Complete Setup Guide
Odoo 18 library management lets you handle books, stock, and sales smoothly. First, you will follow clear steps to install modules, configure inventory, and run POS for your library. Next, you will learn best practices and troubleshooting tips. Moreover, this tutorial uses simple words and active voice to guide you at every stage.
In this tutorial, you will:
- Install and enable the required Odoo apps.
- Create categories and add library books.
- Link books to inventory and perform sales via POS.
- Secure your data and set up backups.
By the end, you will master Odoo 18 library management and boost your productivity.
Getting Started with Odoo 18 library setup
Before you dive in, make sure you run Odoo 18 on a supported server or local machine. Also, confirm that you have administrator rights. Then, follow these steps:
- Access Your Odoo Instance
First, open your browser and go to your Odoo 18 URL. Next, log in with an admin account. After logging in, you will see the main dashboard. - Verify User Permissions
Furthermore, click Settings → Users & Companies → Users. Then, select your user and ensure the “Inventory Manager” and “Point of Sale Manager” roles are active. This way, you can install and configure modules without permission issues.
Installing Core Modules for Odoo library management
Step 1 – Install the Inventory App
First, click Apps in the left sidebar. Then, search for “Inventory” and click Install. After installation, you will see Inventory appear in the menu. This module manages stock, locations, and movements, making it essential for library operations. Odoo 18 library management
Step 2 – Enable the Point of Sale (POS)
Next, return to Apps, search “Point of Sale”, and click Install. After that, the Point of Sale menu enters the sidebar. You will use POS to check books in and out, just like sales transactions.
Step 3 – Activate the Library Module
After you install Inventory and POS, find the Library or Library Management app in Apps. Then, click Install. Once done, the Library menu will show up. This module adds specialized models such as Books, Authors, and Members.
Setting Up Your Library Inventory & POS
Step 4 – Load Demo Data (Optional)
If you want a practice environment, go to Library → Configuration → Settings, and enable Load Demo Data. Then, click Apply. This action populates sample books, categories, and members. You can remove them later or use them as templates.
Step 5 – Create Book Categories
First, click Library → Configuration → Categories. Next, click New and enter a category name (e.g., Fiksi, Non-Fiksi, Roman, Sains). Then, click Save. Repeat this process for each category. Proper categories help you filter and locate books quickly.
Step 6 – Add Books to Your Collection
Then, go to Library → Books and click New. In the form, fill out:
- Title: Book name
- Author: Writer’s name
- Category: Choose one from your list
- Quantity on Hand: Starting stock
Click Save. You will repeat this for every book. Moreover, you can attach book covers and ISBN numbers to enrich your catalog.
Syncing Books with Inventory
Step 7 – View Products in Inventory
Next, click Inventory → Products. You will find each book as a product. Also, check that Product Type is set to Storable Product, and choose Unit of Measure (e.g., Unit(s)). Then, set the barcode if available. This sync ensures accurate stock updates when books move.
Step 8 – Configure Warehouse Locations
After that, navigate to Inventory → Configuration → Locations. Then, create physical spots like Rak A, Rak B, and Rak C. Assign a parent location (e.g., Physical Locations). Next, link each book product to its shelf location. This step ensures you know exactly where each book resides.
Running Library Sales with POS
Step 9 – Start a POS Session
First, open Point of Sale → Sessions. Next, click New Session, and pick a profile such as Library Checkout. Then, click Start Session. The POS interface will appear, ready to scan or select books for check-out.
Step 10 – Process Book Check-Out
Then, in the POS screen, scan the book’s barcode or type its name. Next, click Add to append it to the order. Also, adjust the quantity if you allow multiple check-outs. After you finalize the list, click Payment, choose Library Lending (or a generic payment method), and click Validate. The POS will mark the book as checked out.
Step 11 – Handle Book Returns
When a patron brings back a book, open the same POS session. Then, scan the returned book and enter a negative quantity (e.g., –1). Next, click Payment → Refund and click Validate. This reverse transaction updates inventory correctly.
Generating Reports and Analytics
Step 12 – Monitor Stock Valuation
Furthermore, click Inventory → Reporting → Inventory Valuation. There, you will see the total value and quantity of all books. Also, filter by location or category to check specific shelves.
Tip: Use Group By features to compare categories or authors.
Step 13 – Analyze Sales and Loans
Next, go to Point of Sale → Reporting → Sales Analysis. Then, switch to Library Checkout journal. Also, apply date filters to see daily, weekly, or monthly trends. This view helps you identify popular books and busy periods.
Backup, Security, and User Access
Step 14 – Set Up Regular Backups
First, access Settings → Database → Backups. Then, choose automatic backup frequency (daily or weekly). Also, pick storage location (local or cloud). Next, click Create Backup Schedule. This practice protects your data from loss.
Step 15 – Configure User Rights
After that, go to Settings → Users & Companies → Users. Then, select a user and edit rights under Access Rights. Assign roles like Library Manager, POS User, or Inventory User. Also, limit admin rights to avoid accidental changes.
Advanced Odoo library setup tips
Automate Category and Tag Creation
Moreover, you can write a small script or use Odoo’s import tool. First, prepare a CSV with columns name and parent_id. Then, import via Library → Configuration → Categories → Import. Next, map fields and upload. This method saves time when you have many categories.
Add Custom Fields to Book Form
First, activate Developer Mode via Settings → Activate the Developer Mode. Then, open Library → Books, click Edit Form View, and drag new fields like Publisher, ISBN, or Language. Next, save your changes. Now, you can capture richer metadata.
Manage Roles with Record Rules
Furthermore, go to Settings → Technical → Security → Record Rules. Then, create rules to restrict which records each user can view or edit. Also, use domain filters, for example:
[('category_id', '!=', False)]This rule hides uncategorized books. Such fine control improves security.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Inventory Doesn’t Update
If stock stays unchanged after checkout, ensure your POS session has Stock Input/Output enabled. Next, confirm that Product Type is “Storable Product.” Also, check that your Locations have correct routes under Inventory → Configuration → Routes.
POS Fails to Connect
When POS shows connection errors, first verify that your IoT Box or hardware proxy is online. Moreover, confirm the POS configuration under Point of Sale → Settings. Finally, reload the page and restart your POS session.
Missing Reports
If reports lack data, ensure that sessions are closed properly. Then, click Validate on each session. Also, check your user permissions to confirm you can access reports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I lend multiple books at once?
Yes. You can scan or add multiple book lines in the POS before clicking Payment. Then, the system checks out all books in one transaction.
How do I track overdue books?
Odoo does not include due dates by default. However, you can add a custom field Due Date on loans and build a scheduled action that marks records as overdue.
Can I integrate with an external barcode scanner?
Absolutely. Modern USB or Bluetooth scanners work as keyboard input. Also, you can develop a custom IoT integration via the Odoo IoT Box.
How can I restrict book deletion?
Go to Settings → Technical → Security → Access Controls. Then, deny delete rights for groups like Library User, keeping only Library Admin able to remove books.
Conclusion
Now, you have mastered Odoo 18 library management from setup to advanced tips. You installed core modules, linked books to inventory, ran POS transactions, and secured your data. Furthermore, you learned how to customize forms, automate imports, and fix common errors.
Feel free to explore more features and adapt this guide to your unique needs. Also, visit the Odoo Official Documentation for deeper dives. Finally, share your feedback in the comments below and let us know how Odoo transformed your library process!
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