Odoo is already known for being a powerful and flexible business management solution [read more about Odoo here], and with the upcoming release of Odoo 18, which will be launched on October 2, 2024, expectations are only getting higher.
Odoo 18 comes with a wide range of new features and improvements that will enhance your company's ability to work smarter and more efficiently. Here, we take a look at some of the most exciting updates and features you can expect in Odoo 18.
1. Improved user experience and onboarding
One of the biggest improvements in Odoo 18 is the continued optimization of the user experience. New tools are being introduced to ease the onboarding process, including 'Feature Discovery', which helps new users discover the platform's many features.
Across all apps, onboarding is also improved with actionable first-time user cards that guide users through their initial actions.
Additionally, the improved import and configuration tools make it easier to set up the system quickly and efficiently [read about our Odoo implementation services here] .
2. New capabilities in CRM and sales
For sales departments, Odoo 18 introduces a new sales commission feature, making it easy to manage commissions for sales representatives.
Additionally, there are improvements in the CRM system, allowing you to set personal goals for sales representatives and access new reporting tools to compare their performance with their targets.
Another exciting feature is PDF Quote Builder 2.0, which allows you to create professional, customized quotes more quickly and efficiently.
3. Improvements in accounting and finance
For the finance department, there are plenty of new features to look forward to in Odoo 18. A notable update is the improvement of batch payments and the ability to detect duplicate invoices [read how Odoo accounting can ease your accounting work here].
A new statistics-based alert system has also been introduced, which can warn users about abnormal invoices based on amounts or dates.
Additionally, we can expect improvements in the user portal, where it will be possible to download various invoice formats directly, making administration easier and more transparent for users.
At the same time, the reporting features have been optimized, allowing large amounts of data to be analyzed more quickly. This ensures that your company always has full oversight of its finances and can respond swiftly to unexpected changes in the accounts.
Payment reconciliation and bank integrations have also been improved to streamline financial workflows and reporting.
4. Loyalty programs
Odoo 18 introduces an improved loyalty program, which is a great advantage for businesses looking to build stronger customer relationships. Customers can earn points through purchases and interactions, which can later be redeemed for discounts, exclusive products, or free shipping.
As a new feature, the loyalty points balance can be viewed by users when they log into their account.
5. E-commerce updates
For e-commerce businesses, significant improvements are coming to the checkout process, including a one-page checkout and a new location selector widget that makes it easier to choose delivery addresses.
These features, combined with improved SEO and user experience (UX), will make it easier for customers to complete purchases and for businesses to optimize their online presence.
6. Enhanced inventory and manufacturing features
In inventory management, improvements such as batch and shipping automation make it easier to handle large stock movements.
Additionally, updates in the MRP system include a new Master Production Schedule (MPS) interface with enhanced tools for demand forecasting and capacity planning.
7. Productivity and planning
One of the most requested features, already improved in Odoo 17, and set to be further refined in Odoo 18, is the planning tools.
The Gantt view has been improved with color-coded analyses of assigned hours, quickly showing where there is over- or under-allocation.
Additionally, users can expect embedded actions, allowing them to switch between models within a project.
8. Point of Sale (POS) improvements
One of the most requested features among retailers is the ability to edit POS products directly from the frontend, which Odoo 18 offers. This provides a more flexible workflow, allowing staff to update product specifications in real-time without switching between backend and frontend. Additionally, the POS design has been improved for better UX on the login and payment screens.
9. Enhanced mobile experience
Odoo 18 also focuses on improving the mobile user experience with an optimized interface for touchscreens and new offline functionality, allowing users to update data even when they are not online. This will especially benefit remote workers and sales teams.
10. New integration possibilities
Odoo has continuously worked on improving integration between its apps and external systems. A key expectation for Odoo 18 is support for new SEPA format updates. This means it will be easier for businesses to manage international transactions and ensure compliance with the latest regulations.
Odoo 18 will also include improved PEPPOL network support, enabling businesses to send and receive e-invoices more efficiently.
Odoo 18: What can you expect from the new version?