A Step-by-Step Guide to Working with Odoo Experts – Which Is Better?

As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, choosing the right ERP system and the right professionals to implement it becomes critical. Odoo, a widely used open-source ERP solution, stands out for its flexibility, scalability, and comprehensive suite of business applications. However, knowing whether to hire Odoo developer or an Odoo consultant can be a bit tricky.

This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of working with Odoo experts and helps you decide which role fits your business needs best.

Step 1: Understand Your Business Needs

Before reaching out to any Odoo professional, take time to map out your business requirements. Do you need to customize modules? Are you looking for guidance on Odoo implementation strategy? Or are you aiming to streamline operations through better system design?

• If you need technical solutions like module development or third-party integration, you’ll want to hire an Odoo developer.

• If your challenges are strategic, like understanding how Odoo fits into your business processes, you’ll benefit more when you hire an Odoo consultant.

Step 2: Learn the Key Roles of Odoo Experts

To make an informed decision, let’s look at what each expert typically does:

Odoo Developer:

• Builds or customizes Odoo modules

• Handles backend and frontend development

• Works on third-party integrations

• Fixes bugs and improves performance

Odoo Consultant:

• Analyzes business workflows

• Suggests the best Odoo modules based on use cases

• Provides training and support

• Oversees change management and implementation strategy

In short, a developer brings your custom features to life, while a consultant ensures that your ERP journey aligns with business goals. Depending on your stage of digital transformation, you may need either or both.

Step 3: Shortlist the Right Experts

Start your search by looking at portfolios, case studies, or client feedback. Whether you're planning to hire Odoo developer talent or onboard a consultant, credibility and real-world experience should guide your decision.

Also, check if the individual or team stays updated with the latest digital transformation updatesand Odoo releases. A great expert won’t just build a system, they’ll future-proof it.

Step 4: Define Your Project Scope

Be clear about what success looks like. Whether it’s improving inventory tracking, automating invoices, or migrating data from your old ERP, write down all essential deliverables.

Once you define your goals, your Odoo expert—be it a developer or a consultant, can provide more accurate estimates for time and cost.

• If you aim for a deep business overhaul, the consultant's strategic guidance is invaluable.

• For hands-on tasks like building custom dashboards or workflows, your developer will be your go-to.

Step 5: Choose the Right Engagement Model

There are several ways to collaborate with Odoo experts:

• Full-time hire: Ideal for long-term projects or in-house ERP teams.

• Hourly or contract-based: Suitable for small tasks or short-term needs.

• Ongoing support model: Perfect if you’re looking for someone to manage system updates and performance checks regularly.

If you’re unsure which model to choose, consider starting with a short-term engagement. You can always extend based on how well things go.

Step 6: Communication is Everything

Whether you hire an Odoo consultant or a developer, communication is key. Set regular check-ins and use tools like Jira, Trello, or email updates to stay in sync.

A good consultant will break down complex features into business terms you can understand. A good developer will ensure that technical tasks are done efficiently and reported transparently.

Step 7: Monitor and Iterate

Once the system is live, collect feedback from your team. Are the workflows smoother? Is data reporting more accurate? Is your system user-friendly?

Also, stay informed about digital transformation updates that can impact your ERP solution. Encourage your Odoo expert to keep the system aligned with industry trends and new releases from Odoo.

Iterative improvements, even after implementation, are a hallmark of a well-run Odoo project.

Which is Better: Odoo Developer or Consultant?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your goals:

• Want to build something custom? Hire Odoo Developer

• Need advice on the right Odoo setup? Hire Odoo Consultant

• Want both strategy and execution? Hire both and make them collaborate.

Think of it like constructing a building: the consultant is the architect, and the developer is the builder. You need both roles to make your ERP project successful, especially if you're serious about sustainable digital transformation.

Final Thoughts

Working with Odoo experts is a smart move for businesses ready to digitize operations. But to get the best results, be clear about your goals, define your scope, and choose the right expert based on your needs.

Whether you’re planning a large ERP deployment or a small process automation task, make sure to stay updated with digital transformation updates and partner with professionals who can turn technology into tangible business value.

So—Hire Odoo Developer for technical build-outs, Hire Odoo Consultant for strategic direction, or combine both for complete success.

Surekha Technologies is a Digital Transformation and Digital Experience Enabler for solutions built with web and mobile technologies. We serve our customers worldwide and have a presence in the USA.