Formerly known as Open ERP, Odoo is one of the leading ERP systems and the only open-source ERP to make our Top 10 ERP Systems for Small Business list. Below is a product review of the Odoo ERP suite, including positives and considerations to support your software selection process.
(NOTE: Third Stage Consulting Group is a completely agnostic and independent digital transformation firm. No vendor or third party influenced or paid for this content.)
What is Odoo?
This ERP system offers a variety of business management solutions and functionalities such as: customer relationship management (CRM), eCommerce, accounting, manufacturing, warehouse, project management, and inventory management. Odoo features about 30 key applications and +20,000 modules. This Belgium based company has a digital community of over 1,500 users and a strong global partner network.
This video provides an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of Odoo, with additional detail outlined in the review below:
Positives:
Here are a few of the things that differentiate Odoo from other ERP systems in the market:
– Among the best for Small Businesses
- Market Focus: Odoo is a leading ERP vendor that specializes in the small to mid-size business Because of its adaptable architecture and modular structure, SMBs can leverage this system to meet specific and unique needs.
- Across Industry: This system supports a diverse group ofbusiness verticals. Some of Odoo’s well-known clients include: Toyota, CSC Scientific, SoftIron, Nordika, and more.
– User Experience
- User Interface: Odoo has a straightforward user environment andvery intuitive programming. Our clients find it easy to train their teams and receive positive feedback regarding the user interface.
- Flexibility: Integrations, applications, and additional functionalities can be added overtime as opposed to many other ERP systems that require a specific suite of technologies in order to be implemented. Odoo is more modular and can be built to match specific digital transformation strategies or evolving initiatives.
– Pricing
- Transparency: Pricing is very direct and clear throughout the purchasing process with very few hidden cost – which is ideal for a small to medium sized business with a stringent budget.
- Affordability: When it comes to ERP systems, Odoo is very extremely reasonable – again, which is why it is so attractive to small to medium business communities.
– Compatibility
- Complementary to Other Systems: Because of its structure, Odoo can often accompany other systems and enhance overall business productivity. For example, if an organization has an existing ERP, however they need CRM support – Odoo CRM would likely integrate with their existing system, while allowing for CRM capabilities without replacing their entire ERP suite.
- API-Friendly: Odoo can efficiently integrate with other large systems, specifically: Amazon, eBay, UPS / FedEx, and QuickBooks.
– Implementation:
- Slow and Steady: Odoo provides the opportunity for organizations to grow and evolve with the software instead of implementing an overwhelming solution that is too much for a company to handle. Modules, applications, and functions can be added throughout the business transformation and can progress with digital strategies.
- Ease of Execution: Because of the product’s relative ease of use and technical simplicity, it can be easier, less costly, and less risky to implement than other ERP systems.
Considerations:
Though there are quite a few strengths with Odoo, there are also weaknesses and tradeoffs as well. Here are a few things to consider as potential weaknesses if you are considering this product:
– Resources
- Hands on Implementation Approach: Being that Odoo is so flexible, it does require an elevated level of attention because it is an open-source system. It involves a dedicate approach when it comes to implementation.
- Bandwidth: Often small or medium size businesses do not have massive IT teams that can become experts in modular / open-source software, as Odoo necessitates. This software takes a clear strategic approach – it is not an out-of-the box solution and needs proactive day-to-day management.
- Business Processes: Odoo does not have as many pre-defined business process templates or established workflows as some other ERP systems. If your organization is looking for more structured business processes, this system may not be for you.
– Simplicity
- Advanced Needs: Odoo is can often be too one-dimensional to meet any sophisticated needs or requirements, especially with a low-tech support system. In order to truly customize, it requires a more technically inclined methodology than other ERP solutions.
Odoo Comparisons:
We compare Odoo to other top ERP systems in the videos linked below. Check out these videos for additional Odoo and ERP system reviews and comparisons:
- Odoo vs. NetSuite
- QuickBooks.vs. Odoo
- Odoo vs. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
If your organization requires either a supplementary software system or extreme flexibility, Odoo would be a great choice for you. It is popular solution because of ease-of-use and its ability to meet the unique requirements of each business – while offering the opportunity for the company to grow with the system.
More questions about Odoo? Please feel free to contact me directly to schedule time to discuss your business needs in more detail. I am happy to be a sounding board as you continue your digital transformation journey!
