How do Odoo Community and Enterprise differ from one another? You don't know how to choose the best Odoo edition for your company? Let's look at the difference between Odoo 17 Community and Enterprise.
Odoo is open-source business management software and an online platform. Formerly, it was OpenERP, a typical ERP player. Now, as an open-source application, it is free to download from the internet and does not require any license costs. Odoo is now available in both the cloud and on-premises, and it can be used by businesses of all sizes.
In 2023, the market for Odoo 17 enterprise resource planning (ERP) software was estimated to be worth USD 71.41 billion globally. According to projections, the market would expand at a 14.4% CAGR from USD 81.15 billion in 2024 to USD 238.79 billion by 2032.
Source: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enterprise-resource-planning-erp-software-market-102498
With the desire to build a big network and serve more customers all over the world, OpenERP decided to shift its brand from ERP software to all-in-one business management software. Then Odoo begins to establish a partner network and invests in R&D to improve their product. Finally, they decided to shift their business model from a service to a software company.
Odoo 17 Community vs. Enterprise
Initially, OpenERP focused on increasing its popularity among other ERPs. Its previous business model was services-based; therefore, it may have been unable to invest time and effort in improving their product, prompting them to consider making changes.
So, OpenERP provides open-source CMS, eCommerce, and business intelligence systems, as well as a suite of applications. However, the functionalities of ERP remain intact; the main focus was on management applications such as accounting, CRM, and inventories.
Odoo gradually became one of Belgium's fastest-growing startups between 2002 and 2011. Then Odoo became one of the management software companies, with approximately 1000 Odoo 17 community installations each day.
Every month, Odoo can release up to 60 modules. As a result, they became the Wikipedia of management software.
Odoo currently has two versions: Odoo Community and Odoo Enterprise. So let’s explore those versions in detail.
Odoo 17 Community
Initially, Odoo just had one version, which was free, open-source, and supported by the Odoo 17 community. However, it was not mobile-friendly, and many large businesses required additional support and modules to run well.
It is one of the most basic versions of Odoo, with little functionality. However, to overcome the obstacles and improve business functionality, Odoo introduced the enterprise edition.
Odoo 17 Enterprise
Odoo’s enterprise version was released in 2015. When the Odoo 17 enterprise download was originally released, a significant change occurred. It was equipped with several innovative modules and features at a considerable additional cost.
While the community edition is open source and free, the enterprise version includes several commercial features and services, such as iOS and Android applications. The key aspect is that the Odoo 17 enterprise download model is not open-source, with code provided only by official Odoo partners and Odoo itself.
User Interface
Image Source: https://www.odoo.com/page/editions
The Odoo Enterprise Version is available on mobile and desktop platforms, while the Odoo 17 Community Edition is only available on computers. In addition, the Odoo Community edition has a standard interface, but the Odoo Enterprise version has easy and quick navigation.
Studio Access
You can flexibly modify your system from within the program. Odoo 17 Enterprise Download Edition users could customize their screens, create reports, edit menus, and create applications.
These capabilities are not available to Community Enterprise users, and they limit Odoo customization. As a result, when using this module, you can only edit the database and not the system code.
Accounting
The accounting application is easily accessible to both Odoo Community and Enterprise users, although users from those versions are limited to simply the payment and invoicing modules. At the same time, only Enterprise Edition users can use the accounting module.
Project Management
While the Enterprise Edition included capabilities such as employee timesheets and forecasting. The Community Edition has removed these functions because small enterprises at the required level do not prefer the functionality of forecasts and employee timesheets.
Sales Management
CRM, Customer Portal, and Sales are available to both Odoo Community Edition and Enterprise Edition users. Enterprise Edition users have access to VoIP integration, subscriptions, digital products, helpdesk, and e-signature.
Human Resources
Both versions of Odoo support important HR features such as employee databases, costs, leave requests, and recruitment. In addition, Enterprise Edition users can hire Odoo developers to create assessment modules and department-level dashboards for employee insights.
Inventory management
Odoo Community and Enterprise both provide inventory and purchasing management. However, Odoo 17 enterprise download users have access to multiple extra modules, including barcode support, and connectivity with major shipping companies such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL.
Manufacturing
Odoo Community and Enterprise support MRP functionality. Odoo Enterprise Edition also supports PLM, quality, maintenance, and shipping integration.
Website Builder
Users from both editions can access basic website creation tools, blog templates, and presentations. Odoo Enterprise Edition customers can additionally leverage Call to Action Blocks, Form Builder, Versioning, and A/B Testing to boost visitor engagement.
E-commerce
Both versions allow customers to develop full-scale eCommerce stores. Odoo Enterprise Edition customers can leverage additional features, including the eBay connector, payment integration, and Amazon connector.
Marketing
Event, Live Chat, email marketing, and Expresses are supported by both the Odoo Community Version and the Odoo Enterprise Edition. However, Odoo Community Edition customers are unable to use marketing automation, lead scoring, or email marketing templates.
Final Thoughts
If you are concerned about implementing the Odoo 17 enterprise download for the first time, you can begin by using the Odoo Community Edition. When you can afford it, you can eventually upgrade to the Odoo Enterprise edition in its entirety.
Odoo 17 Community and Odoo Enterprise differ greatly from one another. You can truly make a decision that best meets the requirements and operational objectives of your company when you have a detailed understanding of these differences. You can speed up this final step in part thanks to the broad distinction we mentioned before.
If you’re still wondering whether the Odoo 17 Community or Odoo 17 Enterprise download is better for your business, feel free to contact CandidRoot Solutions. We can assist you in locating the ideal solution. With our vast expertise across many domains, we are the trusted Odoo partner, and we can meet your most precise requirements.