Let's Dive Into Both Odoo Editions! What Works Best For Your Business And Key Considerations to Pick From
Today, we are discussing Odoo's editions, both Community Edition and Enterprise Edition. It's time to battle! Let's see who comes out on top and what Odoo Edition is best for your requirements/desires...
So you have decided on Odoo, or you might already be an existing Odoo customer. Likewise, different ERP systems have different features, management, UI/UX, and plenty more, but what's the difference between different edition versions when it comes to Odoo?
Somewhere within the cycle, you will most likely come across the question... ⤵️
Should I choose Community Edition or Enterprise Edition???
It's an important topic as well and one that I know has been spoken a lot about in recent weeks among the community, and the benefits of both. Well, this article dives into just that so you can make an informed decision on what works best for you and ultimately allows you to proceed!
Odoo, as a platform being open source, offers huge benefits and opportunities to companies of all stature and size. Not to mention the scalability and flexibility to consistently allow businesses to adapt and scale up as per their requirements.
Odoo Community Edition has a strong following due to its techie-loving backing, but is it the right option for new businesses compared to its bigger brother? Let's find out what suits you best.
Offering both two editions across Community and Enterprise allows organisations to make a more informed decision across key factors like internal challenges, size and budget to ensure their transformation is a success. Before we dive into both editions, however, it is critical that you measure the 'functionality requirements' your business needs.
This Edition's Ingredients
Let's take a look at this article's ripe ingredients to see what's coming up.
- 🔧 What Is Odoo Community Edition?
- ⚙️ What Is Odoo Enterprise Edition?
- 💻 What's The Difference?
- 📒 Resource Homework
Right, let's do it.
What Is Odoo Community Edition?
Released under LGPLv3 license, Odoo Community Edition is an Odoo software edition that includes vital capabilities for managing various business activities as a more cost-efficient alternative to it's bigger brother Odoo Enterprise. Likewise, it's a super attractive choice for any business that is tight when it comes to costs.
Given that it's an open-source software product, you do not need a license to use it. Still containing plenty of useful apps, it's a great option; however, it can appear limited to a lot of businesses, given Odoo Enterprises' capabilities.
The best part?
Some drum roll for the big announcement, please - if it is not too much trouble!
It is absolutely FREE to use and allows for customisation through access to the source code. It's also super important to note:
'Odoo Community is the core that Odoo Enterprise is built on - it's also important to note that you can change versions at any time.'
We will cover that a little more later, however.
This edition thrives on contributions from a large worldwide community, which regularly improves its features and dependability. That is the essence of Odoo Community Edition, a platform that combines innovation and practicality, all powered by collaboration.
Key Features And Limitations
So, let's explore why Community Edition suits many but can also limit businesses in the long run. It's important that we cover these so you can make an informed decision about what best meets your requirements and needs across business objectives.
Features
Open Source Flexibility
Get right into the code! Odoo Community Edition is fully open-source, meaning you have unrestricted access to the source code. This allows for extensive customisation and integration; perfectly suited for those who enjoy tailoring their tools to precise specifications. While Odoo is, in general, open-source, having a cost-efficient alternative really appeals to a techie crowd that loves to get their hands dirty.
This is a benefit more for the technical-minded, as I would not recommend tampering with something you don't understand. However, if playing around with source code is your thing, then this will be right up your alley.
Essential Business Tools
It comes packed with essential features to manage your core business functions such as Sales, CRM, Inventory, and Project management. This makes it a solid foundation for businesses looking to streamline their operations without hefty investments.
Vibrant Community Support
You're never alone with the Odoo Community Edition.
The global community of users and developers is an ever-present resource for troubleshooting, tips, and shared innovations. This collaborative environment fosters learning and continuous improvement, driven by community feedback and contributions.
The Cost-Effective Solution
Free to use! For start-ups and small businesses watching their budget, this edition is a financial breath of fresh air, providing robust ERP tools at a reduced cost compared to Enterprise Edition.
Limitations
Self-Hosting Requirements
If you choose the Community Edition, be prepared to host it yourself. This can be a challenge for those without technical backend support, adding layers of complexity to maintenance and scalability.
