What ERP is and why Odoo

ERP as one database for the whole business, the problems it solves, and where Odoo sits among SAP, Dynamics, NetSuite and Sage.

In this lesson

One database for the whole business
Odoo's modular apps and editions
Where Odoo wins and loses

Key points

ERP = one shared database and one version of the truth
Odoo apps are modules that share records
Community (LGPL-3) vs Enterprise (subscription, more apps and hosting)
Odoo competes on breadth, price, speed and openness

Real-world example

A Kano agro-processor ran sales in Excel, stock in a ledger and accounts in Sage. Month-end took nine days and stock never matched. After Odoo Sales, Inventory and Accounting went live, each delivery moved stock and posted valuation entries automatically; month-end dropped to two days and the stock count variance fell below 1%.

Questions and answers

Name two Enterprise-only apps.

For example Studio, Payroll, Planning, Sign, Field Service features, IoT, full Accounting.

Why do weak implementations hurt Odoo's reputation?

Over-customisation breaks upgrades and stability, then the product gets blamed.

Read the full lesson, worked example and quiz