Developments are following one another at a rapid pace. Whereas you used to log in on your smartphone with a code, a few versions later you could also use your thumb, and now even your face. The same goes for software.
To be able to use the latest features, Odoo continues to evolve as well. Every year at Odoo Experience, the newest version is presented. In addition to improvements, new modules are also released. Think of the Knowledge app (as a replacement for Notion) in version 16 and the Shopfloor app in version 17. These modules are free to use, since they are added to the all-in-one package. It is, however, wise to have them properly configured by a partner who knows what they are doing (like us 😉).
Every new Odoo version that is released must be maintained (think bug fixes and security updates). We are already on version 17, and in October 2024 Odoo 18 will already be released. Odoo is, of course, not going to maintain 18 versions. That is far too many and, just as people no longer buy an iPhone 6 these days, the old versions of Odoo are also (almost) no longer used.
Odoo supports 3 versions. Version 17 was launched in October 2023. This means that as of October 2024 (when version 18 is launched), version 15 (and older) will no longer be supported. Companies that are still working on version 15 are being approached to migrate to the latest version.
All consultants, both from Odoo itself and from partner companies, must once again obtain a certificate for the latest version so that the quality of all consultants worldwide remains assured. Keep this in mind when choosing an implementation partner.
Is upgrading really necessary? Can't I just keep working on an older version?
Why would you want that? You don't still use a Nokia 3310 either, do you? Yes, that phone was indestructible, but you can't browse the internet on it, it has a black-and-white screen, and if your friend wanted to send you a ‘Tikkie’, you wouldn't be able to receive it.
You certainly can keep working on an older version, but then you will run into these kinds of problems. Older versions are no longer supported by Odoo, so they are no longer modernized, and if a bug arises it can no longer be fixed. Odoo simply no longer invests time in this. In addition, consultants are trained in the latest versions and no longer know exactly how things used to work.
Your ERP software is not a luxury product; it is ‘the beating heart of your company’. If your ERP software does not function properly, everything ‘goes wrong’. That is why it is important to take good care of it and keep it up to date.
How does upgrading work?
At Odoo Experts, we keep an eye on whether you are ready for an upgrade. In doing so, we assume that you migrate every 3 years. There are also companies that prefer to migrate every year. That is of course also possible. The advantage of migrating every year is that the transition from one version to the next is smaller.
Step 1: We contact you to let you know that an upgrade is coming up and schedule an appointment to create an upgrade plan.
Step 2: We visit you on-site (remote is also possible, if desired) and create this upgrade plan together. In doing so, we take a close look at the organization combined with our knowledge of the latest features from the last 3 versions.
- We look at your processes and which modules you use. One module is adapted more extensively than another. This allows us to estimate in advance which Odoo changes will have the greatest impact. Might we be able to support the processes better with new functionality?
- We look at the amount of custom work that is present. How does the custom work fit, and is it still necessary in this new version? Or can we replace it with standard Odoo? Our starting point is always as little custom work as possible. There is nothing wrong with custom work, but every upgrade is an opportunity to move closer to the standard based on progressive insight and Odoo’s latest features. Custom work is everything not made by Odoo itself, including ‘3rd party apps’. Also read our blog about customizations.
- We look at the amount of data you have in Odoo. The more data, the longer the upgrade ultimately takes and the greater the chance of errors that we need to fix.
- We look at the solutions created with Studio. Studio changes often break during the upgrade and will have to be recreated. We advise putting as much as possible into code, so that it is 'upgrade-proof'. Remember that Odoo Studio is not the holy grail.
Step 3: We start working out the points above. We perform a test upgrade, validate Odoo’s upgrade script, and help report errors and implement solutions where necessary. In the end, we prepare everything for the actual upgrade. This is where most of the work (number of hours) is involved.
Step 4: The actual upgrade takes place. We do this at an agreed time, since the customer cannot use Odoo at that moment. The upgrade itself takes an average of half a day. Sometimes we need 1 person for this, sometimes 2.
Step 5: The upgrade is complete and the system is ready to use again. Especially when you migrate once every 3 years (3 versions), quite a lot has changed. Fields are in a different place, there are new options, new possibilities, and sometimes things have not been transferred properly. So after the actual upgrade, aftercare is also needed to help you get back on track. In some cases, employees even need training. We can provide that as well.
Step 6: This is the time to review your ERP system. Are we still working efficiently in Odoo? Are there (new) modules that would be useful for us as a company and that we are not using now? Many customers use this moment to properly review their system. That is smart, because at this point we are already working on it extensively and can give you targeted advice. For example, are you already using the HR module? Or the Helpdesk module? There is often much more possible with Odoo than you think.
So what does such an upgrade cost?
The implementation of an ERP system is an investment. What is often forgotten, however, is that you get a great deal in return. Especially in terms of efficiency.
An upgrade also requires a new investment. The costs vary greatly. This is because there are a number of factors that determine the price. Factors we include in the upgrade plan:
- How many modules do you work with in Odoo, and above all, which modules do you work with? In version 16, for example, the Subscriptions app was technically changed completely. All data is transferred to the Sales app. If you work with this, migrating this app takes extra time.
- Have you had custom work developed? If so, how much? What kind of customization? Can we replace this with standard Odoo? Estimate the cost of migrating customization at about 75% of the original implementation costs. This is always expensive, and therefore we try to avoid customization as much as possible.
- How much data needs to be transferred to the next version?
These factors are so decisive that the price of an upgrade varies greatly. Every company is unique, and so is every upgrade.
If it is time for an upgrade, or are you truly forward-thinking and would you prefer to migrate every year? Feel free to contact us! We are happy to help you further.
