Why is an Odoo migration essential for you?
If your Odoo system is still "working," you’re probably in your comfort zone. But beware, this inertia can quickly become your biggest barrier to innovation and competitiveness. An Odoo upgrade isn’t a functional disruption, but a strategic evolution that should be anticipated to maximize your ERP's performance.
The most successful companies no longer ask when to migrate. They know why they’re migrating, which modules to upgrade, and the measurable business impact. So, how can you turn this migration into a true performance catalyst?
Making the Odoo 2026 upgrade a performance driver, not a burden
Choosing not to migrate may seem cost-effective in the short term, but it often hides invisible costs:
- Manual data re-entry: Repeatedly entering data into different systems wastes time and increases the risk of human error, which can become costly in the long run.
- Compliance issues: Failing to migrate to a newer version can make it difficult to comply with tax and legal regulations.
- Patchwork development: The fixes needed to maintain an outdated system are often temporary and expensive, without addressing the underlying issues sustainably.
- Non-compliance risk: Failing to update your system increases the risk of non-compliance with security standards, exposing the company to vulnerabilities and legal risks.
The reality is that not migrating to Odoo costs much more in the long run. Comparing the cost of an Odoo update per user per month on an older version with that of a newer version will quickly reveal the true gap. The Odoo upgrade becomes a necessary investment to secure and optimize your ERP, and to prepare for the technological future by leveraging tools like AI, low-code, and APIs for smarter, more efficient processes.
The Odoo budget: From exceptional event to intelligent recurring process
When an Odoo update is viewed as an exceptional project, it becomes costly and difficult to justify. A structured budget for the Odoo migration helps shift from this emotional framework to a smart management approach. Divide your budget into three parts:
- 60% to ensure the proper functioning of the existing system (run);
- 30% for planned migrations and upgrades;
- 10% for continuous innovation, aligned with key priorities (e-invoicing, CSRD, etc.).
This will allow you to secure the existing system while preparing for the future.
Plan your migrations in waves: 2026-2028
Want to upgrade everything at once? That’s the quickest way to create internal roadblocks. You should plan your migrations in waves to maximize business impact.
Wave 1 (2026) : Prioritize finance and compliance
Where immediate gains are realized. The Odoo migration should begin with finance and compliance, especially with the introduction of mandatory e-invoicing. The goal is to simplify and secure financial flows.
Wave 2 (2027) : Optimize supply chain & operations
Once your financial foundation is stable, it’s time to migrate your operations and supply chain. Odoo 19, with the integration of AI algorithms, improves inventory management, traceability, and mobility. Removing daily friction points, like critical Excel files, will enhance visibility and execution speed across your entire supply chain.
Wave 3 (2028) : Boost CRM, Marketing, and HR
At this point, Odoo becomes a true competitive advantage. Thanks to AI, your CRM, marketing, and HR processes will be more efficient. Prepare your Odoo ecosystem for multi-channel openness, with APIs enabling integration to client portals and modern business applications.
Reduce your technical debt with every Odoo migration
Odoo ERP optimization also involves reducing your technical debt. Each migration is an opportunity to simplify and streamline your Odoo system. Anticipation before the migration is crucial to avoid unpleasant surprises.
How to prepare for your Odoo 2026 migration ?
- “Clean-up before migration” : Remove outdated modules, standardize simple developments, and eliminate Excel dependencies to lighten your system and increase resilience to future regulatory changes.
- Low-code rules: Reduce technical debt by limiting customizations and prioritizing APIs. This makes Odoo migrations smoother and less costly in the long run.
- Quick diagnostic : Before April 2026, perform a quick diagnostic to assess the current state of your ERP and identify priorities. This diagnostic will help you prioritize actions and plan migrations strategically and measurably.
- 90-day action plan : Launch an action plan with quick wins focusing on compliance and AI. While limited in scope, this plan will deliver visible and quickly measurable results.
In 2026, the Odoo upgrade is no longer just a technological event, but a strategic tool. When managed well, it not only helps maintain the stability of your ERP but also reduces costs, accelerates innovation, and ensures better compliance.
Ready to turn your Odoo migration into a strategic advantage? Contact us today to plan your Odoo 2026 upgrade with a certified Odoo partner!.