What is Odoo? Complete Guide to Features, Uses & Benefits | Entrivis Tech Pvt. Ltd.

Discover what Odoo is and how it empowers businesses with ERP solutions. Explore its key features, benefits, and industry-specific uses with Entrivis Tech Pvt. Ltd.

April 25, 2025

Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses need more than just basic software tools to manage their operations. They need scalable, integrated, and customizable solutions that adapt to changing needs, and that’s where Odoo steps in.

What is Odoo?

Odoo is an all-in-one open-source ERP platform designed to manage every aspect of a business—from CRM and sales to inventory, accounting, HR, and more. Its modular design allows businesses to start small and scale easily as they grow.

Originally known as OpenERP, Odoo was founded by Fabien Pinckaers in 2005 with the goal of making enterprise software more accessible and adaptable. As the platform evolved beyond just ERP functionalities, it rebranded to "Odoo" in 2014—signifying its transformation into a comprehensive business suite that goes far beyond traditional ERP.

Today, Odoo is used by over 7 million users worldwide, and its strong open-source community contributes to continuous innovation, keeping it at the forefront of ERP technology.

Why Businesses Are Choosing Odoo ERP Over Traditional ERP Systems

Traditional ERP systems are often costly and rigid, while Odoo ERP offers a modular, flexible, and cost-effective solution. The advantages of Odoo ERP over traditional ERP systems lie in its customizability, faster deployment, and vast open-source app ecosystem. It’s the ideal choice for businesses seeking efficient digital transformation.

What is Odoo Used For?

Odoo ERP is a comprehensive open-source platform that integrates every aspect of a business into one unified system. Its modular architecture allows companies to start small and scale as they grow, making it a flexible choice for businesses of all sizes. From managing finances to running a full-fledged online store, Odoo covers it all.

Here are some of the most widely used Odoo modules:

Accounting & Finance

Odoo simplifies complex financial operations by automating journal entries, bank reconciliations, and tax computations. It supports multi-currency transactions and real-time financial reporting and integrates seamlessly with other modules like sales and payroll.

Sales & CRM (Customer Relationship Management)

Track leads, schedule follow-ups, and streamline your entire sales pipeline. Odoo CRM empowers sales teams with real-time dashboards, lead scoring, and complete customer visibility, all tightly linked with sales orders and quotations.

Inventory & Supply Chain Management

Gain full control over your stock with tools for batch tracking, barcode scanning, and automated replenishment. Odoo helps manage multiple warehouses and supports advanced logistics like drop-shipping and cross-docking.

Human Resources

Manage employee records, timesheets, attendance, payroll, and appraisals from one platform. Odoo’s HR suite streamlines recruitment, onboarding, and internal communication, helping organizations maintain an efficient and productive workforce.

Manufacturing (MRP)

Odoo’s MRP module lets you plan and control manufacturing processes with features like work center scheduling, BoM (Bill of Materials), and automated work orders. It supports quality control and traceability, making it ideal for industrial environments.

Project Management

Plan and execute projects with tools like Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and milestone tracking. Odoo allows teams to collaborate efficiently, monitor deadlines, and log timesheets, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Website Builder with Odoo CMS

Create and manage professional websites with Odoo’s built-in CMS. Use the drag-and-drop editor to design pages, publish blogs, manage SEO, and collect user data with custom forms—all without needing any coding experience.

E-commerce

Run a fully integrated online store with real-time inventory sync, seamless payment integration, and personalized shopping experiences. Odoo’s e-commerce module connects directly with your backend systems, simplifying operations from sales to delivery.

Why Odoo is a Game-Changer for Small Businesses

Odoo ERP is redefining how businesses manage their operations by offering a centralized, modern, and flexible alternative to traditional systems. Here's what makes it a standout platform:

All-in-One Business Tool

Odoo combines everything you need—accounting, sales, HR, inventory, CRM, and more—into one easy-to-use platform. No more switching between multiple software tools.

Modular & Grows with You

Start small and add more apps as your business grows. Whether you need just invoicing or full manufacturing, Odoo scales to fit your needs.

Cloud or On-Premise – Your Choice

You can run Odoo in the cloud for speed and flexibility or host it on your own servers for more control and security.

Smarter with AI

Odoo is adding AI to make your work easier—think smart document scanning, automated tasks, and better decision-making.

See how AI is transforming Odoo

Key Benefits of Odoo

Grows with Your Business

Start with the basics and add new features as you need them, so you only pay for what you use.

Budget-Friendly

As an open-source system, Odoo is cost-effective, saving you money on expensive licenses.

All-in-One Integration

With Odoo Integration Manage everything—from sales and accounting to inventory and HR—on one platform, cutting out the hassle of juggling multiple systems.

Boosts Efficiency Through Automation

Automate routine tasks and get real-time updates, freeing you to focus on growing your business.

Makes Smart Decisions Easy

With built-in reporting and analytics, you get clear insights that help you make better business decisions faster.

User-Friendly Design

An intuitive, simple interface means less time training and more time getting work done.

What Does an Odoo Developer Do?

Odoo Implementation & Customization

To get the most out of your Odoo ERP, it’s always wise to hire a certified Odoo partner who can help with setup, customization, and training. They ensure the platform fits your business perfectly from day one. If you're new, this Odoo Getting Started guide is a great place to begin. You can also explore the official Odoo YouTube tutorials for hands-on learning. With expert help and the right resources, getting started with Odoo is easier than ever.

Odoo API Integrations – Seamless Connectivity with Third-Party Applications

At EntrivisTech, we specialize in creating seamless Odoo API integrations to connect your Odoo ERP system with a wide range of third-party applications. Whether it’s payment gateways, CRM tools, or other business solutions, our expert team ensures smooth data flow and communication between Odoo and external systems. Our custom API integrations help improve your workflow, boost productivity, and provide a more streamlined business process.

Odoo Maintenance & Support – Ensuring Your System’s Long-Term Success

A smooth-running Odoo ERP system is key to your business’s efficiency. At EntrivisTech, we provide comprehensive Odoo maintenance and support services to ensure your system stays up-to-date, secure, and efficient. From regular updates and troubleshooting to handling critical issues, our team of Odoo specialists ensures your system runs without interruptions, helping your business stay ahead in today’s competitive market.

Looking for Expert Odoo Development or Migration? Explore Our Services:

Odoo Demo – See Odoo in Action

Curious about Odoo? Book a free demo with us! We'll show you how Odoo works and how it can be customized to fit your business needs.

Odoo Development – Tailored for Your Business

Need custom features in Odoo? Our developers can build and integrate solutions that match your business goals, making your system more efficient and scalable.

Odoo Migration – Move to Odoo with Ease

Switching from another system? We help you migrate to Odoo smoothly, with no data loss and minimal downtime. Let us handle the process from start to finish.