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Creating a Proof of Concept (PoC) is a smart move before you jump into a complete Odoo setup. A good PoC shows if your business idea will work and proves how Odoo can fix your company’s problems.
Odoo commands 15.03% of the ERP market and is expected to reach $1 billion by 2027. This demonstrates that companies worldwide rely on this system for their daily operations.
This guide covers all the key steps you need to build an Odoo PoC development that works. We begin with planning and conclude with testing and verifying the results.
What Is Odoo PoC Development?
When you build an Odoo PoC, you make a basic version of the ERP system you want. This tests the main features without building everything from scratch. A PoC proves your idea works in Odoo, rather than creating a complete system. This method reduces risk and provides valuable information before you invest significant money.
The global ERP market continues to grow rapidly. Experts predict that it will reach $242.89 billion by 2029, with a 10.1% annual growth rate. This growth makes picking the right ERP method even more important.
How to Build a PoC in Odoo?
Building an Odoo Proof of Concept helps test your business ideas before full implementation. Follow these step-by-step methods for successful PoC development.
Step 1: Define Your PoC Objectives
You need clear goals before you start the Odoo project setup. Identify the specific business problems you want to address and establish measurable goals.
- Important points for setting goals:
- Pick the main business steps to test.
- Write down user stories and how people will use the system
- Make realistic time plans and budgets.
- Choose success measures and KPIs
- List what resources you need.
Begin by drawing out how your business currently operates and identifying where things go wrong. This study will guide your Odoo PoC development and ensure that you test the most critical aspects of your idea.
Step 2: Choose the Right Odoo Modules
Odoo offers numerous module choices, so selecting the right ones for your PoC is crucial. Pick modules that solve your main business needs instead of trying to test everything together.
Common Odoo modules for PoC work:
- Sales and CRM to manage customers
- Inventory to control stock
- Accounting to track money
- Manufacturing for making products
- Project management for organizing work
- E-commerce to sell online
Studies show Odoo module testing and setup take 50 to 250 hours of work, based on how complex it is. For a PoC, stay closer to 50 hours to control costs while still proving your idea works.
Step 3: Set Up Your Development Environment
Good Odoo project setup creates the base for successful PoC work. You need a development space that resembles your final system but remains flexible for testing and changes.
What you need for development:
- Install Odoo Community Edition to start testing
- Create a staging server to show your work
- Set up database backups and version tracking
- Create user access rules and permissions
- Get test data that looks like real business information
Consider utilising cloud development tools to reduce setup time and lower hardware costs. This allows your team to work together more effectively while maintaining consistent testing conditions.
Step 4: Design Your Custom Modules
Odoo custom modules often address specific business needs that standard modules may overlook. Design these modules with your PoC goals in mind. Focus on basic functions rather than comprehensive features.
How to approach custom module work:
- Start with the smallest working features.
- Use Odoo’s built-in tools and rules.
- Write clean code that’s easy to maintain.
- Focus on how users will interact with the system.
- Plan for growth and improvements later
Write down all your custom module needs in detail. This information will be very helpful when you transition from PoC to a full system setup.
Step 5: Implement Core Business Logic
After selecting modules and planning custom work, begin building the main business logic that your PoC needs to demonstrate. Focus on the most important workflows that prove your business idea.
What to build first:
- User login and permission systems
- Data entry and checking processes
- Key business workflows and automatic tasks
- Reports and analysis features
- Connections with systems you already use
Keep your work simple but working. The goal is to prove ideas work, not to create a finished system. You can add more features when you build the complete version.
Read more: Odoo Website Development – Features, Cost, and Steps
Step 6: Conduct Odoo Module Testing
Good testing is key for PoC success. Odoo module testing should check both what the system does and how users experience it. Create test situations that mimic real-world use.
Testing plan parts:
- Unit tests for individual module functions
- Integration tests between modules
- User acceptance tests with real stakeholders
- Performance tests under realistic loads
- Security tests to protect data
Odoo stores grew 61% year-over-year in 2025 Q1. This indicates that more people are using it, and why thorough testing before full setup is crucial.
Step 7: Gather Stakeholder Feedback
Keep key people involved during your Odoo PoC services development. Their thoughts are crucial for determining if your business idea is viable and identifying ways to improve it.
Good ways to collect feedback:
- Regular demo meetings with stakeholders
- Organized user testing sessions
- Surveys and questionnaires
- One-on-one talks with key users
- Writing down all feedback and suggestions
Create a feedback system that enables you to make quick changes and improvements. This team approach engages more people and ensures your final solution meets user needs.
Step 8: Evaluate Technical Performance
Evaluate how well your PoC performs technically to ensure it can handle your business needs as it grows. This check helps identify potential slowdowns and areas for improvement.
What to measure for performance:
- How fast do key operations work?
- How much data can the system process?
- How many users can work at the same time?
- How many system resources does it use?
- How well it can grow?
Write down performance numbers and compare them to what you wanted at the start. This study will help determine the necessary infrastructure for the full system.
Step 9: Analyze Cost-Benefit Implications
Examine the financial side of your PoC to determine if full implementation is feasible. Think about direct costs and potential returns on your investment.
Cost study parts:
- Development and customization costs
- License and subscription fees
- Infrastructure and hosting expenses
- Training and support needs
- Ongoing maintenance and updates
Compare these costs to the expected benefits, such as improved processes, saved money, and new revenue opportunities. This study helps make decisions about full implementation.
What Are the Most Common PoC Pitfalls to Avoid?
Learn from common mistakes that can ruin PoC projects. Knowing these problems helps you plan more effectively and avoid costly delays.
Common PoC problems:
- Scope creep beyond initial goals
- Not enough stakeholder involvement
- Poor testing and validation
- Bad documentation and knowledge transfer
- Unrealistic timelines and expectations
Stay focused on your PoC scope and goals. Remember that the point is to prove the concept works, not to create a perfect solution.
Conclusion
Building a PoC with Odoo gives you valuable information about whether your business idea will work while cutting implementation risks. Following these organized steps ensures that your Odoo ERP PoC effectively proves your concept and prepares you for a successful full-scale implementation.
Remember that PoC development is an investment in your business’s future. Take time to plan well. For expert guidance and professional support throughout your PoC journey, consider partnering with Shiv Technolabs, a reputable Odoo development company.
Our team of Odoo developers is here to assist with all your development needs while exceeding all your PoC requirements. Contact us today and enhance your digital presence.
