With Odoo 17 Scripts Now Confirmed, Here Are Some Considerations to Think About Before Committing to the Upgrade Process in V17
| Ecosystem News | #DRINKINGTHEPURPLEJUICE
It is that time of the year when the new Odoo version scripts have been released, and for existing customers, many will be contemplating the migration path and upgrading to this time around Odoo 17. While it might sound straightforward, there are some things that you should consider as a business - ensuring that you have all your processes in order.
While Odoo scripts are typically anticipated in January - Odoo 16 scripts also launched in February, so could we start to notice a pattern for future releases when Odoo 18 comes around?
Odoo 17 has been available since November 8th 2023, on Odoo Online, or you can download it on Odoo.sh alternatively.
It's about being proactive rather than reactive, am I right?
We all want to get the best out of Odoo as a platform rather than implement or upgrade blindly in the dark.
While Odoo migration scripts are a hot topic for any existing customer, I recommend taking a look at this edition if you are a new customer wanting to implement Odoo 17 for the first time. An ERP is a big business step, and while Odoo is the most incredible platform ever, as I am sure a lot of us will agree - each organisation needs to ensure their house is in order before even thinking about a business management software solution such as Odoo.
Odoo is becoming quite the all-in-one competitor for other platforms. The interface has been a big hit among existing and new customers since being announced.
Odoo 17 provides a wealth of new features and toys, so it is a buzzing prospect for anyone.
If you are a regular reader and community member of Drinking The Purple Juice (DTPJ), then welcome back. With thousands of you tuning in each week, we are growing a fantastic Odoo community. If you are new here and it is the first time you are tuning in, then welcome aboard. DTPJ is the channel of choice being the Odoo Community Channel, keeping you informed and updated about the current tips, news and announcements all regarding Odoo. ✌️
So, I think it is about time we get into it.
It's time to drink the purple juice! 💜
Ah, Odoo - what a platform you are.
If you want to learn more about what entails for Odoo in 2024 - then I would highly recommend taking a look at edition #18, as I covered what to look out for in the next 12 months. A great for any Odooer.
Firstly... What Is An Upgrade Process?
An 'upgrade' refers to the process of moving your database from an older version of Odoo to a newer version that is supported, as an example (e.g., Odoo 15.0 - Odoo 17.0). It is highly recommended that you upgrade regularly due to new features that you can take advantage of across various modules, but each version also comes with essential and improved bug fixes and security patches.
It's time for an upgradeeeeeed.
PLEASE NOTE! Odoo will only support the last three versions that have been released. So... for all those still on Odoo 14.0 - now is your chance to take that leap and upgrade. Odoo is now currently supporting versions 15.0, 16.0 and 17.0, with it being recently announced.
Additionally, it's an important thing you should consider if you are working with an Odoo Partner. While they might have certifications for older systems, that is not recognised by Odoo. Only the last three supported versions will be.
An upgrade also does not cover:
- Downgrading to a previous version of Odoo
- Switching editions (e.g., from Community to Enterprise)
- Changing hosting type (e.g., from on-premise to Odoo Online)
- Migrating from another ERP to Odoo
Points you should always have in the back of your mind.
To learn more about the upgrade process in full and ensure you are enlisting best practices - I would recommend taking a look at the documentation Odoo provides. ⚙
I would also additionally recommend taking a look at Gil Volckaert's presentation at Odoo Experience 2023, running through the upgrade process - to ensure you have a guide to follow.
Why Should You Upgrade to Odoo 17?
It's a good question, but one that can easily be answered. Odoo 17 introduced a new, sleek, updated user interface that was announced at Odoo Experience 2023, in addition to making further changes across a more seamless and improved system.
'Help People Do More In Less Time' ⌛
That was the position of Odoo CEO Fabien Pinckaers and Odoo in November 2023. If you want to look back at what was announced - take a look at my debrief article on OXP 23. I covered the significant new features now released with Odoo 17 that you want to look out for.
"It was quite hard for me to let go of the purple background, but it was important every icon is more recognisable, readability is better, and so our designers reviewed every single application of Odoo to ensure it gets much cleaner and fresher."
Fabien Pinckaers - CEO (on Odoo 17's new interface)
Additionally, if you want to take a look at the opening keynote, you can find it here. ⤵
But the question remains - why upgrade to Odoo 17, and what are the benefits?
An Enhanced User Experience
We touched on it there, but a new UI brings a more efficient mindset. From Kanban views, updated Sales processes, and inventory - the lot is a new look for Odoo. Even small changes down to the px size increasing from 13px to 14px have been considered without any space also being lost. The drag-and-drop interface also remains with search filters, groups and elements appeasing in one unified click.
Let's first compare from a visual example.
Here, we have Odoo 16 in all its glory. One many of you Odooers will be familiar with. Not to mention that the previous icons have now been with us for years.
