Odoo Inventory is a full-featured warehouse management system (WMS) built into the ERP. It handles product tracking, multi-warehouse operations, barcode scanning, automated replenishment, lot and serial number tracing, and integrates natively with Sales, Purchase, and Manufacturing. This guide covers setup, key features, and best practices.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Multi-Warehouse | Manage multiple warehouses with independent stock levels and routes |
| Barcode Scanning | Mobile barcode interface for picks, packs, and deliveries |
| Lot/Serial Tracking | Track products by lot or individual serial number |
| Automated Reordering | Min/max rules that auto-generate purchase or manufacturing orders |
| Routes & Rules | Configurable pick-pack-ship workflows with push/pull rules |
| Inventory Adjustments | Physical inventory counts with discrepancy reporting |
Initial Setup
- Enable Inventory: Apps → Install Inventory
- Configure Warehouses: Inventory → Configuration → Warehouses. Set routes (1-step, 2-step, or 3-step)
- Set up Locations: Define storage locations within each warehouse
- Create Products: Set product type (Storable, Consumable, Service) and tracking method
- Configure Reordering Rules: Set min/max stock levels per product per warehouse
Common Workflows
Receiving Goods
Purchase orders create receipts. Staff validate receipts confirming quantities and scanning barcodes. Stock updates automatically.
Shipping Orders
Sales orders trigger delivery orders. In 3-step: pick → pack → ship, each with its own validation for fulfillment visibility.
Best Practices
- Start with 1-step, move to multi-step as operations grow
- Enable barcode scanning for 20+ orders/day
- Use reordering rules on all storable products
- Integrate with Purchase for automated replenishment
Hosting Considerations
Inventory-heavy operations generate significant database activity. Ensure adequate RAM and SSD storage. DeployMonkey's automated S3 backups protect inventory data. See server requirements and Odoo for inventory management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Odoo handle multiple warehouses?
Yes. Independent stock levels, routes, and reordering rules per warehouse. Inter-warehouse transfers are native.
Does Odoo support barcode scanning?
Yes. The Barcode module works with USB scanners and phone cameras for receiving, picking, packing, and shipping.
Is Odoo Inventory free?
Yes in Community. Enterprise adds batch picking and quality checks.