There are many misconceptions about ERP software implementation, but one of the most common - that the process is always long and complex. If you are a business looking for ERP or, specifically, Odoo implementation services, this may sound somewhat off-putting.
However, although it can be complex, depending on your needs, it does not apply to every single project. Therefore, in this article, we want to clear the air and explain what Odoo implementation process really looks like, start to finish.
Business audit
The very first stage, business audit, or as we call it, the GAP analysis, is vital in ensuring that the whole project goes smoothly from the get-go. This step is all about understanding your company’s needs and identifying any inefficiencies or bottlenecks for optimisation. Based on the complexity of your organisation, it will answer whether you need custom solutions and software modifications or if your needs can be met with standard tools. The audit should cover the whole organisation, across all departments, focusing on any pain points each of them currently have.
The business audit can be completed by the company itself or by your chosen Odoo implementation partner. After that, the partner should be able to provide you with an estimated quote and timeline for your project. If standard solutions cover your needs, you may also be able to simply purchase one of our implementation packages with fixed Odoo cost.
Project roadmap
Once your Odoo needs are clear, the next step is to outline a project roadmap. This is particularly important for larger organisations with non-standard requirements, such as customisations, integrations with existing systems, or anything else. The roadmap outlines the goals and timelines of your implementation, making sure that the most crucial functionality is prioritised.
It will help both the company and the Odoo partner follow a more structured approach, understanding the plan of action and making sure the project stays aligned with your business objectives. Additionally, this is when you will meet your dedicated project manager, assign your own team members, and set up regular catch-up meetings.
The implementation phases
Provided that the auditing and planning stages were done thoroughly, the implementation itself should be pretty straightforward. Below are the key steps:
Configuration and customisation
With the company’s audit and workflows in hand, the Odoo implementation team proceeds to install and configure the base modules to align with your business processes. Given Odoo's modular architecture, this often involves selecting and adapting the right mix of standard modules. This process can be very speedy or a bit more time-consuming, depending on how much tailoring of standard tools your business requires.
If you have unique business needs and require customisations, this is where the process becomes more complex. Developing tailor-made solutions is more costly and time-consuming, but the open-source ERP Odoo is incredibly flexible and provides a lot of room for out-of-the-box functionality. An experienced Odoo partner will ensure that customisations are completed in a timely manner.
Data migration
Data migration is an important phase, involving the transfer of existing business data into the new Odoo software database. Again, meticulous planning and strategising is required to avoid the many potential challenges or issues that may arise. A thorough data migration will ensure data integrity, accuracy, and security across all business areas. The length of this phase will highly depend on each company’s individual situation: the volume and quality of data, ease of accessibility to existing servers, etc.
Testing and training
Before the software goes live, rigorous testing is conducted to make sure that every aspect of the implementation functions as intended. This includes unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT), which involves real users from the company validating the system against its business requirements.
Parallel to testing, comprehensive training sessions are conducted to familiarise the end-users with the new system. Effective training is instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition, empowering users to leverage the full potential of the Odoo ERP system. While some teams may need longer training hours, others get the hang of this user-friendly programme within a few sessions.
Post-implementation support
As the system becomes operational, post-implementation support is important to minimise any disruptions to business operations. Most Odoo partners offer customer support and maintenance plans. It’s important that the client has someone to go to with unexpected issues or questions, particularly in the first year of using the software. This also means that any adjustments or new functionality can be implemented as new needs arise.
Conclusion
The journey of Odoo implementation is very methodical, with proper planning and understanding of business workflows being paramount. However, a successful implementation does not always have to be a long and draining process - in fact, most simple projects with standard functionality can be completed within 1-2 months. The results, on the other hand, can be transformative!
If you are considering Odoo business solutions but feel unsure about the implementation process, we are here to help! Get in touch and let’s chat about your needs:
