We've already reported on the release of Odoo 18, but unlike previous occasions, we haven't highlighted any specific new features this time. In this post, we would like to emphasize that not only does the quality of the core system improve, with new apps and features continuously added to the software, but...
...it is also becoming usable in more and more countries. Of course, it has always been usable, but now we mean that you can use it without needing another software to comply with governmental regulations. Most countries are advancing on the path of digitalization, similar to Hungary's online invoicing data service expectations. Fortunately, these expectations also create opportunities for better administrative processes.
The list, not exhaustive, can mainly be traced in the accounting section, as that's where it is most evident. For example, it is clear that Odoo is usable in Vietnam and many other countries, not just in the last part of the release announcement. Additionally, marketing-wise, Odoo is present in several countries, as shown in the attached image.
For instance, in the Philippines, Odoo sponsored and presented at the biggest annual SME/SMB conference during prime time. In Vietnam, you can encounter Odoo billboards in busy areas.
However, if you're not looking for such exotic countries, the UK's Make Tax Digital solution, which has been available for a long time, is a closer example.
Why is this interesting? One reason is that we often find Odoo highly suitable for those with interests in multiple countries. Another reason for writing about this is that whether it's a new business or an existing one, planning the company structure is not trivial. Many aspects need to be considered, starting with customers and the target market, but production and logistics are also important, not to mention tax planning. While the latter often changes, limiting opportunities for clever maneuvers—which might not be a bad thing—if we're building a truly international company, we still have many opportunities to create and operate an optimal company structure. This brings us back to Odoo: thanks to its numerous localizations (mainly by local partners), this software can be deployed almost anywhere, making it easy to start and operate any business activity. This is a significant achievement for a European software, especially since these localizations often include best practices alongside country-specific regulations. Therefore, it is beneficial to have local experience, but one can learn a lot from Odoo's knowledge to shape the operation of one's company.