Welcome to Odoo 17! A cleaner, more sophisticated look. Odoo has really upped its game when it comes to branding and design to increase productivity and efficiency across companies.
A Huge Boost to Performance
Odoo CTO Antony Lesuisse took to the stage briefly to give an insight into the framework of Odoo for all the techies in the crowd.
Antony Lesuisse takes to the stage to discuss the importance of performance in Odoo.
So, talking about everything performance when it comes to Odoo. Performance and working with a system on a daily basis is the difference between it feeling 'bloated' and a software that looks 'snappy and quick', he stated.
This year, they had the opportunity to run through the client of Odoo (what is running inside of the browser), cleaning up code and increasing performance. This also includes completely phasing out the old framework.
Even with the increase in functionality and apps, the code has been reduced.
Take a look at the comparison between Odoo 16 and Odoo 17 in terms of code improvements.
This, of course, differs across each module, but it is incredible to see.
And yes, it is very, very quick.
A key look into how the platform compares in loading up times from 16 Vs 17.
Not to mention that Odoo is also looking at the very long term in regards to scalability with the platform. Something that should not be neglected, of course. Covered in the Keynote, take a look at how CTO Antony Lesuisse discusses the back end of Odoo supporting 5,000 users compared to 50,000!
That is right, you heard me correctly, 50,000.
Scaleability is crucial with any platform like Odoo, and boy, are they taking it seriously.
Let's not take Odoo.sh out of the picture as well. As the go-to for hosting your Odoo environment, the upgrades are much anticipated, including 5-year version support.
Take a look at the upgrades across
What Factors Should You Consider As A Business Before Upgrading to Odoo 17?
While the Odoo 17 platform is fantastic, you should also be ensuring that, as a business, you are ready for such migration in all honesty. The last thing you would want to do is put yourself on the back foot. Here are some considerations I would mention before upgrading.
- Data Loss
- Business Downtime
- Incompatibility
- Security Vulnerabilities
Firstly, I would suggest that if you are thinking about upgrading, take a look at how the above points relate to your business as some DTPJ homework.
Backup Your Data
Data, as within any business, is critical and the lifeblood of your organisation. Before any company embarks on their upgrade, please ensure that you have taken a comprehensive backup of your existing data. Taking this super precautionary step ensures that you can revert to a previous version if the worse circumstances do take place.
Test In A Sandbox Environment (Staging)
Unfortunately, I have seen plenty of examples where fully-fledged companies have not been using staging environments to test. I can't even explain how silly this is if you are testing and developing within a production environment. It comes with HUGE risks. By first using a sandbox to test the Odoo 17 upgrade, you can further identify and solve any issues that arise before pushing it live once again.
Use Odoo Tools At Your Disposal
Additionally - never feel like you can refer to documentation or help. It is there for a reason. Providing insights into features, changes in the system and operations along with specific instructions on processes and how to follow through with them.
This applies the same to relying on yourself to do the upgrade. Consult a respected Odoo partner who can assist in the process to ensure it is seamless.
What Is The Cost/Lead Time of Odoo Migration?
As much as I would love to give you a price and set time - every business is different. The migration phase depends on multiple factors, such as the size of your company, modules which are being used/the number of modules being used and if you have any customisation's. It's a question that I often refer to as 'how long is a piece of string', but if you want to find out how long it would take and the cost - get in touch, and we can find a solution.
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Can I Upgrade With Customisations?
It can be a bit more complicated. If you use third-party modules and customisations, you will need to wait until their developers further progress and release compatible versions in Odoo 17. I know I am sorry, but don't take it out on the messenger. As ever Odoo provide some fantastic documentation out there for you so you can make a calculated judgement when it comes to customisations.
Do I need to Upgrade to Odoo 17?
Upgrading versions is not like downloading a phone update and waiting. Odoo is the core system that your company operates on. The upgrade process can be stressful for all those involved. It depends entirely on your business needs. I recommend 'YES' so you don't miss out on the beautiful new features and significant improvements. Some organisations tend to follow the 'every two versions' method, meaning that they upgrade every other version released.
It is also important to mention that for the first few months - we are going to naturally encounter bugs and teething problems. The benefit to that however is that you have a fantastic Odooer community/Odoo contributors and development team to help.
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Odoo is an open-source suite of key business management tools that can be used to help organisations manage their entire operations in one single system.
Odoo CEO, Fabien Pinckaers forged the platform in 2005, originally then known as TinyERP. The re-branding in 2014, to be known as Odoo.
As of December 2025, with a recent valuation being conducted, Odoo is now estimated to be worth over €5 Billion and continues to grow strong.
The Author
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William McMahon
Founder of The Purple Juice Co.
With over 25+ years in the technology sector, having worked directly at Salesforce & Dell, William is one of the most experienced in the field of CRM and ERP.