Most challenges Odoo users face are related to customizing standard modules or integrating third-party solutions. These changes can sometimes cause system errors or reduce the efficiency of business operations.
Yaroslav Husiar, Head of Support at SelfERP, and Oleksii Lytvynov, Customer Support Analyst at SelfERP, explain key points to consider in order to avoid common mistakes and ensure a stable Odoo environment.
What is Odoo Customization?
Odoo customization involves tailoring the software to a specific client’s needs or extending its standard functionality to meet unique business processes. It allows companies to make the system more flexible, including automating individual processes, integrating with other services, and creating additional modules.
Customization can range from changing the appearance of forms and reports to developing entirely new logic and features that aren’t available in the standard Odoo version. Proper customization helps companies improve operational efficiency, optimize employee workflows, and gain a competitive edge through unique solutions.
Customization vs. Configuration: What’s the Difference?
Before adapting Odoo to your needs, it’s essential to distinguish between customization and configuration:
- Customization – modifying standard processes or functions through coding or third-party modules.
- Configuration – adjusting Odoo settings without writing code, such as using parameters, fields, or standard system tools.
Understanding this difference helps you choose the right approach for adapting Odoo to your business processes. This guide focuses specifically on customization.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Customization
Odoo customization allows you to tailor the system to your needs, but it comes with some challenges.
Key Benefits:
- Competitive advantage. Create unique solutions not available in the standard system.
- Increased efficiency. Integrate various systems and automate processes.
- Optimized workflows. Make daily operations smoother and faster for employees.
- Flexibility. No need to wait for official Odoo updates; adapt the system to your current needs.
- Better alignment with operations. Ensure the system works exactly as your business requires.
Thoughtful customization turns Odoo into a powerful tool that supports your business. It allows faster responses to market changes, improves team productivity, and makes processes transparent and user-friendly.
Main Drawbacks:
- Development and maintenance costs. Custom solutions require resources to create and support.
- Specificity. Customization is tailored to your company and doesn’t evolve on its own.
- Limited knowledge. Only a small group of employees may understand the setup.
- Upgrade challenges. Custom modules may need adjustment when upgrading Odoo.
- Potential slowdowns. Some unique solutions can limit the system’s ability to update smoothly.
Being aware of these challenges helps minimize technical issues and makes system maintenance more predictable.
Ways to Customize Odoo
Odoo offers several ways to adapt the system to business needs, from simple tweaks to full module development. Each approach has its own features, advantages, and limitations.
Odoo Studio
Odoo Studio uses the system’s standard functionality. While not technically full customization, it works similarly.
It allows users to create and edit additional fields, adjust forms and reports, all without coding. Changes apply directly to your database.
Key points:
- Requires basic knowledge of Odoo (models, relationships, etc.), as mistakes can harm the database.
- Suitable for minor changes but not recommended to combine with code-based customization.
Development
This method involves creating or modifying Odoo apps (modules) through coding.
Key points:
- Create new modules or enhance existing ones.
- Deeply modify system logic, integrate with other services, and add completely new functionality.
- To users, custom and standard functionality look seamless.
- Requires a developer and proper hosting (Odoo.sh or On-Premises).
Odoo API
Customization can also be done externally via the Odoo API, which allows programs to interact and exchange data with Odoo.
Key points:
- Build external applications that read or write data through the API.
- Integrate with any third-party service supporting APIs (e.g., logistics providers, e-commerce platforms).
- Offers nearly unlimited flexibility, but API changes in new Odoo versions may require adjustments.
Odoo App Store
To save time and development costs, you can use ready-made solutions from third-party developers via the Odoo App Store, which offers 50,000+ apps.
Key points:
- Odoo does not verify third-party modules, so compatibility, security, and performance risks exist. Test apps before purchase, request demos, and involve a developer if needed.
- Some modules may duplicate standard functionality introduced in newer Odoo versions.
- Any app from the Odoo App Store is considered a custom solution and shares the same limitations as other customizations.
Potential Risks of Third-Party Apps:
- Poor coding standards can make maintenance and updates difficult.
- Security risks may expose sensitive data if permissions or code are incorrect.
- Performance issues may occur with larger databases or scheduled tasks (cron jobs).
- Upgrades may require additional adaptation and cost.
Testing, code review, and developer involvement help minimize these risks.
Finding Trusted Developers on Odoo App Store
Some developers produce high-quality, verified apps. Look for apps supported by the Odoo Community Association (OCA) or available in the OCA App Store for reliable, maintained modules.
SelfERP Support Team Tips for Odoo Customization
Customization isn’t always necessary. Sometimes, Odoo works perfectly with standard functionality. Over-customization often happens due to temporary problems, lack of user familiarity, or expecting a “one-button solution” for complex tasks.
Best Practices for Customization:
- Conduct a GAP analysis to determine if customization is truly needed.
- Let employees work with standard Odoo for three months before making changes.
- Evaluate benefits for the company, not just individual users.
- Budget for ongoing support and updates.
- Be cautious with third-party apps.
- Ensure continuous support for custom solutions.
In short, avoid unnecessary customizations. First, check if standard settings or user training can solve the problem.
A thoughtful approach to customization maximizes Odoo’s benefits while minimizing risks. When changes are well-planned, tested, and supported, Odoo delivers reliable, efficient performance for your business.
