Also take a look at Visma and other alternatives.
Odoo is kind of open source… but not actually. You are treated like a fish, but once you get in the costs rise very quickly.
I contacted them at the beginning of this year for a license, it was a project to renew old infrastructure, you are quickly sent to their hosting and everything related to it.
I really just wanted licenses for 20 users and a better deal on that. Odoo kept saying that you had to buy an additional package of 50 hours of support for 6,000 euros. When I pointed out to them that I already have a working instance and that I actually only want to use the enterprise plugins, they kept telling me that I had to buy that because their experience was that you needed that.
During the conversations it was also said that I could use Odoo studio to set up everything myself. Yes, if I can do it myself why do I have to pay you another 6k?
You also very quickly have to rely on 3th party plugins and the costs of those plugins are absurd. Where on other platforms they charge a few tens of euros per month, at Odoo they quickly charge hundreds of euros per month for the simplest plugins.
In the end I thought, it’s okay with you guys and those bullshit tactics. In any case, I am against the whole “open source as business” model that has become very popular in recent years. It ranges from open source, but there is 0 documentation and getting it to work is an impossible task, to open source but actually a kind of demo open source and if you want the package you still have to pay (which Odoo does).
Ultimately I started working with Visma. Very clearly 30k in advance for implementation then x amount fixed monthly and this is what you get for it. No vague promises from Odoo.
And avoid people who praise Odoo online as if it is the end. These are often people who earn something from it. I find out time and time again that people who praise it or have no idea at all how a company works and just say something are people who make money from it.
Odoo is certainly not the end all, it certainly does not fit in every situation and if you want to make it suitable you have to invest heavily, which Odoo is not always transparent about.
What really made me laugh out loud is that they have never heard of ICE, even though it really is an industry standard.
Multiple EAN codes on one SKU, is that possible? The response to that from a highly placed person at Odoo, I don’t shit on you. After hearing this answer I should have closed the door immediately, but I still wasted 2 months of time on them. The answer was, “What is a SKU?”.
I heard this answer, and if there are people reading this who still want to defend Odoo, NO!
Anyway, then you have explained to them what a SKU is and explained to them why it happens that a SKU can contain multiple EAN codes. Then the answer is no, an item (SKU as it is called in technical terms) cannot contain multiple EAN codes, but you can add multiple items and then give them all their own EAN code. Ok so if there is a change then I have to manually look up all those items and hope I get them all?
The answer to that was, but can’t you ask your suppliers if they want to stop doing that? Yes, I will turn an entire industry upside down, I will certainly succeed.
I really didn’t get that whole awareness of a SKU and EAN and how it all works from them. While that’s just how it works in the industry, why don’t they know that?
[Reactie gewijzigd door TechSupreme op 21 november 2024 03:05]
Odoo vs. Visma: A Comedy of Software Errors
Well, well, well! If it isn’t the little fish that thinks it can swim with the sharks! Odoo claims to be open-source, but frankly, it feels more like a well-disguised fishing expedition, with costs rising faster than my blood pressure after a run-in with my accountant.
The author of our tale approached Odoo at the start of the year, hoping for a simple license renewal for 20 users—just 20, not 200! But Odoo had other plans. Oh no, dear reader, they love their bundles like I love a brand-new joke about tax evasion. Instead of the straightforward deal they claimed, they insisted on pushing a whopping 50-hour support pack for €6,000! That’s not a license; that’s more like a hostage situation.
And then, like a subpar magician pulling a rabbit out of a nearly empty hat, they casually tossed out the suggestion of Odoo Studio. “Oh, you can set it all up yourself!” they chirped. Well, if I can do it myself, then why am I forking over six grand, mate? I didn’t sign up for DIY disaster! Someone should tell Odoo that the only thing worse than bad software is bad software dressed up like a “user-friendly” program.
Next, let’s discuss those third-party plugins! They claim to approach it as a buffet, but it’s less ‘all-you-can-eat’ and more ‘here’s your starter, and good luck paying for the main course.’ While others might charge you a tidy little sum for their add-ons, Odoo prefers the Michelin approach—overpriced and too fancy for what should just be a simple meal!
So, what’s the moral of this tale? It’s clear: avoid the fickle promise of “open source” that turns out to be more transparent than a politician’s answer during an election debate. Odoo’s tale is a cautionary one, where high prices and painful jargon seem to be the only things guaranteed.
After battling with the Odoo behemoth, our brave narrator found solace in Visma. 30k upfront—now that’s a number I can wrap my head around! A set price with specific services, tucked neatly in a box. No vague promises! For some, the clarity of upfront costs feels as refreshing as a cold pint after dragging yourself through a software negotiation with the charm of a tax audit.
Furthermore, steer clear of those who praise Odoo online—usually, you’ll find it’s people who can profit from the chaos. They say things like “Odoo is the best!” while counting their commission. It’s like a friend recommending a restaurant only to realize they own the joint!
Here’s my favorite part: Odoo’s apparent lack of knowledge about basic industry standards. They’ve never heard of ICE? Is that a joke? “SKU? What’s that?” Come on! This is like asking a chef if they know what thyme is! If this is the state of their knowledge pool, let’s just put a ‘Danger Ahead’ sign at the entrance and be done with it.
