Odoo 18 Release: Key Updates And New Features
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October 28, 2024
Odoo, a leading ERP solution, has just released its latest version, Odoo 18, during the Odoo Experience event in October 2024. This new version brings several improvements that make managing business operations smoother and more intuitive. Let's explore what's new in the Odoo 18 release in this article.
Overview About Odoo
Odoo was originally launched as OpenERP in February 2005 by Odoo SA. It has grown to become one of the most versatile business management platforms available today. Odoo supports ERP, CRM, e-commerce, website development, and project management. Its adaptability and customizable system make it popular across various industries.
In 2015, Odoo Enterprise was introduced, enhancing the platform with mobile app integration and advanced customization options. These features have significantly increased Odoo's utility for businesses.
As of November 2023, Odoo was powering 73,318 live websites globally, making it the 14th most popular open-source ERP across the internet. With its "On-premise" offering, Odoo is recognized as the most installed business software worldwide, boasting over 5,000,000 users. This widespread adoption underscores its effectiveness in helping businesses manage their operations efficiently.About The Current Version: Odoo 17
Odoo 17 is the current version of Odoo. It was released during the Odoo Event from November 8th to November 10th, 2023. Odoo 17 includes several enhancements to streamline business operations and improve user interfaces, including:
- User Interface Optimization: A UI/UX redesign enhances the overall look and functionality, featuring more vibrant icons and intuitive navigation.
- Advanced Search Mode: Enables more precise data searches with customizable filters, improving productivity and user experience.
- Enhancements to Progressive Web App (PWA): New shortcuts for quicker access to applications on mobile devices, enhancing flexibility and mobile user experience.
- Keyboard Record Manipulation: Simplifies selection and deselection of records with new keyboard shortcuts and a 'Deselect All' button.
- Fixed Kanban List and Column Headers: Maintains header visibility while scrolling through long lists, improving data interaction.
- Create Button Enhancement: Updates the 'New' button to 'Create' for clearer action prompts.
- Product Addition from Category View: Allows direct product quantity adjustments from the category view in sales orders.
- Sign Module Enhancements: New reminders and notifications for pending documents to streamline document management workflows.
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Odoo 18 Release: Key Updates And New Features
Odoo 18 introduces a suite of enhancements aimed at refining the user experience and expanding functionality across various business operations. Here are the key updates and new features in this latest release:
1. Enhanced Marketing Module
Odoo 18 substantially upgrades its marketing tools to better align with industry-leading practices, ensuring marketers have state-of-the-art tools at their fingertips:
- Integrated Contact Management: Enhanced synchronization between contacts and mailing lists facilitates precise email segmentation and effective campaign management.
- Advanced Email Deliverability: Upgrades to the email server configuration reduce the risk of emails landing in spam, thereby increasing engagement rates.
- Streamlined Marketing Automation: The platform simplifies the setup of marketing automation workflows, making powerful tools accessible to marketers of all skill levels.
- Dynamic Linking of Data: Automatic association of survey responses and event registrations with corresponding contacts enriches CRM data without manual intervention.
- Unlimited Newsletter Distribution: This feature removes the cap on newsletter sends, allowing unlimited communications to foster better customer relationships.
2. Sales Module: Target vs. Achievement Reporting
Odoo 18 introduces an innovative feature that allows managers to set precise sales targets and monitor individual achievements:
- Customizable Sales Goals: Managers can now set and adjust sales targets on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.
- Detailed Performance Analytics: The system generates comprehensive reports detailing how each salesperson's performance measures up against their targets, providing clarity and aiding in performance management.
3. Mobile CRM and Quoting
With an increasing need for mobility in business operations, Odoo 18 has significantly enhanced its CRM and quoting functionalities:
- Mobile-First CRM Access: Full optimization of the CRM module for mobile devices allows sales teams to manage customer interactions on the go effectively.
- Enhanced Mobile Quoting: The ability to create, adjust, and send quotes directly from mobile devices empowers sales teams with tools to close deals faster.
4. Non-Financial Reporting
Odoo 18 addresses the growing demand for transparency and corporate responsibility with its new non-financial reporting capabilities: comprehensive ESG Reporting. Businesses can track and report on environmental, social, and governance factors, supporting sustainable and ethical business practices.
5. Website Builder's UI Enhancements
The Odoo Website Builder receives several user interface enhancements to improve usability and flexibility. With the diverse UI Options, users can select from multiple design layouts that cater to different preferences, enhancing the website development process for designers and developers alike.
6. Streamlined Task Management
Odoo 18 introduces functionalities to streamline workflow and enhance productivity across departments. New tools enable the mass completion of tasks, significantly reducing the administrative burden and allowing teams to focus on more strategic activities.
7. Advanced Project Management Tools
Gantt chart enhancements in Odoo 18 provide users with superior project tracking and management capabilities. Odoo 18 improved navigation tools in the Gantt charts, such as zoom and scroll, enhance user interaction, making it easier to manage complex projects.
8. Point of Sale Innovations
The POS system in Odoo 18 has been revamped to offer more seamless and integrated retail management solutions:
- Real-Time Modifications: Direct access to backend systems from the POS interface allows for real-time product updates and adjustments.
- Enhanced Barcode Functionality: Improved barcode scanning streamlines checkout processes, enhancing the customer experience.
9. E-commerce and Inventory Management Enhancements
Odoo 18 brings several innovations to e-commerce and inventory management that help businesses optimize their operations:
- Integrated Click + Collect: Enhanced e-commerce functionalities, such as an optimized Click + Collect process with a precise location selector, improve customer service.
- Streamlined Inventory Processes: Advanced tools for batch processing and inventory routing facilitate more efficient order fulfillment and stock management.
10. Comprehensive Financial Tools
The financial management suite in Odoo 18 is expanded to include more robust tools for managing business finances:
- Enhanced Accounting Dashboard: New visualization tools and customizable panels on the accounting dashboard provide deeper insights into financial health.
- Automated Financial Processes: Improved integration with banking services and streamlined transaction processing reduce manual workload and enhance accuracy.
Conclusion
Odoo 18 marks a significant advancement in enterprise resource planning with its robust suite of enhancements designed to streamline business processes and enhance operational efficiency. This release introduces upgraded features across several key areas including marketing, sales reporting, CRM functionalities, and financial management, making it an essential upgrade for businesses aiming to leverage technology for growth.
For those interested in exploring the specific details of these enhancements, the complete Odoo 18 release notes are available for an in-depth look.
If your business requires tailored Odoo customization solutions or specialized ERP software development, consider partnering with BHSoft. As the top software development company in Vietnam, our custom software development services can help you maximize the benefits of Odoo 18 for your business operations. Contact BHSoft today to discuss how we can assist in transforming your business processes and boosting your productivity.