This October, Odoo Experience 2021 will take place – another online event, due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, but no less exciting for that. The annual Odoo showcase will mark the next iteration of the multi-faceted Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution – this time, Odoo 15.
Whilst the precise features and functions of this new version are still under wraps, every new version to date has included powerful new modules, new integrations with third-party software and solutions, and generous usability enhancements. We can expect Odoo 15 to be even more efficient, more sophisticated and more intuitive than the rollouts that have come before.
That means that now is the time to get your house in order and, if you are currently using an older version of Odoo, to think about how to manage your migration to the new version. Because Odoo is such a flexible and customisable ERP system, every organisation’s deployment is different – but migrations still follow the same core pattern.
Step 1: Preparation
This means analysing and understanding your current setup in detail, including whether any custom or third-party modules are included, what server hosting solution you are using, and whether you are using a Community or Enterprise edition of Odoo. If you are already using Odoo Community, the licensed version of the software, and wish to migrate to Odoo Enterprise, the open source (and therefore more flexible and feature-rich) version, then there are some additional considerations. The main difference is that the database migration needs to be undertaken by you, running the migration scripts of the Odoo Community Association (OCA). Alternatively, you can get an Odoo partner to write those migration scripts for you.
Some of this preparation will need to wait until Odoo 15 is actually announced in detail, so that you can compare your custom modules and what they add to the system, with any new features in the latest iteration of Odoo. They might mean that you no longer need certain customisations or integrations.
Step 2: Module migration
The first step of the migration itself is focused on the modules – both the main Odoo modules, and any customised modules, whether developed in-house or by third parties. How this works in practice can vary. For example, in earlier versions of Odoo, some main modules worked almost out of the box, whilst others required more in-depth changes. Third-party modules purchased through Odoo store will need to be purchased again.
Step 3: Data migration
Next comes data migration, which includes your master data migration, transactional data transfer and access configurations. Again, precisely how this works will depend on your own setup, including the hosting solution you are using.
Step 4: Production rollout
If you are handling Odoo hosting in-house, you can either use the Odoo migration script, or upload your database to the Odoo website, and Odoo can run the migration script for you. Regardless, production rollout should cover database configuration and source code integration services, as well as attention to training and ensuring that all expected to use the new system are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need.
Step 5: Testing
Finally, as with any IT project, there should be a process of testing and quality assurance before the migration goes live. This should include functionality and performance testing, user interface testing and user group testing.
In need of more advice on how to plan and execute your own migration to a new version of Odoo Enterprise? Get in touch with us today.
Key considerations for migrating to a new version of Odoo Enterprise