Whether you’re new to Odoo or have been building modules for a while, you’ve likely run into your fair share of frustrating errors. The truth is, even small mistakes in module development can create big headaches later—broken upgrades, performance issues, or even exposing sensitive business data. But here’s the good news: most of these missteps are completely avoidable once you know where to look.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common mistakes developers make when working with Odoo modules—and how you can sidestep them to build cleaner, faster, and future-ready applications.
Understanding the Foundation: What Makes a Good Odoo Module
Before we get into the pitfalls, let’s quickly recap what Odoo modules are. An Odoo module is a self-contained package that adds or modifies features in the Odoo ERP system. These modules can include models (Python), views (XML), business logic, access rules, and more.
A well-built module follows a logical structure, obeys Odoo’s ORM principles, and plays nicely with other apps. So why do so many developers still get stuck?
Mistake #1: Sloppy Module Structure and Naming
It may sound basic, but the way you organize your module matters. Inconsistent or vague folder names, missing __init__.py files, or hard-to-read model names slow down both development and debugging.
Avoid this by:
- Using Odoo’s scaffold command to create a clean structure.
- Keeping names lowercase with underscores (sales_order_extension, not SalesOrderExt).
- Including necessary files like __manifest__.py, models, views, and security.
Mistake #2: Abusing or Ignoring Odoo’s ORM
Some developers fall into the trap of writing raw SQL for everything. Others forget to use the proper decorators like @api.model or @api.depends.
The result? You end up bypassing Odoo’s powerful Object-Relational Mapping system—which handles validations, caching, and field tracking for you.
Do it right:
- Use the ORM for CRUD operations (create, write, search, etc.).
- Always apply the appropriate decorators for methods.
- Leverage computed fields instead of recalculating values manually.
Mistake #3: Hardcoding Data or Business Rules
It’s tempting to hardcode tax rates, user IDs, or business rules for “quick wins.” But once your app goes into production, this short-term convenience becomes a long-term liability.
Here’s how to avoid this:
- Use ir.config_parameter for system-wide settings.
- Store business logic in methods, not inline conditions.
- Avoid referencing specific record IDs—they vary between databases.
Mistake #4: Overriding Core Models Without Care
Directly modifying Odoo’s built-in models (like res.partner or sale.order) can lead to painful upgrade paths or bugs that are tough to trace.
Smarter alternative:
- Extend models using Python inheritance (_inherit keyword).
- Use extension methods instead of rewriting core logic.
- Never modify Odoo base code directly—always build as an addon.
Mistake #5: Forgetting About Access Rights and Security
A powerful ERP system also means serious responsibility. Skipping access rules can unintentionally expose private business data to unauthorized users.
Protect your app by:
- Defining ir.model.access.csv for each model.
- Setting up record rules for conditional access.
- Testing your module with different user roles.
Mistake #6: Messy XML Views and Inheritance
Your module might work fine on the backend, but if your views are broken, users will feel the pain instantly. One common issue? Incorrect xpath usage that causes views to fail silently.
Clean up your views:
- Always inherit views properly.
- Test your UI changes thoroughly.
- Use meaningful field labels and organize forms for clarity.
Mistake #7: Skipping Testing and Debugging Tools
Code without testing is a ticking time bomb. Odoo provides a rich set of debugging and logging tools, but many developers never touch them.
Level up your testing:
- Write unit tests using Odoo’s built-in unittest support.
- Use odoo shell to test expressions interactively.
- Add meaningful log messages with Python’s logging module.
Mistake #8: Ignoring Multi-Company and Multi-Currency Scenarios
If you hardcode assumptions like “one company” or “one currency,” your module will break in global deployments.
Design for scale:
- Use company_id fields correctly.
- Handle currency conversions with Odoo’s currency model.
- Test your module with multiple companies/users.
Mistake #9: Missing or Mismanaged Dependencies
Your module might require sale, account, or other base apps—but if you forget to declare them in your manifest file, it could break or install incompletely.
Fix it with:
- Accurate depends list in __manifest__.py.
- Proper declaration of data files (views, actions, security).
- Checking module install logs for missing references.
Mistake #10: Not Planning for Future Upgrades
Odoo evolves rapidly. If your code isn’t written with the future in mind, you’ll dread every major release.
Stay ahead of updates:
- Follow Odoo’s release notes and deprecation notices.
- Avoid using deprecated methods or fields.
- Test your modules against upcoming versions in a staging environment.
Bonus Tips for Building Better Odoo Modules
- Use Git for version control—it saves lives.
- Start with Odoo Studio to visualize workflows before coding.
- Contribute to and learn from the Odoo Community Association (OCA).
Need Help With Odoo Module Development?
If you’re developing a new Odoo module or facing issues with existing ones, working with an experienced Odoo development team can make a significant difference. We handle everything from designing and building custom modules to troubleshooting and improving legacy code. Our team ensures that your modules are well-structured, optimized for performance, and fully compatible with the latest Odoo versions.
We also offer comprehensive Odoo development services, including backend logic, frontend customization, integration with third-party apps, security configuration, and workflow automation. Whether you’re implementing Odoo for the first time or scaling an existing system, we help you build reliable, efficient, and future-ready solutions tailored to your business goals.
