Businesses that rely on Odoo 13 have enjoyed a powerful and flexible ERP system, but as technology evolves, upgrading becomes necessary. Odoo 17 offers significant performance improvements, new features, a refreshed UI/UX, and better support for modern business needs. Migrating from Odoo 13 to Odoo 17 is not just a version update — it's a strategic move that can unlock more scalability, speed, and automation for your business operations.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of Odoo migration from version 13 to version 17, the benefits, challenges, and best practices to ensure a smooth transition.
Why Migrate from Odoo 13 to Odoo 17?
Before diving into the technicalities, let’s understand why migration makes sense.
1. End of Support for Older Versions
Odoo offers limited support for older versions. If you’re still on version 13, you may miss out on critical security patches, bug fixes, and new features.
2. Enhanced Performance
Odoo 17 includes backend performance improvements that allow for faster processing, especially for large datasets or high transaction volumes.
3. Modern User Interface
A refreshed and more intuitive UI in Odoo 17 boosts user productivity and reduces the learning curve for new employees.
4. New Features and Modules
With every new release, Odoo adds and enhances functionality. Odoo 17 includes features like improved POS, better inventory workflows, AI integration, and more advanced accounting tools.
Preparing for Migration
Migration is a complex process involving your database, modules, and customizations. Here's how to prepare effectively:
1. Audit Your Current System
Begin with a complete audit of your Odoo 13 environment:
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List all installed modules (official and third-party).
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Document customizations.
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Identify integrations with external systems (payment gateways, CRMs, etc.).
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Check your database size and performance.
This audit is crucial for assessing the scope of your Odoo migration project.
2. Check Compatibility
Make sure:
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All custom modules are compatible with Odoo 17.
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Your third-party apps have updated versions that work with the new platform.
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Any deprecated APIs or features in Odoo 17 are accounted for.
3. Backup Everything
Before proceeding with the actual migration:
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Backup your Odoo 13 database.
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Backup all files, including attachments and configurations.
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Ensure the backup is tested and restorable.
Data integrity is critical. A reliable backup provides a safety net if anything goes wrong.
Step-by-Step Migration Process
Now let’s break down the actual Odoo migration steps from version 13 to version 17.
Step 1: Set Up a Migration Environment
Never migrate directly on your production system. Set up a staging environment with the same specs as your production server. This will serve as your testing ground.
Tasks:
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Install Odoo 17 on a clean server.
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Install necessary dependencies.
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Configure system parameters (Python, PostgreSQL, etc.)
Step 2: Migrate the Core Database
This step is crucial and should be handled by experienced developers or a professional odoo migration service provider.
You have two options:
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Official Odoo Enterprise Migration (for Enterprise Users)
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Odoo offers a migration script that handles core data and modules.
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Submit your database to Odoo's migration portal.
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Receive a migrated version compatible with Odoo 17.
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Community Migration (for Odoo Community Edition)
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Requires manual handling or use of open-source tools like OpenUpgrade.
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Developers must ensure correct mapping of fields, models, and relations.
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Important: Handle model changes carefully. Many models may have changed between version 13 and 17, and improper mapping can lead to data loss or corruption.
Step 3: Update or Rebuild Custom Modules
Custom modules rarely work out-of-the-box after migration. You must:
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Refactor code to match the new API structure.
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Replace deprecated methods with current equivalents.
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Adjust QWeb templates for UI changes.
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Conduct extensive module-level testing.
If your internal team lacks experience with module updates, consider hiring an odoo migration service to reduce risks.
Step 4: Migrate Static Files and Attachments
Odoo uses binary fields and file stores to manage attachments. Make sure these are transferred to the new system.
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Sync
/filestoreand/sessionsdirectories. -
Map document attachments to their corresponding records in the new database.
Step 5: Validate Business Logic and Workflows
After migrating your modules and data:
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Verify business logic (workflows, automations, and triggers).
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Reconfigure your company settings and parameters.
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Test scenarios like order processing, invoicing, inventory transactions, etc.
This is where test cases from your earlier audit will help.
Step 6: Perform Functional Testing
Conduct rigorous testing in your staging environment:
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Smoke testing: Basic feature testing for critical paths.
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Regression testing: Ensure old bugs don't reappear.
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User acceptance testing (UAT): Let end users validate the system's usability and correctness.
Use real business data wherever possible. Any errors at this stage must be fixed before going live.
Step 7: Train Your Team
Odoo 17 introduces changes in navigation, module functionality, and data views. Offer short workshops or tutorials for your team so they can adapt easily.
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Create user manuals or reference guides.
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Use Odoo’s built-in help and documentation.
Step 8: Go Live
Once you’ve tested thoroughly:
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Schedule a downtime window.
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Perform a final backup of the live system.
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Apply the migration on the production server.
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Monitor post-launch performance.
Expect to have a support team ready for post-migration fixes or user queries during the first 1–2 weeks.
Common Migration Challenges (and How to Avoid Them)
❌ Data Loss
Often caused by schema mismatches or unsupported fields. Mitigation: Map fields correctly and validate backups before proceeding.
❌ Custom Code Breakage
Odoo 17’s codebase is different in many ways. Mitigation: Refactor custom modules with the help of experienced developers.
❌ Module Incompatibility
Not all third-party apps are updated for newer versions. Mitigation: Audit and replace obsolete modules.
❌ Performance Issues Post-Migration
Improper indexing or bloated databases can slow down your system. Mitigation: Optimize your database and use Odoo’s performance tools.
Why Hire Professional Odoo Migration Services?
While migration can technically be done in-house, it often makes sense to engage a trusted odoo migration service provider for the following reasons:
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Expertise: Professionals understand the nuances of both older and newer Odoo versions.
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Speed: Faster turnaround compared to internal trial-and-error.
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Custom Module Migration: Rewriting legacy code to match modern APIs.
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Reduced Risk: Lower chances of data loss, bugs, and performance issues.
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Support: Get post-migration maintenance and emergency help.
Tip: Services like GloriumTech’s Odoo Migration Services offer tailored support for both Enterprise and Community editions.
Final Thoughts
Migrating from Odoo 13 to Odoo 17 is not just a technical upgrade — it’s a strategic decision to future-proof your business operations. With improved performance, modern features, and better scalability, Odoo 17 empowers businesses to do more with less manual effort.
However, successful migration depends on proper planning, experienced execution, and thorough testing. If done right, it will enhance your operational efficiency, improve team collaboration, and ensure better ROI from your ERP system.
