With big decisions comes big responsibilities - and it comes down to finding the right balance. Whether it's the three-month rule or choosing simplicity over complexity, it makes all the difference to know when to stick with core functionality or customise.
Explore the world of customisation vs core functionality in Odoo with Kevin; from avoiding costly mistakes to leveraging the power of modular design, Kevin shares his insights on how to strike the perfect balance.
The Customisation Conundrum: A Lesson from Traditional ERP Systems
Traditional ERP systems often leave businesses stuck between a rock and a hard place for customisation. "A lot of businesses end up with their own version of the software," Kevin explains. "But because of customisations, they're stuck."
Odoo takes a different approach. It gives you the ability to customise, while keeping your changes separate from the core system, meaning you can upgrade without worrying about breaking your customisations - it's like having the best of both worlds!
When to Customise: The Role of Business Management Software
Kevin's advice on customisation is straightforward:
"Don't customise unless you absolutely have to."
But why? It's not just about the upfront cost; it's also about the ongoing maintenance during upgrades. So, when should you customise?
The answer lies in Kevin's Three-Month Rule.
The Three-Month Rule: Try-Before-You-Integrate Software Solutions
Kevin's Three-Month Rule is a game-changer. It's simple: implement Odoo with its core functionality, use it for three months, and decide what customisations would add value. This approach helps you avoid unnecessary spending, and ensures that any customisations are genuinely impactful.
Keeping Customisations Simple: The Odoo ERP Approach
Kevin advises keeping it simple and aligned with Odoo's standard methodology when customisation is necessary. "Customisations should work with Odoo, not against it," he emphasises. This ensures compatibility with future updates and maintains consistency across modules.
Upgrading with Ease: The Benefits of Odoo's Business Software Solutions
Upgrades are a breeze with Odoo. Before upgrading, review your customisations to see if they're still needed. If Odoo has introduced new features that replace your customisations, it's best to retire them. Then, migrate the necessary custom modules to the latest version and test them before switching.
Kevin recommends upgrading every 2-3 years to stay current without overwhelming your team.
Finding the Perfect Balance with Odoo ERP
Odoo offers the ideal balance between customisation and core functionality. Its modular design ensures businesses can tailor their ERP system while benefiting from regular updates and improvements.
Kevin's advice is simple yet powerful:
1. Start with core functionality.
2. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
3. Follow his Three-Month Rule to ensure you're investing in changes that add value.
Whether you're just starting your ERP journey, or looking to optimise an existing implementation, Odoo provides the necessary tools and flexibility - without locking you into costly or outdated solutions.
- Alanna Chen