Odoo 18 Sneak Peek: 10+ Most Expected Features (Updated From The Roadmap)
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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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Every year, Odoo releases new features and this year, it’s going to be an Odoo 18 release. The excitement was in the air as Odoo Partners spoke with CEO Fabien Pinckaers directly about the upcoming improvements. And, the momentum built up to the much-awaited release of the Odoo 18 R&D Roadmap on Partner Day!
So, which Odoo 18 features are the most expected? Scroll down and explore.
Odoo 18 Release - Odoo Experience 2024
Odoo Experience 2024 is scheduled for October (2nd - 4th) in Brussels. If you aren’t aware, this is one of Odoo's biggest events because Odoo will unveil the latest Odoo 18 and test it out directly for partners and customers.
Odoo is a leading open-source ERP in the market. It operates as a business data centre and integrates all key functions such as human resources, finance, supply chain, sales, marketing, and so on. In case you’re unfamiliar with Odoo, here are some 3 key reasons for attending Odoo Experience 2024:
Every year, Odoo releases new features and this year is no exception. Everyone was curious and talked about the new changes with Fabien Pinckaers - Odoo CEO. So, what Odoo 18 features are the users expecting?
10+ Most Expected Features From Odoo 18 Sneak Peek
1. Enhanced Marketing Workflows
The first improvement that most users expect is enhanced marketing functionalities within Odoo. This priority for user experience means that marketers are hoping for a more comprehensive marketing automation solution. Three significant improvements to expect are:
A more streamlined task completion flow is also expected. If these features are improved, they will assist marketers in simplifying their marketing workflows, removing technical hurdles, and spending more time making strategic decisions. Moreover, more personalisation features should be added, i.e. name splitting or linking registrations to contacts so that we can boost the lead nurturing efforts.
Regarding marketing optimisation, in the latest Odoo 18 Roadmap, Odoo revealed that upon more social marketing improvements, a new Social Share app will be available to promote content in communities. Users can also expect enhanced WhatsApp integration and appointment management features (i.e. catch double bookings, calculate booking prices by seats, and more).
Source: Odoo 18 R&D Sneak Peek
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2. Streamlined E-commerce & Website Navigation
It often takes careful investigation during website maintenance in any case, and it’s no exception for Odoo users. Hence, a “Save as Global” option is highly expected within the Odoo website editor. This functionality enables users to save reusable content blocks and automatically apply them to any page. For example, let’s say you must create a CTA section on the homepage and add it on other required pages. “Save as Global” will save you lots of time duplicating and adding the block to other pages. This also helps maintain your content consistency.
There might also be changes in the top navigation bar of the website builder as Fabien - Odoo’s CEO, mentioned earlier this year. The suggestions for a new look are diverse: no icons for better readability, or a minimal look with icons only. These changes will have an interesting impact on usability.
Fabien’s sharing about the Odoo 18 website editor bar
For those expecting to have better e-commerce features, Odoo R&D has revealed some potential updates on a refreshed checkout experience:
Source: Odoo 18 R&D Sneak Peek
3. Improved Sales Features & Performance Tracking
Sales leaders wear many hats and have to keep an eye on each sales team member. From this insight, users expect a more robust sales management solution in Odoo 18 - setting personalised goals for each salesperson in CRM. Being able to do this, leaders can set specific goals for each member monthly, quarterly, and annually.
Expectedly, in the latest R&D sneak peek for Odoo 18, there’s a high chance that Odoo will present a newly developed module - “Sales Commissions”, to manage sales incentivisation. With the new module, users can use reporting tools to compare sales targets with each member's performance. Additionally, to optimise the selling process, salespeople may be able to generate customisable PDF quotations.
Source: Odoo 18 R&D Sneak Peek
Other new features to increase the sales value are expected to be a ‘Combo Products’ functionality across sales channels and a loyalty program embedded directly on the customer portal.
4. More Powerful Inventory & MRP Capabilities
Regarding inventory optimisation, in the latest R&D sneak peek, Odoo 18 will present improvements in batch tracking features, such as picking orders in batch, a batch’s map view, or automated batch creation. They will also refresh the Barcode app with new capabilities. Additionally, users can expect updates in inventory valuation, serial management, push rules, and more.
