Introduction: What is Odoo ERP, and How Can it Benefit Your Business?
Odoo is a new-age business management tool founded in 2005. It is an on-demand open ERP powered by several flexible functionalities. It released its 12th version in October 2022. Odoo has a free and paid version. Although it does not have separate software solutions for accounting, marketing, HRM and other business processes, there are apps tailored for each business activity.
Enhanced reporting and analytics:
With Odoo, you will get real-time insights and advanced analytics that will help managers make accurate and data-driven decisions. You can also access the customizable reporting options that simplify tracking and measuring business performance against KPIs.
Improved customer satisfaction:
Odoo ERP helps you improve customer service by providing timely and accurate information about products, orders, and delivery. Better customer service ensures enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty. It also helps you generate repeat business and increase revenue.
Increased productivity:
Odoo ensures that your team is always agile and does not have to waste time on manual tasks. It automates the workflow, and it can be integrated with other systems. Odoo also makes data retrieval easy.
Scalability:
Your ERP must grow with your business, just like Odoo does. It is a scalable business management tool that never gets obsolete. You can add new modules per your requirements. Odoo upgrades the software with the latest functionalities.
Customizable:
Odoo is a comprehensive tool with several functionalities. However, if you want an added capability, Odoo lets you customize the module according to business needs.
Why Choosing the Right ERP Consultant is Crucial for Achieving Optimal Results?
Many companies want to do the ERP implementation through an in-house team, which often ends up in a dead end. Some hire incompetent consultants with half-baked knowledge, which leads to the wastage of resources. The simple solution is to choose the right ERP consultant after conducting thorough due diligence.
There is no doubt that outsourcing Odoo development and implementation is a cost-effective approach that accelerates the entire process. However, while selecting an Odoo ERP consultant, business owners should consider several factors. Organisations commonly end up choosing an Odoo partner who offers a standard range of services but lacks a deep understanding of the customer’s company and its product.
Collaborating with a partner who lacks confidence, expertise, or enthusiasm can be damaging to any business. Furthermore, you also have to check for the partner’s integrity, which is crucial.
Selecting the right partner with adequate technical knowledge, a customer-centric approach, and industry experience can optimize the implementation process. Moreover, you can enjoy several benefits of hiring an Odoo consultant, such as quick error mitigation, seamless data transfer, post-implementation support, and change management support. Some Odoo partners also provide training to the client team.
5 Tips to Help You Choose the Right ERP Consultant for Your Business:
How should you choose the right ERP consultant? One of the challenges of small and mid-size companies is choosing an Odoo consultant who is fit for the project. Making a decision can be overwhelming, especially when the market has lots to offer. Here is a list of five tips to assist you in making the right choice:
- The Odoo consultant should have end-to-end knowledge of Odoo. Odoo is a comprehensive business management tool comprising various applications and modules only an expert can figure out. They should know the most updated Odoo version, different price plans, hosting options and integration plans.
- Choosing an Odoo ERP consultant with some industry experience is advisable. It will be ideal if the consultant has experience working with an organisation similar to your business. They can provide foolproof security to the database.
- The right Odoo ERP consultant should have the proper insight and knowledge of Odoo customisation. They must be able to recommend using additional features to help your business get optimal usage benefits.
- ERP projects have several technical and non-technical complexities and challenges that can inhibit their progress. Hence, the Odoo ERP consulting firm should adopt an effective and practical approach for smooth project management. The ERP consultant should adopt a holistic approach and focus on all aspects of the enterprise, including employees, processes, and technology.
- The Odoo ERP consultant should also be adept in change management and must be able to efficiently reengineer the business process as the company moves from traditional systems to intelligent ERP solutions.
What Questions Should You Ask an Odoo ERP Consultant in Toronto Before Hiring?
Before sealing the deal with an Odoo ERP Consultant in Toronto, Canada, you must ask a few questions about the implementation process. It gives you a thorough overview of the entire plan, and you will have better control over it. Here is a list of five questions you must ask the Odoo implementation partner:
How long does a software selection and implementation take?:
Understanding the selection and implementation timeline will help you plan the change management and take backups accordingly. Even though a standard time is required to complete the implementation, more than usual time should ring the alarm bells. Make sure you know the proposed timeline to have better control.
How much will software and implementation cost?:
Cost is an important factor during Odoo implementation. Ask the Odoo ERP partner what the software and implementation cost is. There can also be hidden costs or service charges. Consider all the activities of the implementation process, and clarify the charges for each.
How much will it cost if you help with the selection?:
The Odoo partner can and most likely will have different implementation and consultation charges. If you want the Odoo consultant to help you select the modules, ask if those services are chargeable and what their cost is.
Do you offer help after the implementation?:
Odoo rolls out new modules and upgrades. Ask the Odoo ERP consultant if they will offer post-implementation technical support for such upgrades. You must also know what other kinds of post-sales services they offer, their cost and how you should avail of them.
What is the work process like?:
Every Odoo consultant has a work pattern. However, minute details or value-added steps can make or break the implementation process. Before starting the work, ask them to discuss their work process and break them into attainable phases.
Depending on your organisation structure, customisation requirements, and other factors, you may have more questions. Ask them all your questions to ensure a smooth implementation and change management process.
4 Factors to Consider When Evaluating Potential Odoo ERP Consultants:
Besides the important questions and five tips stated above, the final tool that you can use to evaluate a potential Odoo ERP consultant are these four factors:
Understanding business needs:
The foremost thing to consider when looking for an Odoo partner is that you must determine and identify your business requirements. Choosing the right Odoo ERP consultant is based on your project type, requirements, and potential solutions.
Customer-centricity of the Odoo Consultancy:
The Odoo consultant should provide excellent customer service in the pre and post-sale or implementation phases. Any business relationship can be affected if the consultancy lacks communication and is not customer-oriented. Besides having a prompt response mechanism, they should also come to your aid as and when necessary.
Response to emerging demands:
Odoo launches new versions, modifies old ones and updates some conventional requirements over time. The Odoo ERP consultant in Toronto, Ontario, should be able to modify the software and/or implementation process in response to stay abreast with the new demands.
Budget Allocations:
When allocating budgets, considering return on investment (ROI) is essential for businesses. It helps maintain financial stability while aligning with key business objectives. Odoo is a highly cost-effective business management tool. However, partnering with an inefficient Odoo consultant can lead to unnecessary expenses, especially if unnecessary additional resources are added. A reliable Odoo consultant offers comprehensive price analysis and helps select the optimal solutions for your business.
The bottom line
Are you still searching for the best Odoo consultation service in Toronto, Ontario? Silver Touch Technologies Ltd, a certified Odoo implementation partner, is here for you! Our Odoo consultants are equipped with several years of industry experience, and we have established ourselves as the best in the ERP business. We draw a detailed road map of the implementation and consultation process while prioritising your needs. Our processes are practical, hassle-free and adaptable. Want to experience all of this and more? Contact us today to leverage the power of expert Odoo ERP consultants!