What is Odoo?
Odoo is an open-source applications for business management and ERP systems,
It includes a a wide range of applications and modules to help organizations manage their various business processes.
it covers many business areas like accounting, sales, inventory, purchasing, project management , manufacturing and human resources.
Odoo known as OpenERP, the software was developed in 2005 by Fabien Pinckaers in Belgium. In 2014, the name was changed to Odoo to reflect its broader scope and expanding functionality. Odoo is built on an open-source framework, allowing developers to customize and extend its features as per specific business requirements.
Odoo features includes:
Modular Structure: Odoo is organized into a series of modules, each catering to a specific business function. Users can select and integrate the modules that suit their needs, providing flexibility and scalability.
Integrated System: Odoo’s modules are designed to seamlessly integrate with one another, enabling smooth data flow and eliminating the need for separate software systems or data duplication.
User-friendly Interface: Odoo offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for employees to navigate and use the software effectively.
Customization: Organizations can customize Odoo to adapt it to their specific requirements. Customizations can range from modifying existing modules to creating new ones.
Third-party Integrations: Odoo supports integration with external systems and services, allowing businesses to connect with other applications, payment gateways, shipping providers, and more
Community and Enterprise Editions: Odoo offers both a community edition, which is free and open-source, and an enterprise edition, which includes additional features and support services for a subscription fee.
App Store: Odoo has an extensive marketplace called the Odoo App Store, where users can find and install a wide range of apps and modules developed by Odoo and third-party vendors
Odoo has gained popularity among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as larger organizations due to its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and wide range of features. It provides businesses with a centralized platform to manage their operations, streamline processes, improve efficiency, and gain better visibility into their overall performance.
Odoo History:
2005: Fabien Pinckaers, a young Belgian entrepreneur, started developing an open-source ERP system called TinyERP to meet the needs of small businesses. The software focused on providing affordable and flexible solutions for managing business processes.
2008: The name of the software was changed from TinyERP to OpenERP to reflect its expanding functionality and growing user base. OpenERP continued to gain popularity as an open-source ERP solution with a modular structure.
2010: OpenERP released version 6.0, which introduced significant improvements and enhancements to the software, including a revamped user interface and expanded functionality across various modules.
2013: OpenERP raised €10 million in funding to support its growth and development efforts. This investment allowed the company to expand its global reach and strengthen its position in the ERP market.
2014: OpenERP rebranded itself as Odoo, aiming to emphasize its broader scope and its transformation from an ERP system to a comprehensive business management software suite. The name “Odoo” is a combination of “Odoo” (a made-up word) and “ODOO = On-Demand Open Object.
2015: Odoo launched version 9.0, introducing a revamped user interface with improved usability and responsiveness across devices. This version also focused on enhancing the user experience and streamlining business processes.
2017: Odoo released version 11.0, which included several new features such as a website builder, document management system, and enhanced e-commerce capabilities. This release further expanded Odoo’s capabilities and made it a more comprehensive business management solution.
2019: Odoo launched version 13.0, which introduced improvements in performance, user interface, and reporting. It also introduced a new accounting module and enhanced CRM features.
2020: Odoo released version 14.0, focusing on enhancing user experience and providing advanced customization options. This version included features such as a new website builder, improved inventory management, and expanded reporting capabilities.
Today, Odoo has a thriving global community of users, developers, and implementation partners. It has gained popularity among small and medium-sized businesses for its flexible and modular approach, affordability, and extensive range of applications covering various business functions.
As an open-source software, Odoo continues to evolve, with new versions and updates being released regularly to incorporate emerging technologies and meet the changing needs of businesses worldwide.
Odoo implementation:
1 – Planning and Analysis:
– Define project goals and objectives.
– Identify key requirements and processes.
– Analyze existing systems and data.
2 – System Design:
– Map out the overall system architecture.
– Configure modules based on requirements.
– Customize and extend functionalities if needed.
3 – Data Migration:
– Extract data from existing systems.
– Transform and clean the data.
– Import data into Odoo using provided tools or APIs.
4 – System Configuration:
– Set up company details, users, and access rights.
– Configure modules, workflows, and business rules.
– Customize forms, reports, and dashboards.
