Odoo Implementations

What is Odoo Implementation?

Odoo implementation involves integrating Odoo modules and features into your business. When a company chooses Odoo, they often seek guidance from professionals with expertise in all aspects of the software.

Partnering with a company like Clevacat ensures a smooth Odoo implementation process.

Here we explain the Odoo implementation methodology.

One of the main goals of implementation is to keep the solution as standard as possible. Odoo has an R&D team that has provided an amazing standard solution. We want avoid having to customize it. We make an effort to show the client the standard solution and enable them to understand its full potential. However, while we strive to maintain the standard solution, we recognize that some further development may be necessary. We carefully assess each customization request to ensure it aligns with our commitment to long-term maintainability. This ensures that the solution remains stable, secure, and upgradable in the future

We prioritize fast delivery to ensure our clients can start benefiting from our software as soon as possible. By keeping our solutions as standard as possible, we can expedite the implementation process and minimize delays.

We want to keep the implementation affordable. If we were to accept all of the clients’ requirements without question or investigation, the costs would be too high and it would not give the return that we expect. By prioritizing a standard approach, we can keep costs down while still delivering a high-quality solution.

Finally, we strive to create the most efficient solutions possible. Rather than simply replicating existing processes, we collaborate closely with clients to understand their specific objectives. This allows us to identify opportunities for process improvement. We avoid replications and unnecessary customizations, ultimately leading to a more efficient and cost-effective solution.

Phase Two: Project Kick-off

If an ROI Analysis has not already been carried out then a quick one is done during the kick-off to validate the project’s feasibility.

In this phase we first establish Single-Point-of-Contact (SPoC) and then align them on the Odoo Implementation Methodology (OIM). The SPoC is the client representative that has made themselves fully available and is in a position to make key decisions throughout the project. They are also expected to invest time to learn Odoo. A standard training programme is provided in order to facilitate this.

The project plan is finalized and we make sure that the proposed solution meets the clients' requirements. 

If the standard Odoo solution does not meet a requirement of the client then we consider using the Studio Customization module provided by Odoo. If this does not suffice then we will categorize the requirement as either: "Must have"; or "Nice to have."

If it isn't essential, we will address it after deployment. If, however, the project cannot move forward without it, we will go ahead with the development planning and provide a cost to the client.

Phase Three: Implementation

During implementation we start at the foundation - that is, the data. Many clients will instinctively want all of their data migrated to the new system. However, we recommended starting only with the master data and the ongoing data. Importing historical data can be complex and will take time. When we consider the cost versus the added value it is rarely viable. 

Master data refers to the core, static information about entities like customers, products, suppliers, and employees, which provides the foundational structure for the system. This data is stable and rarely changes, serving as the backbone for business processes. In contrast, ongoing data includes the active, transactional records—such as open invoices, current sales orders, and recent customer transactions—that reflect the live state of operations and need to be up-to-date for smooth continuity in the new system. 

Together, master data and ongoing data ensure that Odoo is populated with essential information without the complexity of historical records, which are typically archived separately. This ensures that the new system is ready to support current business operations and customer needs without the complexity of bringing over years of historical records.

It is the responsibility of the the SPoC and the key users gather the data and prepare it so that it is clean and ready for import. 

Once the data is setup, we will start configuring the software. We begin by creating a minimal viable product (MVP). The approach is the same as with the data: work only with what is essential. Anything that is not critical is deferred. Odoo has found that the sooner the client is using the system, the more successful the implementation. When building a house, you first need a bathroom before thinking about a hot tub.

On-boarding key users is the next step of the implementation phase. Since we are replacing a system and not simply replicating it, there will obviously be differences. Our goal is to minimize the gap between the two systems, but some level of training will be required regardless. Training is also an opportunity to explain to the key users the added value of the software. All of this will help to ease the transition to the new system. At this stage of the process, the SpoC will be considered the internal Odoo expert and, as such, will be responsible for the training.