Odoo 17: 7 Best New Features & Notices Before Upgrading
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Marcie Nguyen
Marcie is a skilled writer at Havi Technology focusing on creating content for marketing, eCommerce, point of sales, and ERP solutions. With over 8 years of experience in the retail, eCommerce and ERP technology sectors, Marcie is dedicated to providing insightful answers to business owners of all scales.
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Odoo 17 introduced a range of exciting new features and improvements, which are expected to revolutionise how your business operates. From a brand-new user interface to powerful AI integration, this version offers significant upgrades that will make things easier.
Delve into the best new features in Odoo 17 and consider our recommendations for what you should do before upgrading.
Best new features in Odoo 17
1. A fresh makeover
Odoo has introduced an entirely revamped interface, marking a significant highlight in this new version. The conventional perception of Odoo with its distinctive purple image has been transformed, as recorded in the recent Odoo 17 release notes. It presents a comprehensive redesign that seamlessly integrates a clean UI with modern elements.
Odoo has created alterations from app library icons to an entire UI overhaul. The design is not only clean but also engaging and enjoyable. Described by Odoo as a reflection of their vision to enhance workdays, one feature at a time, the new UI embodies a balance of functionality and aesthetics.
2. New industry library
You can now streamline your experience by choosing your industry directly from the library and do not need to navigate through the extensive array of 80+ apps. This tailored approach facilitates a more efficient and industry-specific onboarding process.
If you choose a specific industry, a suite of relevant apps with pre-configured business workflows and demonstration data is ready to use. This approach ensures a smooth configuration process within your industry selection and reduces the complexities of implementation.
3. Improved POS
The POS system has significant enhancements, specifically to modern restaurants or shops. It now lets customers place orders and make payments through QR code scanning on their mobile devices or by a self-service kiosk.
Significantly, the new Kitchen Display feature focuses on optimising order processing for kitchen staff. It offers versatility for handling online orders or preparing large customised orders. These updates enhance menu customisation with features like pricing combos for complete menus and improved variants for flexibility. Moreover, the Appointments integration enables customers to book tables online easily.
4. New AI integration
Odoo has seamlessly integrated ChatGPT into its ecosystem with diverse applications. From refining Knowledge articles to enhancing marketing campaigns and emails, ChatGPT empowers you to generate text alternatives. This strategic integration underscores Odoo's commitment to providing cutting-edge tools for a better user experience.
The Website app now integrates with ChatGPT to streamline website creation through auto-generated content tailored to your objectives.
5. New website scraper
Odoo 17 brings a notable update to its website scraper feature. This feature streamlines the migration of external websites into Odoo pages, eliminating the need for extra manual efforts. You can integrate external websites effortlessly by pasting your addresses, enabling Odoo to adapt the structure to fit well within the Odoo setting.
Moreover, Odoo provides an efficient method so that you can create new pages from the ground up with industry-specific templates and AI integration. The updates show a broader range of page templates, a redesigned header and footer, and an improved shape library. Significantly, Odoo 17 overhauled the customer portal, along with a refreshed front end for E-commerce, Events, Forums, and Appointments.
6. Significant updates in Sales apps
Odoo 17 introduces notable enhancements with the Sales apps. The quotation builder now lets users craft personalised quotations with images, product descriptions, tailored messages, terms and conditions.
Furthermore, the product catalogue has had significant improvements. This helps simplify the process of searching and adding products to quotations. With a single click, you can now access a comprehensive view of all products and improve your workflow’s efficiency.
7. Supply chain, inventory and production
For you to streamline the replenishment process, Odoo 17’s Manufacturing Order Overview will consolidate essential data, such as component status and reordering options. You can efficiently compare vendors directly within the dynamic report to improve the management of manufacturing orders.
In Odoo 17, the Shop Floor app replaces Tablet View and notably enhances the experience for work centre operators. Once a Manufacturing Order is confirmed, it appears on the Shop Floor, allowing operators to easily follow work instructions. A simple touch on the touchscreen instantly updates the database, and this marks a smoother and more efficient process.
The latest update introduces a notable feature to manufacturing orders, with a barcode scanner and mobile device compatibility. You can easily update information by scanning used components, and automatic printing upon barcode scanning, among other improvements. Moreover, the Inventory management app sees enhancements in the picking flow, allowing you to view quantities per location as reserving products.
When is the right time to switch to Odoo 17?
Odoo 17 has been accessible since November 8th on Odoo Online, and also downloadable on Odoo.sh.
It's important to note that Odoo 16 was available for Odoo.sh production branches in February of 2023 (a few months after release). While upgrading scripts are accessible for testing, a stable Odoo 17 version suitable for production databases is expected to be available for on-premise and Odoo.sh customers around February. As a best practice, it is advisable to consider upgrading to the new version no earlier than three months post-release to mitigate potential bugs and errors that may arise during this initial period.
Note that if your system includes third-party modules and customisations, it is advisable to wait until their developers release updated versions compatible with Odoo 17.
Should you upgrade Odoo 16 to Odoo 17?
Although Odoo 16 introduced a wealth of features, Odoo 17 builds upon and enhances these capabilities. But should you implement the Odoo 17 upgrade? For users currently on Odoo 16, waiting may be an option, but those with older versions of the Odoo ERP should seriously consider upgrading for a better experience. Here are key reasons to consider:
Now let’s explore Odoo 17 advancements in detail.
Aspects to consider before switching to Odoo 17
Before starting the switch, it's essential to evaluate the current state of your existing system and plan accordingly:
Wrap things up
For more accurate details on Odoo 17, you can visit the official Odoo website, release notes, and community forums. The community actively participates in discussions, and official channels provide the latest updates on new features and improvements.
Whether you’re already using Odoo or about to implement ERP software for your business, Odoo 17 is a top choice. It enables businesses to streamline operations, increase productivity, and achieve earlier success. If you need assistance with Odoo 17 or other digital transformation-related cases, do not hesitate to discuss them with us. Havi Technology, certified as Odoo’s Official Partner in Australia, is always ready to provide comprehensive support throughout your implementation process.
Odoo 17 - Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Odoo 17?
Odoo 17 is the latest version, which was released by Odoo in October 2013. It is one of the leading open-source ERP providers in the market. Odoo 17 has since been followed by two more minor releases, including Odoo 17.1 and Odoo 17.2. These versions introduced additional features and improvements from the vendor.
2. What is the difference between Odoo 16 and Odoo 17?
Compared to Odoo 16, Odoo 17 offers a range of new features, including a revamped user interface, industry-specific apps, better POS capabilities, AI integration, and improved website scraping. It also brings major upgrades to supply chain management and sales tools. In short, Odoo 17 is recommended for users on older versions even if it is not a mandatory update.
3. Can I implement Odoo on my own?
Although you can technically implement Odoo yourself, there are many benefits to working with an experienced Odoo partner. Partnering with Odoo experts can help you minimise risks, guarantee a seamless deployment process, and optimise Odoo's advantages for your company. Odoo partners may offer professional advice on training, data migration, customisation, module selection, and continuing support, resulting in a more effective and successful Odoo experience.