Comparing OpenERP 7 and Odoo 8

Introduction: OpenERP 7 was an important milestone for the platform, offering several core features for businesses. However, with Odoo 8, significant improvements were made, pushing the software into new territory with an enhanced user experience and modularity. Let's dive into the major differences between OpenERP 7 and Odoo 8.

1. New Brand, New Interface: OpenERP Becomes Odoo

The most notable change in Odoo 8 was the rebranding from OpenERP to Odoo. This change wasn't just cosmetic; it reflected a shift in the platform's positioning as an all-in-one business solution, offering not only ERP features but also CRM, e-commerce, and other business functions.

Key Differences:

• User Interface: Odoo 8 introduced a significantly improved, more user-friendly interface compared to OpenERP 7.
• Customization: Odoo 8 made it easier to customize the user interface with better modularization and widget-based design.

2. Improved Usability and Dashboard

In Odoo 8, the dashboard was revamped, allowing for a more comprehensive overview of key metrics and business operations at a glance.

Key Differences:

• Interactive Dashboards: Odoo 8 featured dynamic dashboards, which were a significant upgrade over the static ones in OpenERP 7.
• User Experience: Navigating through the system was smoother, with faster load times and cleaner menus.

3. The Module Architecture

Odoo 8 enhanced the modularity of the software, enabling businesses to choose only the modules they needed while making it easier to scale the platform as needed.

Key Differences:

• New Features in Modules: Several modules were upgraded with new features, such as the Sales, Accounting, and Project modules.
• Customization & Extensibility: Odoo 8 included better tools for developers to create and customize their own modules.

4. Accounting and Invoicing Improvements

Odoo 8 brought a host of accounting features that made financial management more efficient for businesses.

Key Differences:

• Multi-currency Accounting: Odoo 8 introduced better multi-currency accounting tools.
• Automated Invoicing: In Odoo 8, businesses could automate invoicing processes and integrate more seamlessly with payment gateways.

5. Odoo 8's Integration with eCommerce

One of the standout features of Odoo 8 was the improved eCommerce module. It allowed businesses to create and manage online stores with ease.

Key Differences:

• eCommerce Features: The eCommerce functionality in Odoo 8 was more integrated with other business operations, offering real-time data syncing.
• SEO Tools: Odoo 8 included SEO optimization features that were lacking in OpenERP 7.

Conclusion

Odoo 8 marked a significant leap forward from OpenERP 7 in terms of user interface, modularity, accounting capabilities, and eCommerce integration. The rebranding was just the beginning of a broader transformation that would continue in future versions of Odoo.

Comparison Table