturing, designed to overcome the rigidity and vendor lock-in of traditional ERP, MES, and QMS solutions. It targets complex assembly and configure-to-order manufacturers, offering a highly extensible platform.

How It Works

This monorepo-based system enables custom application development via its API. It features unified auth, full-stack type safety, real-time DB subscriptions, and advanced security controls including ABAC, RBAC, and RLS. This composable architecture prioritizes flexibility and customization.

Quick Start & Requirements

Local development requires Docker and Node.js v20. Setup involves configuring external services like Supabase, Posthog, Stripe, Resend, and Novu via .env files. Core commands include npm install, npm run db:start, npm run db:build, and npm run dev. Links to Discord, Website, and Documentation are provided.

Highlighted Details

• Core modules: ERP, MES, QMS with support for Custom Fields, Nested BoM, Traceability, MRP, and Configurator.
• Technical features: Unified auth, full-stack type safety, real-time DB subscriptions, ABAC, RBAC, RLS, composable user groups.
• Architecture: Turborepo monorepo, separating apps and shared packages.
• Tech stack: React Router, TypeScript, Tailwind, Supabase, Redis, Inngest, Resend, Novu.

Maintenance & Community

Active development is indicated by migrations from Trigger.dev to Inngest and Upstash to local Redis. Community resources include Discord, Website, and Documentation links.

Licensing & Compatibility

Licensed under AGPL. A commercial license is required for private repository use, imposing copyleft restrictions on closed-source integration.

Limitations & Caveats

Key features like Accounting, Capacity Planning, and Simulation are not implemented. Local setup is complex, requiring multiple external service configurations. The AGPL license necessitates careful evaluation for commercial adoption in proprietary software.