5 – Testing:
– Conduct thorough testing of all functionalities.
– Identify and resolve any issues or bugs.
– Validate data accuracy and integrity.
6 – User Training:
– Train key users on how to use Odoo effectively.
– Provide training materials and documentation.
– Address user questions and concerns.
7 – Deployment:
– Prepare the production environment.
– Configure server and hosting infrastructure.
– Deploy Odoo and migrate data from the testing environment.
8 – Post-Implementation Support:
– Provide ongoing technical support.
– Monitor system performance and stability.
– Address user feedback and requests for improvements.
It’s important to note that Odoo implementation can be complex and time-consuming, especially for larger organizations or those with unique requirements. In some cases, it might be beneficial to seek assistance from experienced Odoo implementation partners or consultants who can provide guidance and ensure a smooth implementation process.
Additionally, Odoo offers a vast marketplace of modules and apps developed by the community and certified partners. These can be leveraged to enhance and extend the functionality of Odoo based on specific business needs.
for more details: explore Odoo implementation methodology Guid:
What is the cost of Odoo license?
Odoo offers two editions: Community Edition and Enterprise Edition. The Community Edition is an open-source version that is free to use, while the Enterprise Edition comes with additional features, support, and services provided by Odoo SA for a subscription fee. Here’s a breakdown of the license costs for the Enterprise Edition:
1 – Subscription Fee: The subscription fee for the Odoo Enterprise Edition is based on a per-user, per-month model. The cost varies depending on the number of users and the selected apps/modules. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the pricing starts at $20 per user per month. However, please note that pricing may have changed since then, so it is recommended to visit Odoo’s official website or contact their sales team for the most up-to-date pricing information.
2 – Additional Costs: In addition to the per-user subscription fee, there may be additional costs associated with certain features or services. For example, there might be separate fees for specific modules or integrations, training programs, data migration services, or support packages. These costs can vary based on your specific requirements and can be obtained by reaching out to Odoo’s sales team.
It’s important to consider that the costs associated with Odoo implementation go beyond the license fees. Additional expenses may include customization, development, data migration, infrastructure setup, training, and ongoing support. These costs can vary significantly based on the complexity and scale of your implementation.
What is the technical manpower required for Odoo?
he technical manpower required for an Odoo implementation can vary depending on factors such as the size and complexity of your organization, the scope of the implementation, and the level of customization required. Here are some key roles and responsibilities typically involved in an Odoo implementation:
Project Manager: Responsible for overseeing the implementation process, coordinating team members, and ensuring the project is delivered on time and within budget.
Functional Consultant: Works closely with stakeholders to understand business requirements, configure Odoo modules, and define workflows and business processes.
Technical Consultant/Developer: Handles the technical aspects of the implementation, including customization and development of new features, integrations with other systems, and data migration.
Database Administrator: Manages the Odoo database, ensures data integrity, and performs regular backups and maintenance tasks.
System Administrator: Sets up and manages the Odoo server infrastructure, including server installation, performance optimization, and security configuration.
Technology used on Odoo:
Python Programming: Odoo is built on the Python programming language. Proficiency in Python is essential for customizing and developing new features, modules, and workflows within Odoo.
Odoo Framework: Understanding the Odoo framework’s architecture, models, ORM (Object Relational Mapping), and API is crucial for working with and extending Odoo’s functionality.
XML and QWeb: Odoo uses XML for defining views, forms, reports, and menus. Knowledge of XML and QWeb templates is essential for customizing the user interface and generating reports in Odoo.
Web Development: Odoo’s user interface is web-based, so web development skills such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are valuable for creating and modifying user interfaces and website components within Odoo.
Integration and APIs: Odoo supports integration with external systems through various APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). Knowledge of APIs and integration techniques is beneficial for integrating Odoo with other systems, such as CRM, e-commerce platforms, or accounting software.
Is Odoo good for small business?
Yes, Odoo is well-suited for small businesses. In fact, Odoo’s flexibility and scalability make it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
How can I locate Odoo partner?
To find an Odoo partner, you can visit the official Odoo website and use their Partner Locator tool. Here’s how you can access it:
Just locate your country and explorer partners near you:
