If you are reading this article, you have most likely chosen (or are about to choose) Odoo as your system — an excellent decision.
However, selecting an ERP system is only the first step.
Have you started to notice that the standard version of Odoo is not sufficient and that you need a custom solution?
Or perhaps you are not yet using the system at full scale and are looking for a partner who can help you implement Odoo properly?
Choosing an Odoo partner is not about “picking the first available one who will just get it done.” It is a strategic decision that will have long-term consequences — it can either lead to business success or to a serious loss of time and money.
That is why you are in the right place. In this article, I will briefly and clearly share the most important things you should know before choosing an Odoo implementation partner.
A partner, not a vendor
When implementing Odoo, the choice of a partner matters far more than it may seem at first. This is not merely a technological decision — it is a choice of working style, approach to requirements, and the quality of decisions made at the very beginning of the project.
An ERP system is implemented for years, which is why it is crucial who you go through this process with. A partner who understands both the technology and real business needs can lead the implementation in a way that delivers quick results today without becoming a source of problems in the future.
Below, we present two of the most common implementation scenarios in Odoo projects — and the long-term consequences of each.
Scenario 1 – Fast implementation
At first glance, everything looks perfect.
The partner is flexible, agrees to every requirement, and says “yes” to almost everything. Every field? Every feature? Every custom process? — no problem.
The problem starts later.
The partner does not ask the difficult questions:
- Does this field actually add real business value?
- Do you truly need this functionality, or is it just a “nice to have”,
- Could this process be simplified instead of complicating the system?
Instead, the system
At some point, the client realizes that:
- the implementation cost has significantly exceeded the original assumptions,
- the number of customizations is very high,
- and Odoo no longer resembles a standard, maintainable ERP system.
The final result?
The client ends up with a heavily altered system that is difficult to maintain, expensive to develop further, and problematic to upgrade. Every future change becomes more painful — financially and operationally.
This is not a partnership.
This is checklist delivery without responsibility for long-term consequences.
Scenario 2 – Strategic partnership
A partner focused on your success starts with a thorough analysis of your business processes before any technical work begins. Be prepared that such a partner will actively question your ideas, decisions, and established habits:
- Is this really the best solution?
- Are we doing this because it makes sense, or just because “we’ve always done it this way”?
- Does this really solve a business problem?
At the beginning, this approach may cost more upfront, as it usually includes a structured pre-implementation analysis or discovery phase. However, this investment pays off quickly.
Thanks to the analysis:
- unnecessary customizations are avoided,
- future changes are simpler and cheaper,
- the client is better prepared for the implementation process,
- and the implementation cost estimate is based on real, well-understood business processes, not assumptions.
As a result, the scope is clearer, risks are lower, and the final solution is easier to maintain and scale over time. Instead of paying later for corrections and rework, you invest early in a solution that is stable, predictable, and future-proof.
Methodology and Odoo partner status – your verification tools
So how can you tell whether you are dealing with an expert (Scenario 2) rather than just a developer (Scenario 1)? The answer lies in methodology and formal partner status.
Check the official Odoo partner status
Odoo partner levels (Ready, Bronze, Silver, Gold) are a formal confirmation of competence, experience, and commitment to Odoo.
These levels translate into two key factors:
- Competence guarantee – higher status means proven experience in successful implementations and a larger number of certified consultants.
- Access to support – higher-level partners have direct and preferential access to Odoo S.A. technical support, which is critical when serious issues arise or when direct contact with the system’s creators is required.
Ask how the implementation will be run
A partner who treats implementation strategically always has a clearly defined methodology — a step-by-step process that ensures predictable budgets and timelines.
Ask your partner:
- What does your process look like from A to Z?
- How do you move from business analysis to user acceptance testing?
If they cannot clearly explain this, you risk falling into the trap of never-ending costs — you know something is being built, but you are not sure what exactly or when it will be finished.
Talk to them
Even the best methodology and the highest partner status cannot replace a direct conversation. It is during the first meetings that you can quickly sense who you are really dealing with.
Pay attention to whether the partner:
- starts by asking questions about your business, your processes, and your goals
- tries to understand your business processes before proposing solutions,
- asks questions about context, goals, and challenges — not just features,
- is comfortable saying “it depends” or “let’s validate this,” instead of immediately claiming that “everything can be done.”
If the conversation is based from the start on ready-made templates, quick promises, and assurances that every requirement can be easily implemented, this should be treated as a warning sign. A good partner is not afraid to dive into details, challenge assumptions, and suggest simplifications where the real issue lies in the process, not in the system.
Very often, the first conversation tells you more than any proposal or presentation — and helps you determine whether you are speaking with a true partner or just a delivery vendor.
Summary
The points above are the foundation for choosing the right Odoo partner.
On top of that, there are other important aspects, such as industry knowledge or familiarity with local regulations (for example, whether the partner can implement Polish requirements in Odoo, such as KSeF).
Still, what you have read so far is the absolute baseline — and it is critical.
Next steps
Now that you know what to expect from an Odoo partner who can deliver real value, you can start selecting the one that best fits your needs.
If you want Odoo to become a real profit-generating tool and a long-term advantage for your company, feel free to contact us. Solvti is a Polish Gold Odoo Partner, ready to help you discover what Odoo can truly do for your business.
At Solvti, we always start by defining business goals, KPIs, and financial outcomes you want to improve through Odoo. By understanding costs and setting clear objectives, you are well prepared to calculate ROI and fully leverage your Odoo ERP investment.
We are here not only to implement Odoo, but to truly transform your company using it.
At Solvti, we always start by defining business goals, , financial outcomes and future vision for your company. By understanding costs and setting clear objectives, you are well prepared to calculate ROI and fully leverage your Odoo ERP investment.
We are here not only to implement Odoo, but to truly transform your company using it.
