Carbon is an on-prem, VPC, or air-gapped open-source ERP system designed for regulated manufacturing environments, including defense and aerospace. Built for CMMC compliance, it keeps Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) inside the user's boundary by running on a Postgres database they own. The system integrates ERP, MRP, MES, and QMS functions, offering full data ownership, auditability, and control over network, keys, models, and backups.

Carbon supports multi-entity and multi-location operations with consolidated books, inter-site transfers, and per-entity accounting, all without leaving the user's network. It provides traceability for serial numbers, genealogy, NCR to CAPA workflows, and live certificate generation. Manufacturing execution features include digital travelers, barcode tracking, and finite-capacity scheduling, all running on self-hosted servers with no cloud dependency.

The entire stack — app, API, MCP server, and Postgres — runs in Docker containers, deployable from a laptop to a multi-region setup. Enterprise deployments include white-glove support, legacy data migration, SLA backing, and provision of SSP, POA&M, and SPRS inputs for assessors. The Community edition is available on GitHub under AGPL-3.0, allowing full code audit and extension.