Source: Odoo 18 R&D Sneak Peek
Enhancements in manufacturing operations are also on the roadmap. Odoo users commonly request the more effective use of Gantt views in the MRP app. Currently, there are limitations on scrolling and zooming. However, Odoo will likely make changes, allowing us to zoom in and out, or adjust the details in Odoo's Gantt views to any degree. More on the MRP app, new robust features will include on-demand quality checks, quality management in multi-step repair orders, UI revamps with updated replenishment in the MPS, and more.
Source: Odoo 18 R&D Sneak Peek
5. Native GS1 Barcode Generation
If your business relies heavily on logistics, seamless sync with global supply chain standards is a must. Many Odoo users have the same demand, and they have been asking for a native GS1 barcode generation within the system.
GS1 barcode is a global system for product identification and currently, businesses manually integrate it or use 3rd party solutions. It would be better if Odoo developed this feature to get rid of the bottlenecks. By generating GS1 barcodes directly from Odoo, businesses can streamline inventory management and product flow with greater productivity.
6. Optimised Mobile CRM & Quote
Although we can already generate mobile quotes in Odoo 17, there is a high expectation that Odoo 18 optimises this feature even more. The feature is significantly important for remote sales teams.
One of the most expected features in quote generation is simpler opportunity lookups. Users need more efficient reference and note-taking. Hence, the Odoo CRM is expected to offer effortless access to open opportunities. Moreover, streamlined mobile views will also be a great adjustment. Odoo 18 is expected to provide simplified field view interfaces that show key data on contacts, notes and conversation history. Lastly, users also expect to use text input or voice dictation in taking notes for faster data capture.
7. Simplified Invoicing, Banking & Reports Experience In Accounting
It's undeniable that manually entering bank and credit card data eats up time and creates potential errors. Even though certain credit card processors already offer automated integration, users still request for Odoo 18 to integrate Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology.
If Odoo enables the feature, users only need to scan paper statements, and the accounting system is automatically operated from the retrieved OCR data. This way, we can minimise errors, and manual initiatives, as well as free up the time.
For Enterprise users, Odoo 18 Roadmap has shown that there will be a new invoicing system packed with new features to simplify onboarding processes. Better invoice editing experience, locking, reconciliation, printing, duplication alerts, and more, are also on the list.
Source: Odoo 18 R&D Sneak Peek
Do you run an Aussies business? Maybe you’re interested in Odoo Accounting Localisation For Australian Businesses.
Additionally, baking and payment management will likely be updated with a more user-friendly banking interface, more payment providers, and better batch payment matching. With the reporting capabilities, finance professionals may get better insights with updates in journal report format, revamped annotations, improved date selection and more accounting features to come.
8. Enhanced Data Analysis In Spreadsheets & Dashboards
Processing data in spreadsheets might become simpler with Odoo 18. To improve team collaboration, as updated in the latest roadmap, Odoo will allow users to quickly add comments to cells (similar to the Discuss app), edit data tables and pivots more easily, and access more customisation possibilities for chart types. Most importantly, a higher spreadsheet loading speed is the highlight, along with more freedom for users in data manipulation practices.
9. Non-financial Reporting
Environmental responsibility has become more important, increasing the need for sustainable business methods. As requested by many Odoo users, the CSRD or CO2 emissions reporting features are the solutions.
With this feature, businesses can manage and report on the carbon impact directly from Odoo 18. This can be achieved with a seamless integration of travel cost, energy usage data or other data.
10. Other Noteworthy New Features
Besides the core module enhancements, Odoo 18 will be offering plenty of advancements to the HR & Payroll module, Documents module, framework, and electronic signatures:
Newcomer? Why 12M+ businesses are using Odoo
If you’re wondering why a large number of users within the Odoo community will opt for Odoo 18 this year, the answer lies in its adaptability.
Digital transformation is no longer a new concept, and what has been required the most is how businesses can adapt and maintain their position in this scenario. With a modular design and an open-source infrastructure, Odoo allows you to customise an ERP system that is optimal for your requirements. Odoo's features will grow with your company, whether you're a manufacturer, healthcare service provider, or an e-commerce enthusiast. Keep exploring the possibilities of Odoo 18, and in case you need help, we can make it a solid foundation for your digital transformation journey.
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