Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are essential for manufacturers who want to unify their processes—from inventory and production to sales and finance. Odoo has emerged as a flexible, modular ERP platform offering a wide range of business apps, including manufacturing-specific tools. But as with any one-size-fits-all system, it doesn’t always provide the perfect fit.
In this article, we’ll break down what Odoo offers, where it might let your business down, and why a custom software platform could be the smarter choice.
What Is Odoo?
Odoo is an open-source ERP system offering over 30 core applications that cover areas like CRM, accounting, inventory, HR, and manufacturing. Its standout appeal is its modular approach—businesses can choose only the apps they need, making it a relatively affordable entry into ERP territory.
The manufacturing module includes:
- Bill of Materials (BOMs) – Create multi-level BOMs for complex production processes.
- Work orders and routings – Plan manufacturing steps, assign resources, and track job progress.
- MRP (Material Requirements Planning) – Automate procurement based on stock levels and production schedules.
- Quality checks and maintenance – Schedule inspections and maintenance tasks to minimise downtime.
- Inventory integration – Real-time stock updates across locations, integrated with procurement and delivery.
Thanks to its open-source foundation, Odoo is highly customisable, with a growing developer community and frequent updates.
Where Odoo falls short
While Odoo is more flexible than many ERP platforms, it still has limitations—especially for manufacturers with unique or advanced operational needs.
- Customisation requires technical expertise – While Odoo is technically customisable, meaningful changes often require a skilled developer familiar with its architecture.
- Inconsistent quality across modules – Some apps (like CRM or invoicing) are polished, while others (like MRP or reporting) may feel underdeveloped or lacking.
- User interface complexity – The system can be confusing to navigate for non-technical users, especially when multiple modules are installed.
- Integration challenges – Despite its modular structure, integrating Odoo with third-party tools or legacy systems can be time-consuming and expensive.
- Support can be hit-and-miss – Community support is strong, but businesses often struggle with documentation or getting timely help unless they’re on a paid enterprise plan.
Why consider custom software instead?
If you’ve found yourself adapting to Odoo’s way of working—instead of the other way around—it may be time to consider a bespoke solution. A custom-built platform allows you to:
- Define your own workflows – Build around the actual structure and logic of your business, rather than adjusting to a standard template.
- Simplify the user experience – Design clean, intuitive interfaces that your team actually enjoy using.
- Avoid dependency on external plugins – Stop relying on third-party modules with varying levels of quality or support.
- Integrate on your terms – Whether you need to connect to machinery, specialist accounting software, or a legacy ERP, we can make it happen.
- Own your data and your roadmap – No licensing fees, no forced updates, and total control over performance, security, and future development.
Shoothill: Bespoke systems for manufacturers who’ve outgrown the off-the-shelf approach
At Shoothill, we build software that’s not only capable of handling the demands of modern manufacturing—but built precisely around your business. If Odoo has worked for you, but now feels bloated, limited, or overly complex, we can help you move to a system that’s leaner, faster, and entirely fit for purpose.
Get in touch with Shoothill today to start building a better way of working.