And if you think turning an industry upside down is as simple as asking suppliers to change their habits, well, bless your heart! That’s some lofty optimism typically reserved for individuals attempting to climb Everest without training.
In conclusion, folks, the moral is clear: tread carefully in these waters. Odoo might look appealing, but dive in and you’ll come out gasping for air, wallet lighter than your conscience after a night out on the town. Should you find yourself needing software, take a moment to sip your coffee, do some research, and for heaven’s sake, look at Visma! At least you know what you’re getting into—an honest price for an honest product.
Stay savvy, my friends, and avoid being lured in by shiny software promises that turn out to be nothing but bait!
In addition to considering Odoo, potential users should also explore Visma and other strong alternatives to ensure they find a solution that meets their needs without hidden costs.
While Odoo markets itself as an open-source platform, users often find that this is not entirely true. Once you dive into their services, costs can escalate surprisingly fast, akin to being lured into a trap.
At the beginning of this year, I reached out to Odoo in hopes of obtaining a license to support a project aimed at revitalizing outdated infrastructure. Almost immediately, I was directed towards their hosting options, which felt like a sales pitch rather than genuine assistance.
I was specifically looking for licenses for just 20 users and hoped to negotiate a more favorable deal. Instead, I was met with the insistence that I needed to purchase an additional support package consisting of 50 hours priced at 6,000 euros. Even after explaining that I was already operating a functional instance and merely wished to utilize the enterprise plugins, they maintained that this extra package was mandatory based on their previous experiences.
Throughout our discussions, I was informed that Odoo Studio could allow me to configure everything independently. However, if I am fully capable of managing this myself, why would I be compelled to shell out an additional 6,000 euros?
Furthermore, it quickly became apparent that third-party plugins were essential, and the costs associated with them were exorbitant. Unlike competing platforms, where fees can range in the tens of euros per month, Odoo charges hundreds of euros monthly, even for basic plugins that fulfill simple functions.
Ultimately, I decided that I could no longer tolerate Odoo’s marketing tactics and contradictory practices. I hold a strong aversion to the growing trend of “open source as a business” models which often present challenges. This trend typically oscillates between lack of proper documentation and the frustrating reality that users must still pay for essential packages despite the open-source claims, as exemplified by Odoo.
In my search for an alternative, I chose to work with Visma. This partnership provided crystal-clear expectations: an upfront investment of 30,000 euros for implementation, followed by a fixed monthly fee detailing exactly what I would receive in return. There were no nebulous guarantees, just straightforward terms.
Be wary of individuals who herald Odoo as the ultimate solution. Many of these advocates stand to benefit financially from the platform and their endorsements often lack substance. Time and time again, I discovered that those who praise Odoo frequently do so without any comprehensive understanding of its functionalities within a business context.
Moreover, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Odoo is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It may not be the best fit for every company, and any necessary adjustments to optimize its use require significant investment, a fact that Odoo does not transparently communicate.
What truly amused me was discovering their unfamiliarity with ICE, which is recognized as an industry standard.
When I inquired about the possibility of having multiple EAN codes associated with a single SKU, I received a bewildering response from a senior Odoo representative who asked, “What is a SKU?” Upon hearing this, I should have walked away immediately, yet I regrettably squandered an additional two months trying to make it work with them.
Once I clarified the concept of a SKU and why a single SKU may indeed encompass multiple EAN codes, I was told that it was not permitted. Instead, I could add multiple items, each with its own EAN code. This left me wondering: if changes occur, would I need to manually track down all those items and risk missing some?
The suggestion that I simply ask my suppliers to cease their current practices was impractical. The notion that I could single-handedly alter an entire industry seemed ludicrous.
Ultimately, I found their lack of understanding about SKUs and EAN codes confounding, as these concepts are foundational in the industry. Why would a company selling solutions to businesses not grasp these critical industry standards?
How does Odoo’s understanding of industry standards affect its usability for inventory management?
Praise-seekers may profit from endorsing such platforms, often unaware of the complexities and pitfalls that come with them. They may tout Odoo as the “best” option while conveniently omitting the hidden costs and headaches that accompany its use. This is akin to someone recommending a car that comes with a full tank of gas but neglecting to mention the frequent breakdowns and expensive repairs.
Moreover, Odoo’s fundamental misunderstandings of basic industry standards—like their apparent confusion about SKUs and EAN codes—should raise significant red flags for potential users. A software solution’s value is inherently linked to its context; if the team behind it lacks industry knowledge, it could lead to grave misalignment with user needs. This situation is particularly alarming considering the critical role inventory management plays in businesses, and yet Odoo’s representatives seemed unprepared to engage in these conversations.
When it comes to software, choosing the right partner is crucial. While Odoo may present itself as an attractive open-source option, the realities of its business model often revolve around misleading claims and escalating costs. In contrast, with Visma, I found much greater clarity and a more equitable structure. An upfront investment with clearly defined expectations proved to be a more trustworthy arrangement.
potential users should conduct thorough research before making a commitment, focusing on true value rather than gimmicky marketing. Investigating alternatives like Visma can lead to a more satisfying long-term partnership without the constant worry of hidden fees and convoluted support structures. Software should empower your business, not hold it hostage. So, be vigilant, and choose wisely!
