Odoo ERP Implementation: Step By Step Guide
Of many reasons to implement an ERP solution, the chief reason is the need for a common IT platform. Other reasons include a desire for process improvement, data visibility, operating cost reductions, increased responsiveness to customers and improvement in strategic decision-making.
Organizations need an implementation strategy encompassing both pre implementation and implementation stages. Implementation of ERP System is a complex exercise, involving many process alterations and several legacy issues.
Following issues must be carefully thought out and formulated, as a part of implementation strategy, before starting on actual implementation:
Business Process
An odoo ERP implementation could be a great occasion to assess and optimize existing business processes, control points, breaking points between departments, and interfaces with trading partners.
Automating existing manual processes peculiar to a company necessitates, significant source code customization, as even a best fit ERP product match to a maximum of 85% to 90% of legacy processes. Source code customization will not only require changing of software objects but also need changing data models.
The efforts needed to make such changes are significant in terms of development, testing and documentation. The future cost of maintenance and upgrades will be substantial, affecting entire life cycle of the system.
Another major implementation strategy is “phased implementation”, where roll out is done over a period. This method is less focused, prolonged and necessitates maintenance of legacy system over a period of time.
But, phased implementation is less risky, provides time for user’s acquaintance and fall back scenarios are less complicated. There are various choice of phasing such as i) phased roll out by locations for a multi location company ii) phased roll out by business unit e.g. human resources iii) Phased roll out by module e.g. general ledger.
Reason Why Implement Odoo ERP
- Affordable and open-source
- Easily customizable
- Smooth integration
- Smooth integration
- Enhanced business efficiency
- Access from mobile devices
Steps in the Odoo Implementation Process
Step 1: Starting Business Evaluation
The first thing you need to do when implementing Odoo is to carefully evaluate what your business needs and how it operates. This includes:
Figuring out business needs: Recognizing the main processes like sales, inventory, accounting, and HR that you want to manage with Odoo.
Picking the right Odoo modules: After understanding your business needs, choose the Odoo modules that will best fit what your company requires, like CRM, Manufacturing, Accounting, or HR.
Step 2: Planning & Strategy
After finishing the first assessment, the next thing to do is to create a plan and figure out the strategy for putting everything into action:
- Establishing specific goals and deadlines: Set clear and measurable goals for the project. Decide how long each part of the project will take to keep everything on schedule.
- Outlining the project scope: Determine what the project will cover, like which processes will be automated, and make sure that the scope matches the business goals.
Step 3: Installation and Configuration
The installation and configuration phase ensures Odoo is set up according to business needs:
- Choosing deployment options: Decide whether to host Odoo on-premise or use the cloud deployment option based on the company’s infrastructure and preferences.
- System setup and configuration: Configure the core settings and preferences for Odoo, including company details, user access rights, and workflows. Set up the chosen modules with business-specific configurations.
Step 4: Data Migration
- Migrating data: from your previous systems is an essential step in the Odoo implementation process
- Migrating data: Move important information like customer details, inventory records, sales data, and financial information from older systems or spreadsheets into Odoo.
- Ensuring accurate and complete data transfer: It's important to ensure that the data is properly formatted, consistent, and free of errors to prevent issues when using the new system.
Step 5: Customization
Odoo is highly customizable to meet the unique needs of each business. This step involves:
- Tailoring Odoo to your needs: Customize Odoo’s features and workflows to align with your business processes, ensuring it fits your operational requirements.
- Creating custom features or integrations: If necessary, develop custom features or integrate third-party tools to extend Odoo’s functionality, such as connecting to an e-commerce platform or other external systems.
Step 6: Testing & Quality Assurance
Before launching the system, it's crucial to conduct comprehensive testing to confirm that everything operates as intended:
- Testing functionality and performance: Carry out in-depth tests on all Odoo modules to verify their proper functioning. This involves reviewing business processes, workflows, and overall system performance.
- Identifying and resolving issues: Tackle any bugs, errors, or configuration problems found during testing to ensure a seamless transition when going live.
Step 7: Training and User Adoption
Effective training and user adoption are essential for a successful implementation:
- Training employees: Organize training sessions to help employees learn how to use Odoo effectively. This prepares the staff to navigate the new system confidently.
- Facilitating user adoption: Promote a seamless transition across teams by addressing any concerns, supplying user guides, and providing continuous support.
Step 8: Go-Live
Once all the previous steps are finalized, the system is set for the live environment:
- Transitioning to the live system: Shift from the testing phase to the operational Odoo system. Make sure users can log in and carry out their daily activities.
- Monitoring and troubleshooting: Keep a close eye on the system during the initial phase to ensure everything runs smoothly. Address any issues that come up quickly to reduce any disruptions.
Implementation Methodology:
Selection of implementation methodology constitutes an important component of implementation strategy.
Big bang: Most popular implementation methodology is “big bang” approach where on a scheduled cut-off date; entire system is installed throughout the organization. Implementation happens in a single instance. All users move to the new system and manual / legacy systems are discontinued on a given date.
The implementation is swift and price tag is lesser than a phased implementation. On the flip side, risk element is much higher and resources for training, testing and hand holding are needed at a much higher level, albeit for a shorter period of time.
Phased rollout: Another major implementation strategy is “phased implementation”, where roll out is done over a period. Changeover occurs in phases over an extended period of time. Users move onto new system in a series of steps. This method is less focused, prolonged and necessitates maintenance of legacy system over a period of time.
But, phased implementation is less risky, provides time for user’s acquaintance and fall back scenarios are less complicated. There are various choice of phasing such as i) phased roll out by locations for a multi location company ii) phased roll out by business unit e.g. human resources iii) Phased roll out by module e.g. general ledger.
Parallel adoption: Both the legacy and new ERP system run at the same time. Users learn the new system while working on the old. Methodology of implementation should form an important constituent of implementation strategy, which should be formulated after considering availability of resources, state of preparedness, risk perception, timeframe of implementation and budgetary provisions.