Edition Restrictions
While it covers many bases, the Community Edition DOESN'T include all the bells and whistles of the Enterprise version, especially in advanced areas like detailed accounting, real-time shipping integration, or advanced inventory management. Not to also mention integration with other platforms if you are looking at tackling this in a phased approach. Will your existing systems be able to connect to Odoo at this stage, and is it business-critical???
No Official Support
Unlike the Enterprise Edition, where you receive dedicated support, the Community Edition relies on community forums and your own troubleshooting efforts. This might slow down resolution times and require a more DIY approach to problem-solving.
It's important to note, however, that you still have support from plenty of Odoo Partners. Some, however, will only focus on Enterprise Customers, so take that into consideration before proceeding. Likewise, I would highly recommend that if an Odoo Partner is not on the cards, then you look at bringing in an in-house team to deal with these requirements, but at the investment cost that will take, you might be better off heading straight to Enterprise.
Scalability Woes
While the Community Edition is robust, scaling up can be cumbersome.
Large businesses or those experiencing rapid growth may find it lacking in handling increased loads or complex data needs without significant customisation, potentially moving to the Enterprise Edition as an alternative solution better suited to their needs. Long-term growth is critical for considering Odoo. You need to be in it for the long haul.
Should I Go With Odoo Community Edition?
It's pretty clear that Odoo Community Edition appeals towards a certain demographic whether you're just getting started or want to streamline your operations without making a bigger investment. Let's take a look in more detail, at whomever it really appeals to:
Start-ups And Small Businesses
For entrepreneurs who are just entering the business world, keeping costs low while gaining functionality is crucial.
Odoo Community Edition, being free and open-source, provides essential tools like Sales, CRM, Inventory, and Project, without the financial burden of licensed software. It’s an ideal starting point for small businesses looking to establish a solid operational backbone.
Technically Inclined Users and Developers
If you have technical expertise or backing from highly skilled developers on your team, Odoo Community Edition offers a playground for customisation.
Thanks to its open-source nature, tech-savvy users can tweak, modify, and extend the software to meet their specific requirements. This ability to personalise your ERP system not only enhances its utility but also encourages innovation within your team.
Companies With Simple Processes
Businesses that operate with straightforward processes can harness the power of Odoo Community Edition effectively. Take 'straightforward processes' with a pinch of salt, however, as you can often underestimate the complexities that come with even small changes.
The software’s basic functionalities cover most needs without overwhelming users with complexity. It’s particularly beneficial for companies that do not require advanced features like detailed real-time reporting or complex supply chain management that are available in the Enterprise version.
Community-Oriented Organisations
Organisations that value community collaboration and are willing to leverage communal knowledge and resources will find Odoo Community Edition a good match. The community support forums are bustling with advice, tips, and solutions, making it easier for users to get help and stay updated without official support.
At this point, it might be good to go through a recent Odoo Webinar discussing what version is best for you looking at insights based on customer queries on how Odoo meets business needs.
What Is Odoo Enterprise Edition?
The big brother to Community Edition. 💪
Odoo Enterprise Edition goes beyond the functionality of its smaller brother Community by offering many further capabilities for businesses. Across extensive upgrades and feature updates that are likewise not available in Community Edition. Ranging from some apps for specific business needs to powerful accounting elements and e-commerce tools.
Built For Ease of Use & Security
One of the best benefits comes with advanced features like high availability, load balancing and disaster recovery as well as dedicated support and training services. Perfect for any established business that wants to focus more on them and less on dealing with system complexities. Not to also mention that Enterprise comes with more security than Community across features like role-based access control, audit logs and encryption. That is pretty critical.
Should I Go With Odoo Community Edition?
Well, I would recommend that you toss off the factors and requirements, but for the cost, you are getting a lot more bang for your buck and, likewise, A LOT LESS STRESS in managing the solution. I won't go too much into Odoo Enterprise for now and leave the comparison between both versions to do the talking.
What's The Difference Between Both Odoo Community Edition & Enterprise Edition For Me?
