Question 1

What companies is ElbDesk suitable for?

Accepted Answer

ElbDesk is ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that need a tailored software solution for their individual business processes. ElbDesk is particularly well-suited for companies with specialized workflows, industry-specific requirements, or integrations that cannot be efficiently covered by standard software. ElbDesk is frequently used in manufacturing, logistics, trade, pharma, and project manufacturing.

Question 2

Does ElbDesk work without ERP?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ElbDesk can run alongside your existing ERP - or be your ERP: complete, production-ready, end-to-end. In standalone operation the integrated modules cover the whole chain: orders, customers/CRM, inventory, production, dispatch, invoicing, accounting and reporting. Every module is preconfigured and can be adapted to your processes.

Question 3

Doesn’t that lock me into ElbDesk?

Accepted Answer

No. Your processes do not live inside our product - they live with you: you receive unrestricted usage rights and can have your business logic as source code at any time. Standard processes such as accounting or inventory management can be handed over to other software whenever you like - your custom processes keep running in ElbDesk and get integrated with the new system. With the optional framework buyout you additionally receive full source-code access and can deploy your own developers.

Question 4

Does ElbDesk support the German e-invoicing mandate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Invoicing is part of the standard modules - including the statutory requirements for structured e-invoices, which become mandatory for German B2B in stages from 2027. We work through the specifics as part of your project.

Question 5

Where is the data hosted?

Accepted Answer

ElbDesk Cloud is hosted in German data centers and meets high standards for data protection and GDPR compliance. Alternatively, ElbDesk can also be operated on-premise in your own IT infrastructure. This gives companies maximum flexibility in hosting, security, and compliance.

Question 6

How long does implementation take?

Accepted Answer

The duration of implementation depends on your individual requirements, processes, and interfaces. Typically, the introduction of a custom software solution with ElbDesk takes approximately 2 to 6 months. After initial joint workshops, you will receive a well-founded assessment of the effort, scope, and timeline for your project.

Question 7

What rights do I receive to the developed solution?

Accepted Answer

You receive unrestricted usage rights to all components individually developed for your company. Upon request, your custom code can be extracted and provided to you at any time. The underlying ElbDesk framework is licensed and can optionally be fully acquired.

Question 8

How does the framework buyout work?

Accepted Answer

With the framework buyout, you receive full access to the ElbDesk framework source code and can manage further development with your own developers or external partners. At the same time, the monthly maintenance fee is eliminated. Redistribution of the framework to third parties and commercial exploitation outside the agreed scope of use are excluded.

Question 9

Can our own developers work on the solution?

Accepted Answer

Yes, after the framework buyout, your own developers or external contractors can work directly on your solution. Before the buyout, ElbDesk handles all development and maintenance to ensure the technical integrity, security, and continued development of the platform.

Question 10

What does the maintenance fee include?

Accepted Answer

The monthly maintenance fee covers full use of the ElbDesk platform with unlimited users, all framework updates, security patches, and minor compatibility updates for your existing processes as part of minor releases. This keeps your software solution technically up to date, secure, and reliable.

Question 11

How are framework updates handled?

Accepted Answer

Minor framework updates and necessary compatibility adjustments for your processes are included in the maintenance fee. For more extensive changes due to major updates, you receive a transparent quote for the required adjustments. This ensures planning certainty for costs and further development.

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