5 Key Considerations Before Using Odoo

In today’s digital landscape, leveraging online enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools is essential for enhancing performance and achieving optimal results. Odoo, an open-source platform and one of the leading business management software globally, caters to over 12 million satisfied users for various reasons, including:

Comprehensive and Integrable

With over 70 certified apps, Odoo simplifies business processes through centralized data management and sharing.

Scalable

As your business grows, you can add the needed apps and expand your suite accordingly.

Customizable

Utilize the Studio app to tailor your system with shortcuts. Enhance your suite with third-party applications from the Odoo Apps Store for advanced features.

User-Friendly

Odoo’s intuitive design allows team members with varying levels of computer literacy to collaborate effortlessly on a unified platform.

Transparent Pricing

You can access one app for free or subscribe to our Standard or Custom plan for all certified apps at a single price with no hidden fees.

This remarkable flexibility allows Odoo to adapt to your unique business processes. However, we recognize that this adaptability can be overwhelming for newcomers. Here are five essential points to consider before committing to maximizing your Odoo experience.

1. Odoo Community vs. Odoo Enterprise

Did we mention that Odoo Community is entirely free? This open-source version is self-hosted on your own or rented server, enabling you to manage operations across finance, sales, eCommerce, human resources, marketing, services, and productivity with 29 certified apps featuring essential functions.

If you’re launching an online business, Odoo Community is an ideal starting point for testing and independently managing your database!

To access the full range of features, consider upgrading to the licensed Odoo Enterprise, which offers comprehensive accounting capabilities and exclusive functions like payroll management and the Amazon Connector. Your database will also benefit from regular updates. Enterprise users enjoy unlimited functional support simply by submitting a ticket.

Tailored for businesses poised for growth, the Enterprise version optimizes resource utilization by supporting custom developments.

2. Where Should I Host Odoo?

On-Premise

In addition to the Community version, Odoo Enterprise users can host their database on private servers. This option grants complete control over database management and infrastructure, allowing for extensive customizations.

However, this option is best suited for those with advanced technical expertise, as Odoo SA assumes no responsibility for the performance and scalability of your infrastructure.

Odoo offers Software as a Service (SaaS) or Platform as a Service (PaaS) hosting solutions, both of which automatically update your database to the latest version—perfect for small and medium-sized enterprises beginning their Odoo journey.

Odoo Online (SaaS)

The primary advantages of hosting with Odoo Online are performance and security. Odoo monitors your database around the clock from its 19 global offices. With daily backups stored on at least three different machines across various continents, you can download any backup from the past three months, ensuring maximum security.

Supported by Odoo Studio, SaaS users can customize the low-code platform to meet their specific needs.

Odoo.sh (PaaS)

Odoo.sh offers the best of both worlds, allowing users to benefit from Odoo SaaS while also accessing the open-source code for further customization.

In addition to certified apps, Odoo.sh supports third-party apps from our store and includes built-in tools to assist in developing new applications and custom features, such as:

Integration with GitHub
An online editor
Continuous integration (your own “runbot”)
Development and staging environments
Branch management (track, fork, merge, etc.)
Automated testing for new commits

Odoo PaaS combines the deployment and maintenance ease of Odoo Online with the customization freedom of Odoo On-Premise.

Every business is unique, which is why we provide various hosting options to create a management suite that best fits your needs while remaining budget-friendly. Odoo also collaborates with over 3,000 local service providers to ensure optimal regional support, both functionally and culturally.

3. Which Apps Do I Need?

Our certified apps are divided into eight main modules:

Sales
Finance
Inventory & Manufacturing
Website
Marketing
Human Resources
Services
Productivity

Each module addresses specific operational areas in your business. These integrable and automated apps facilitate data sharing and centralization, optimizing resources and streamlining workflows.

Can Odoo Assist in Launching My Online Business?

Absolutely! Odoo recognizes the importance of a strong online presence for modern business success. Whether you’re launching an online venture or seeking an ERP to support backend operations, Odoo provides the necessary assistance.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, we offer the Web Design Service (WDS) to help launch your online business. By adhering to best practices in UX/UI and customer journeys, Odoo assigns a dedicated team of web designers, sales experts, and front-end developers to create an optimal foundation for immediate success and a positive first impression.

We also offer robust support for established businesses. Whether it’s project and customer relationship management (CRM) or finance and inventory control, Odoo allows businesses to customize their systems with selected functionalities to enhance current operations, regardless of where you host your website.

Where Can I Learn More About Odoo?

Odoo prioritizes sustainable business development, which is reflected in its modular architecture and annual product updates. In addition to comprehensive documentation on all standard and localized features available in our certified apps, you can rely on our vast online community and forums for ideas and inspiration.

Voxtron stands out as a premier Odoo Partner, providing extensive expertise in implementing enterprise-level Odoo solutions across diverse industries. We specialize in delivering effective CRM and ERP solutions, along with a range of customer engagement tools, empowering organizations to enhance customer interactions, streamline business processes, and improve revenue predictability.