Odoo is an open-source software that is commonly praised for its flexibility and customisation opportunities. However, while tailor-made solutions can unlock powerful capabilities, they are not necessarily the right call for every business. In fact, standard Odoo functionality is what we tend to look at first, before suggesting any customisations to our clients. This article explores what standard Odoo is and whether it is sufficient for your business needs.
Standard Odoo functionality
Standard Odoo refers to the off-the-shelf selection of modules offered by the software. Odoo lists 46 core applications on their website, covering the essentials needs to manage various business functions. This includes:
- Sales management: CRM system, Sales, Rental, Subscriptions, and POS software;
- Finance: Accounting software, Invoicing, Expenses, Documents, Spreadsheets, and Sign;
- Website and ecommerce: Website builder, eCommerce solution, Blog, Forum, eLearning, and Live Chat functionality;
- Manufacturing and managed inventory: Purchase, PLM (Product Lifecycle Management), Maintenance, Quality, Inventory management, and Manufacturing modules;
- Human resource management: Employees, Recruitment, Time Off, Appraisals, Referral, and Fleet;
- Services and projects: Project management, Timesheet, Field Service, Helpdesk, Planning, and Appointments;
- Marketing: Email Marketing, SMS Marketing, Social Marketing, Marketing Automation, Events, and Survey;
- Productivity (collaboration): Discuss, Approvals, Internet of Things, VOIP, and Knowledge.
Additionally, standard Odoo includes the Studio module, which can be used by developers for creating custom Odoo solutions.
All of these modules are integrated seamlessly within the software, providing a comprehensive solution to the fundamental needs of most businesses.
Benefits of using standard Odoo
Cost-effectiveness
One of the primary advantages of using standard Odoo is its cost-effectiveness. The initial investment is significantly lower compared to custom Odoo solutions, which require extensive development and ongoing maintenance. Standard software reduces these costs by offering a ready-to-use platform with all essential features included. This can be particularly beneficial for small businesses operating on tight budgets.
Ease of implementation
Standard Odoo is known for its ease of implementation. Businesses can deploy it quickly, thanks to its simpler configuration process. This means that businesses encounter less downtime and can gain faster access to the software (e.g. with our Odoo Essentials plan, we implement the software fully ready to use in just 20 business days).
Scalability and flexibility
The high flexibility of Odoo allows businesses to start with the basic modules and gradually expand it as their needs grow. The standard modules can, too, be tweaked and modified to work better with the company’s workflows, which is much quicker and easier than developing brand-new solutions. Either way, new features can be integrated as and when necessary, ensuring that the software will grow together with the business for years to come.
Suitability for small businesses
Although standard Odoo can be used for businesses of all sizes, the larger organisations tend to have a lot more specific requirements for their ERP software. Small businesses, on the other hand, often have much simpler needs - many of them are still managing most of their activities on Excel Sheets. Therefore, Standard Odoo comfortably covers all the essential functionality without the need for costly customisations.
For example, a small retail business will be able to efficiently manage its inventory, sales, customer relationships, and ecommerce shop using only standard Odoo functionality. The centralisation of all of these functions within a single platform will inevitably increase the company’s productivity and efficiency, leading to increased revenues as well.
Potential limitations of standard Odoo
While standard Odoo offers many benefits, it's important to acknowledge its limitations, which may want to be addressed as the business grows. In certain scenarios, standard Odoo might not be sufficient, particularly for businesses with highly specialised / niche industry requirements or unique / complex operational processes.
Additionally, specific regulatory compliance needs might go beyond the functionalities provided by standard Odoo, necessitating custom solutions. Businesses operating in heavily regulated industries, such as healthcare or finance, might require additional features to ensure compliance. For instance, standard Odoo often offers localised accounting functionality for specific countries, but, since the software is operating globally, it may not include all reports and features that are needed. However, in this case, businesses can also purchase accounting modules which solve the limitations in those markets, without the need to develop their own custom solutions.
Evaluating your business
To determine whether standard Odoo meets your business requirements, it is essential to conduct a business audit. This includes a thorough evaluation of your current processes, identifying your key issues, priorities, and needs. You can then compare these against the features available on standard Odoo modules.
Not only that, it is crucial to consider your future growth and scalability expectations, to ensure that standard Odoo can support you for the foreseeable future. If you expect that a certain functionality will be needed within a year, it may be easier to add it on straight away.
Let’s talk about your needs!
Still unsure whether standard Odoo covers your needs? Or perhaps you need help with your business audit?
Our experienced team of Odoo consultants and business process analysts can assist you! At Via laurea, we offer free consultations, during which we will discuss your business needs and provide a GAP analysis free of charge.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch!
