Odoo 18 Features: Key Updates Explained Module Wise

Odoo is a comprehensive open-source ERP system integrating business apps such as inventory, CRM, sales, and HR in one platform. Over 12 million users implement the system to meet specific business needs. Odoo’s modular structure allows for customizing the system. It is user-friendly and scalable, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.

Odoo 18 is the latest release in the series. The release marks a significant milestone in the platform’s evolution, focusing on enhanced user experience, improved automation, and industry-specific solutions. Odoo 18 builds on the strengths of previous versions. It introduces AI-powered tools and refined modules, reinforcing its commitment to adaptability and efficiency.

Let’s explore the new features of Odoo latest version and understand how they can benefit your business. If you are using an older version of Odoo and considering an upgrade, you’ll greatly benefit from this blog. Companies seeking an ERP solution should also consider leveraging Odoo 18’s enhanced features and functionalities.

Overview of Odoo 18

Released on 2-4 October 2024, Odoo 18 introduces a range of enhancements designed to streamline business operations across different industries. The system provides better navigation, advanced AI-driven functionalities such as predictive analysis, automated invoicing, and improved integration options.

With the latest Odoo version, businesses across industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, e-commerce, and education can get industry-specific solutions. A pre-configured workflow is another key feature allowing fast deployment. The updates are meant to boost efficiency, user experience, and scalability.

New Features and Enhancements in Odoo 18

Here’s a model-wise list of the new features and enhancements in Odoo 18:

1. General Features:

• The Odoo current version offers dedicated progressive web apps for features including Barcode, PoS, and Attendances.
• The Gantt view for enhanced flexibility and rescheduling.
• Import files and images.
• Readable URLs.
• Enhanced UI that enables recording, onboarding, and testing tours of Odoo.
• Passkeys authentication method that resists phishing.

2. CRM & Sales module:

• Manage the commission plans of sales teams.
• Prefill sales orders.
• Include product descriptions in the quotation template.
• The new Odoo CRM features allow you to track leads, close deals, and get accurate forecasts.

3. Inventory module:

• Faster inventory updates and more accurate stock tracking with RFID technology.
• Greater flexibility in workflows with Odoo latest version.
• Enhanced picking and transfer functionalities.
• Advanced barcode scanning that allows multi-location and batch tracking.
• Optimize warehouse space and improve picking efficiency.
• Streamlined bulk operations to save time.

4. Manufacturing module:

• Better visual tracking of production schedules and resource allocation.
• Recording material and labor consumption in the balance sheet.
• Visual interface to process manufacturing orders and work orders with Shop Floor. Additionally, employees can track the time spent on manufacturing and work orders.

5. Marketing automation module:

• Interactive activity summary.
• Automate specific mail servers for campaign mailings with Odoo current version.
• Enhanced eCommerce flows with marketing automation templates.

6. Dashboards module:

• Company-specific dashboards.
• New dashboards include purchase and vendor analysis, Warehouse Daily Analysis, warehouse metrics, and email marketing.

7. Employees module:

• Request bulk signatures from employees.
• Manage team’s reports and information without acquiring access rights in HR.
• A dedicated menu in the Employees app to manage your employee’s bank accounts.

8. Expenses module:

• Specify the expenses of vendors paid by the company.
• Improved reporting in the next payslip.

9. Social marketing module:

• Split posts across networks to customize content.
• Edit comments, like and delete posts, and insert images as comments on LinkedIn.

10. Marketing Card module:

• Marketing Card is one of the vital Odoo 18 new features, enabling you to promote events through community marketing via the new social app.
• Track speakers, attendees, and sponsors.

11. Accounting module:

• Double-entry bookkeeping and multi-currency support.
• Track budgets, create reports based on analytics, and compare financial performance using forecasts.
• Pay via PayPal without leaving Odoo.
• Addition of the Twint payment gateway.
• Tokenization and EMI plans support for Razorpay.
• Tokenization support for Xendit.

12. Purchase module:

• View the total amount of purchase orders in company currency. Compare alternatives using company currency.

13. Quality module:

• Quality checks with spreadsheets.
• Improved reporting for quantity assessments.

14. HRM module:

• Manage the hiring process for new employees, such as creating vacancies and placing them on job portals and career websites.
• Monster integration to streamline job posting.
• Match job skills with applicants.
• Manage duplicate applications.
• Process multiple applications simultaneously.
• Email parsing to automate processes and retain customers.
• Simplify the onboarding experience with login setup, desk prep, and easy-to-follow instructions.
• Easy leave management with user-friendly self-service portals.
• Use surveys to gather employees’ insights, collect feedback on services and products, or gather information from applicants.
• Capture receipts using a phone or scanner and submit reports electronically.
• Create salary rules to calculate allowances, taxes, and net pay.

15. eCommerce module:

• Improved layouts for blog posts.
• Use your pages as templates via the new page wizard.
• Convert existing websites into Odoo to leverage Odoo features.
• Choose from the whole theme library.
• Add products and manage product pages directly from the website app.
• Categorize the product catalog by adding a navigation menu on your e-commerce page.
• Use a search bar to sort the catalog.
• Customize the layout of the category page with a website builder.
• Highlight products making it more visible on the category or product page.
• Use building blocks to add content on the category page.
• Display price per unit on the product page.
• Cross-selling and upselling.
• Add a customized cart button.
• Customize checkout.
• Multiple payment provider support.
• Enable product reviews, Live Chat, contact forms, and newsletter.
• Monitor and analyze sales performance.

16. WhatsApp module:

• Send WhatsApp messages via server or automated actions.
• Access WhatsApp conversations from your contact form.

Benefits of Upgrading to Odoo 18

Now, let’s look at the benefits of upgrading to Odoo 18:

1. Enhanced user experience.
2. Improved product recommendations and informed decision-making.
3. Automation of routine tasks.
4. Improved Odoo functionality including real-time financial reporting and multi-currency support.
5. Increased leads and sales.
6. Better customer interaction.
7. Advanced inventory management.
8. Increased production and simplification of complex manufacturing workflows.
9. Seamless integration with other Odoo modules, payment gateways, and shipping providers.
10. Responsive design to manage business on the go.
11. Robust security.
12. Scalability and flexibility.
13. Cost-effectiveness.

Why Choose Us for Odoo 18 Implementation?

Icon TechSoft is an ideal partner for Odoo implementation owing to our deep expertise, client-centric approach, and proven track record. Our certified Odoo professionals tailor each implementation to meet business needs, ensuring seamless integration and optimized workflows.

At Icon TechSoft, we also provide end-to-end support, from customization and training to maintenance. Choose us to transform your business with innovation, efficiency, and a partner committed to your success.

Conclusion

Implementing Odoo 18 ensures a better user experience and customer interaction. It allows accuracy at work and helps you make data-driven decisions. Odoo 18 new features can significantly reduce workload while increasing production, leads, and sales.

The latest Odoo version is designed for seamless workflows and easy integration with third-party apps. With the enhanced Odoo functionality, you will enjoy more flexibility and increased scalability.

Why not explore Odoo 18 today and see how its new features can transform your business?

Contact Icon TechSoft for a free Odoo 18 consultation. Maximize the potential of this advanced ERP system and drive your business forward with our expert Odoo implementation services. From seamless integration to customized solutions, we are happy to help you optimize for success. Allow us to simplify processes, boost productivity, and drive growth with the latest features of Odoo 18.