Odoo is the ideal ERP software for any business that wants to move beyond the limits of “off‑the‑shelf” ERP programs. Thanks to its open‑source nature and the 10,000 apps already available, Odoo it offers virtually unlimited customization options while keeping all the advantages of a more “traditional” ERP system (see our article "5 common misconceptions about Odoo ERP") In this article, we’ll go over the main connectors available for Odoo ERP to shed some light on the subject.
Odoo connectors for finance and accounting
It’s rare for finance and accounting to be managed entirely within the ERP system. Many medium‑sized businesses use external accounting firms to help with this work. As a result, the management software has to be able to pass along all the information accountants need to handle the balance sheet, management reporting, and more, with no hassle.
With some ERP systems, exporting data for transfer can quickly turn into a nightmare of complexity. Odoo, it’s exactly the opposite. By installing the right connectors (for example, to Quadra software, which is the most widely used in accounting practices), monthly data is sent over completely automatically. If you prefer to send the data manually, no problem-just change the connector’s configuration. With support from a good integrator, it’s a piece of cake.
Odoo connectors for e‑commerce
The sales department is, of course, a crucial part of any business. Even though Odoo handles the vast majority of the process, some e‑commerce companies prefer to keep their existing online stores created in Magento or Prestashop, for example.
In that case, you can seamlessly connect the ERP system and the e-commerce site. Once again, Odoo has an answer for everything!
A very wide range of connectors has been developed by the Odoo community to manage sales through the website and invoicing through the ERP as simply as possible. Your integrator must remain your main point of contact so that you can avoid getting drawn into overly technical discussions with the publishers of connector software.
The integrator will act as an intermediary in selecting the connector, integrating it, and managing its operation.
Another essential aspect of Odoo connectors for sales relates to banking systems. On an e-commerce website, the ability to offer online payment is essential and, once again, your ERP system must be able to manage the "dialogue" with the banks. As each bank has its own operational model, adjustments will be required to the "standard" connector, but they can be completed by your integrator very easily (and the same applies to international banks!).
Odoo connectors for logistics
Once customers have bought a product on your website, they want to receive their purchases quickly. That's completely logical. If logistics activities are not fully automated in your ERP and you have to re-enter data, etc., you risk losing valuable time.
With Odoo ERP and its dedicated logistics modules, the problem is largely resolved. Nonetheless, relationships with couriers such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc. still need to be managed.
Indeed, interfaces for major American overnight services such as FedEx do exist, but for "local" delivery services, custom connectors need to be developed.
Captivea has therefore built a connector between Odoo and Colissimo and provides this to its clients. This enables them, for example, to calculate the exact shipping rate for the customer, print appropriate labels, and generate packing lists, etc. These represent considerable time savings for the logistics department. In view of the enthusiastic response this connector has received, Captivea's teams are currently finalizing connectors for the TNT and Asendia delivery services.
At last, Odoo connectors for everything
The publisher has deliberately chosen not to specialize in a particular sector, as the wide range of modules and connectors available is enough to customize the ERP solution. If, by some chance, you can’t find what you’re looking for in the Odoo ecosystem, your integrator will be able to meet your needs with a bit of custom development.
