Partner vs DIY in Odoo implementation

Implementing an ERP system such as Odoo is a key step in optimizing business processes. Companies are faced with a choice: to implement the system themselves (DIY) or to engage a professional partner. Each path has its advantages and risks, and the right decision determines not only the cost of the project but also the stability and efficiency of the business in the long term. We analyze which approach is more effective from different points of view and how to choose the optimal solution for your business.

The DIY Path: Opportunities and Limitations 

DIY (Do It Yourself) or independent implementation of Odoo often begins with the belief that it is a quick and economical way, because Odoo Community Edition is free, the interface is modern and intuitive, and the basic modules can be installed in just a few clicks. At this stage, a business may logically assume: “If the system is easy to install, why involve a partner when there is an in-house technical specialist and a deep understanding of our own processes?”

But problems arise not during installation, but when you need to adapt the system to real business processes. Odoo is not a set of separate modules, but an interconnected architecture in which changing one element affects others. Below are the most common risks of the DIY approach.

Focus on the old approaches 

Companies that are transitioning from familiar tools such as Excel and local accounting systems often try to replicate the old logic in the new system. Instead of adapting processes to the platform's best practices, the system is rebuilt around previous working models.

As a result, the ERP begins to malfunction. For example, errors appear in the configuration of warehouse routes, which affect the ability to write off or complete a production order.

Uncontrolled using

There are over 50,000 modules available in the Odoo store, and the desire to quickly “close” a need with an additional plugin often arises. But it is important to remember that modules from different developers can conflict with each other. Overwriting logic, duplicating methods, or varying code quality can lead to malfunctions, including critical ones, such as Internal Server Error errors when generating important reports.

We wrote more about using a large number of applications in Odoo Customization Guide

Problems with updates

Internal specialists who have no experience working with the Odoo framework sometimes change the core of the system or create customizations without taking future updates into account. As a result, when upgrading to a new version or installing security patches, such changes may be lost or cause system instability. Also, the cost of support in the long term often exceeds the initial savings.

The path with a partner: investing in expertise, not just code

Unlike the DIY approach, which often involves experimentation and gradual experience gain, working with an official Odoo partner ensures predictable results. It is important to understand that the cost of an integrator's hour includes not only writing code, but also many years of experience in implementing projects. It is this experience that allows you to avoid mistakes that will cost much more than the initial investment. Let's consider the key elements of the value that a partner creates.

Ability to refuse unnecessary development

One of the main competencies of a partner is not only the ability to develop functionality, but also the ability to determine whether this development is necessary in a given case. Clients often come with requests dictated by their experience with previous systems, such as “We want to replicate the process exactly as it was in our old solution.” A DIY approach means immediate implementation of the requirement. A partner, on the other hand, asks clarifying questions:

• What business benefits should this feature provide?
• Is there already a standard Odoo mechanism that performs this task?
• Will customization create a dependency that will complicate further support?

The partner acts as a business consultant because they know the standard logic of Odoo and help to maximize its capabilities. The less custom code there is, the lower the cost of ownership of the system and the higher the level of stability.

We wrote about what determines the cost of Odoo reading in this article ERP Implementation Costs Explained

Choosing the right modules

As mentioned above, the Odoo ecosystem includes thousands of modules and ready-made solutions. The ability to navigate it correctly is one of the main advantages. First, the partner knows which OCA (Odoo Community Association) modules are reliable. Second, they are also familiar with the Odoo App Store and can assess the quality of third-party solutions. Finally, partners understand which modules are safe to use and which pose risks to database performance and integrity.

Architecture, scalability, and system lifecycle

The most important but invisible part of a partner's work is proper architectural design. A partner expands Odoo's capabilities without interfering with the core of the system. This ensures correct operation when updating Odoo to new versions, the ability to switch from Community to Enterprise, and predictable long-term support. A system developed without architectural principles often cannot be updated without major reworking.

Therefore, with a partner, you will have a faster launch, system stability, and predictable updates and support. In the case of DIY, you will face years of spending on an internal team, the risk of project delays, and losses from failures or process stoppages.

The hidden cost of the DIY approach

One of the main misconceptions about DIY implementation is that it is “free.” In reality, the true cost only becomes apparent after calculating the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).  The hidden cost includes the following components:

1. The cost of an in-house IT specialist. Even a Middle Python Developer requires a significant investment. 
2. The cost of errors and failures. Incorrect system configuration can have direct financial consequences. According to integrators, even one day of downtime in operational processes can cost more than a full month of work by an external partner.
3. Lost profits. While the internal team spends months on implementation, the company does not actually benefit from ERP. 
4. Risk factor if knowledge about the system's operation is concentrated in one person. If the specialist leaves, the company is left with a system whose internal logic it cannot access.

By choosing DIY, the company effectively takes on the role of an IT developer. Here it is worth asking yourself: is the creation and maintenance of ERP your core competence? Working with a partner allows you to invest in the result, rather than in a lengthy and risky process.

When is a DIY approach to ERP implementation appropriate?

Independent implementation may be optimal in the following cases:

• Microbusiness (1–5 users) with standard and linear processes;
• Use of one or more basic modules without complex integrations (e.g., CRM or Kanban);
• Limited budget and sufficient time for self-training and testing;
• Presence of an experienced Odoo developer in the team who understands ORM and system modularity.

Keep in mind that DIY is an option for simple scenarios and small companies where the risks are minimal and the learning process is acceptable. However, for businesses that work with complex processes, scaling, or integrations, independent implementation can create significant technological and financial risks in the future.

Comparative analysis

Conclusion: Partner vs DIY

Implementing Odoo ERP is a strategic investment. DIY is suitable for learning and simple scenarios, but for complex business processes, it risks becoming an expensive mistake. Partner implementation is the best choice in situations where business processes are complex, downtime costs are high, and the system performs critical functions. In such scenarios, the integrator effectively acts as a guarantee of stability and protection of the business from technical risks.