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Odoo 18 is coming : the migration journey

And also this year the countdown to the presentation of the new version of Odoo has begun, and with it the enthusiasm of customers skyrockets. 

The curiosity to explore and use all the new features quickly turns into a need. However, the question often asked is:

                         But can Odoo migrate?

                                                                         it depends. 

Odoo, as we all know, is much more than just a product. Over time, installations are enriched with additional modules and specific customisations, with the risk of gradually moving away from the basic standard. 

So, is it possible to update one's Odoo? 

Yes, but it is essential to do it with awareness and to orientate ourselves for the solution that best suits our situation.

              Here are the 3 main ways to migrate your Odoo

                                           Community-Driven Solution

 OpenUpgrade is an open source project developed by the OCA (Odoo Community Association) that deals with the migration of databases from one version of Odoo to another. It is based on a series of specific migration scripts that analyse and modify the database schema to make it compatible with the new version.
Official documentation


How to use OpenUpgrade to update the Odoo database

Here is a step-by-step guide to using OpenUpgrade in the process of updating an Odoo database.

Step 1: Preparing the Environment

  • Complete Backup: Before starting, make a complete backup of the existing database.
  • Clone of the OpenUpgrade Project: Clone the OpenUpgrade repository from the OCA's GitHub page, selecting the target version branch.
git clone https://github.com/OCA/OpenUpgrade.git -b <target_version>


Step 2: Environment Configuration
  • Edit the odoo.conf configuration file to include the functionality required by Openupgrade.  
--upgrade-path=<path_to_openupgrade>/openupgrade_scripts/scripts 
--update all --stop-after-init --load=base,web,openupgrade_framework
  • Make sure your Python virtual environment is configured with all the necessary dependencies.
  • Enter variable to set target version
export OPENUPGRADE_TARGET_VERSION=18.0
Step 3: Running the script
  • Start the migration script to update the database, fix and repeat.



OpenUpgrade key points

  • OpenUpgrade Migration Manager :At the heart of OpenUpgrade is the OpenUpgrade Migration Manager, a powerful tool native to Odoo that centralises and manages the migration process. This manager allows you to monitor the status of the migration, manage scripts and database changes in a structured manner, and provides detailed reports on the progress of the migration. With the Migration Manager, you can quickly identify any problems and apply targeted corrections.
  • Migration Script:Each version of Odoo has its own migration scripts in OpenUpgrade. These scripts are designed to adapt data structures to the changes introduced in new versions. The scripts can be extended to handle customisations specific to your system, but this requires in-depth analysis and expert input to assess whether this is the best way forward.
  • Extensibility:If your system includes customisations, OpenUpgrade can be extended with customised scripts. However, it is essential to assess with your partner whether this solution is the most cost-effective in terms of time and resources.

Odoo Upgrade Service

If you use Odoo Enterprise, another option is the upgrade.odoo.com This tool is offered directly by Odoo and facilitates the migration of Enterprise installations.

Key features:

  • Automation: The service automatically analyses your database and applies the necessary changes to update it to the new version, minimising the risk of errors.
  • Official Support: Being an official service, it offers a guided path and direct support to solve any problems during migration.
  • Suitable for Standard Installations: This solution is ideal for those who have an Enterprise installation that does not deviate too much from the Odoo standard, ensuring a smoother update. 
                                                                                                              Find out more

Starting Over: Importing Master Data

If your Odoo is highly customised, a direct update may be too complex, you might consider start with a new Odoo installation and import only the essential master data.

Benefits of this option:

  • Simplicity and Cleanliness : Instead of trying to adapt a complex system to the new version, you can start with a clean installation, eliminating old problems and simplifying future management.
  • Control over Data :Importing only master data allows you to focus on the truly essential data and avoid carrying forward obsolete or unnecessary data.
  • Risk Reduction : With a new installation, you eliminate the risk of inheriting problems with modules or customisations that are no longer compatible.

 

The Importance of Relying on an Expert Partner

Whatever path you choose, it is crucial not to underestimate the importance of relying on an experienced partner. 

The migration of Odoo, especially in the presence of customisations, intensive use of the system or a current version that is too far behind the desired one, requires specific skills to ensure that the process goes smoothly and that all data is preserved correctly.

A qualified partner will be able to guide you in choosing the solution best suited to your needs, assessing with you the advantages and possible criticalities of each option. 

In addition, it can develop customised scripts for OpenUpgrade, direct you to upgrade.odoo.com or in a new installation with import of master data, ensuring that the migration is a success.

No matter how complex the process may seem: with the right preparation and support, you can make the most of the potential of the new version of Odoo and ensure the business continuity of your business.