Let's examine, in more detail, across a more visual manner, some of the essential differences between both platforms. First, we start with some general points.
Some important general considerations as the Community Edition lacks aspects such as unlimited functional support, version upgrades and hosting. Key aspects to consider for your long-term business aspirations in Odoo.
While we have already covered it, to hit home the point, if you are a business that relies on Field Service, PoS or any other operations that rely on mobile or tablet processes, Community Edition lacks support in this area.
While some Accounting features are available within Community Edition, it depends on what you need and whether you can support business operations with limited functionality.
Likewise, having Payroll, Documents and Signs not supported in the Community is a deal breaker for me.
Baseline Sales functionality is supported in Community Edition however, you will be without some additional Enterprise apps like Subscriptions, Rental and Connectors if required within particular processes.
If you're looking at the Odoo Website, then it's good news. You will be covered. But it's important to remember that associated/integrated apps in Odoo's Suite might not be compatible with Community Edition if needed. Check that!
It's a mixed bag for Community Edition as Barcodes, certain Manufacturing elements, PLM and Quality are not supported but fully equipped within Odoo Enterprise Edition!
When it comes to HR, you will be covered but without a Departmental Dashboard, referrals and the super popular Appraisals app supported in Odoo Enterprise Edition. A tough decision.
Baselines of marketing are covered, but leaving you short across automation based channels of communication.
One of the biggest areas of differences comes within Services. If Community Edition remains your preferred choice, critical apps such as Field Service, Helpdesk, Planning and Appointments and certain aspects within Timesheet.
When it comes to Productivity, it's more based on what is going to provide your business value across certain needs that have been identified. Community Edition leaves you without Approvals, VoIP and IoT, however, to note.
Again, highlighting the importance of scalability and long-term growth, the lack of a Studio within the Community version really showcases the straightforward processes favoured across the Community Edition.
Note: while the features you require might be community, it is critical to also take into consideration the additional factors I previously highlighted to ensure that you can make an informed decision away from functionality. ✅
Learn more about the comparisons of both here.
Price Comparison
Price is an important factor within any business, so how does this fare when it comes to both editions compared against one another?
Odoo Community Edition
Free
Odoo Enterprise Edition
$19.90 User/Month (All Apps)
As previously suggested, Odoo Community is free to download without any license fees. Odoo Enterprise, on the other hand, comes at a cost per user per month; however, this is for all apps. It's important to note that in addition to the user fees, you should also consider support fees, implementation fees, and hosting fees. Not to mention that if you want to go down the custom route if you have special requirements that this might cost more, or you will need to invest further into third-party applications on the Odoo App Store. I'll have an article in the coming weeks discussing more about these fees. Keep your eyes peeled for that article.
Upgrades & Customisations
Like any true Odooer, you will be able to benefit from yearly upgrades as part of the licensing. Odoo Enterprise provides just that when it comes to the edition as you will be able to upgrade both quicker and smoother.
Odoo Community Edition
- Self-managed instance
- Supports core platform upgrades only
- No support for customisation or third-party modules
Odoo Enterprise Edition
- Upgrade support and assistance with license
- Database upgrade
- Custom support with Odoo Partner support
- Supports core platform and customisation/third-party modules
Beware: however, before upgrading; it is important to note that if you are using third-party modules, then you will have to wait until the plugin/module becomes compatible with the new Odoo version released at the end of each year.
Likewise, if you are an existing Odoo Community Edition customer and thinking about making the switch to Enterprise, check out the Odoo Docs. ⚙️
Some Homework Resources to Keep You Going Before You Decide What Is Best
As per, I will leave you with some resources to keep you entertained so that you can continue to assess and make an informed decision.
A shoutout to all the organisations/people, doing a smashing job supporting the Odoo community: ⤵️
O2B Technologies, Portcities, Ivana Bartoňková, CYBROSYS Technologies Pvt Ltd, Kanak Infosystems LLP., Software Connect
In addition, you might be interested in some of my previous articles if you are in the market or making decisions when it comes to your Odoo requirements. I will leave them here for you to browse as well.