New features tutorial

Odoo 18 manufacturing updates deliver powerful new tools that improve your production flow. First, you will explore Demand Planning enhancements. Next, you will master the updated Production Scheduling Board. Then, you will configure built-in Quality Checks. Moreover, you will use the revamped Product Configurator. Finally, you will integrate PLM for end-to-end engineering control.

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Overview of Odoo 18 Manufacturing Improvements

Odoo 18 manufacturing updates modernize shop‐floor management. Consequently, you gain advanced planning, real-time scheduling, and embedded quality control. Furthermore, the Product Configurator now offers live variant previews. Additionally, PLM integration ensures engineering changes flow seamlessly into your bills of materials and work orders.

Feature	Benefit
Demand Planning	Automate work order creation based on demand
Production Scheduling Board	Visualize and adjust schedules on the fly
Quality Checks	Embed inspection points into workflows
Product Configurator	Build and preview product variants in UI
PLM Integration	Manage engineering revisions within Odoo

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Prerequisites

Before you begin implementing these Odoo 18 manufacturing updates, ensure you meet the following requirements:

1. Odoo 18 CE or EE installed – see the official docs for setup.
2. PostgreSQL 13+ and Python 3.8+ running on your server.
3. User roles: Grant “Inventory Manager” and “Manufacturing User” access rights.
4. Developer Mode: Activate under Settings → General Settings → Activate the developer mode.

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Demand Planning Enhancements

Demand Planning with Odoo 18 manufacturing updates

First, you will enable demand forecasting to automate purchase orders and work orders.

Enabling Demand Planning

1. Go to Inventory → Configuration → Settings.
2. Tick Demand Planning under the “Forecasting” section.
3. Click Save.

Configuring Planning Rules

1. Navigate to Manufacturing → Configuration → Demand Planning.
2. Click Create and define your planning horizon (e.g., 30 days).
3. Set safety stock levels and reordering rules for each product.

Automating Work Order Creation

```python
from odoo import api, models

class ManufacturingOrder(models.Model):
    _inherit = "mrp.production"

    @api.model
    def auto_generate_from_demand(self):
        demands = self.env['stock.warehouse.orderpoint'].search([('active', '=', True)])
        for point in demands:
            if point.qty_to_order > 0:
                mo = self.env['mrp.production'].create({
                    'product_id': point.product_id.id,
                    'product_qty': point.qty_to_order,
                    'product_uom_id': point.product_uom.id,
                    'bom_id': point.product_tmpl_id.bom_ids[:1].id,
                })
                mo.action_confirm()
        return Tru

Then, schedule this method via a server action or cron job to keep your MO queue filled.

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Production Scheduling Board

Scheduling Board with Odoo 18 manufacturing updates

Next, you will configure and use the new visual scheduler.

Activating

1. Go to Manufacturing → Configuration → Settings.
2. Under “Planning,” enable Scheduling Board.
3. Click Save.

Using the Scheduling Board

1. Open Manufacturing → Planning → Scheduling Board.
2. Drag and drop each work order to a time slot.
3. Adjust start times and assigned work center capacity.
4. Use filters to view by work center, product, or priority.

Best Practices for Production Scheduling

• First, group similar work orders by work center.
• Next, set realistic load limits based on capacity.
• Then, use color codes for urgent or delayed orders.
• Finally, review and adjust schedules weekly.

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Quality Checks Integration

Quality Checks in Odoo 18 manufacturing updates

Then, you will embed inspection steps directly into work orders.

Activating Quality Control Points

1. Go to Manufacturing → Configuration → Settings.
2. Enable Quality Checks under “Operations.”
3. Click Save.

Defining Quality Control Plans

1. Open Manufacturing → Configuration → Quality Control.
2. Click Create and choose the product or operation.
3. Set test type (e.g., “Temperature Check,” “Dimension Check”).

Automating QC Workflows

from odoo import api, models

class QualityCheck(models.Model):
    _inherit = "quality.check"

    @api.model
    def auto_run_qc(self, work_order_id):
        wo = self.env['mrp.workorder'].browse(work_order_id)
        for qc in wo.check_ids:
            qc.write({'result': 'pass'})
        return wo.button_mark_done()

Moreover, trigger this action after MO validation to streamline approvals.

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Product Configurator Updates

Product Configurator in Odoo 18 manufacturing updates

After that, you will set up the enhanced variant builder.

Configurator Setup

1. Go to Sales → Products → Product Templates.
2. Open your template and enable Variants.
3. Under “Variants Configuration,” select attributes (size, color, etc.).

Creating Variant Templates

1. Click the Generate Variants button.
2. Review and adjust price, cost, and inventory for each variant.
3. Save to finalize variant list.

Live Preview and Use

1. Open Website → Shop (if you have e-commerce).
2. Select your product; you will see live variant previews.
3. Then, use the same configurator to manage manufacturing BoMs.

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PLM Integration

PLM Integration via Odoo 18 manufacturing updates

Finally, you will integrate engineering changes directly.

Enabling the PLM Module

1. Go to Apps and install PLM.
2. Activate developer mode and update apps.

Managing Engineering Change Orders (ECO)

1. Open PLM → Engineering Change Orders.
2. Click Create and link an existing BoM.
3. Add revision notes and upload specification files.

Linking ECO to Manufacturing

1. In your BoM, click Replace BoM to apply approved ECO.
2. The system updates all open work orders automatically.

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Step-by-Step Implementation Guide

1. Backup your database and test in a staging environment.
2. Activate developer mode.
3. Enable each feature in Settings as described above.
4. Configure rules, control points, and boards in their modules.
5. Deploy automation code via custom module or server actions.
6. Test each flow with sample orders and record results.
7. Train your team on new screens and workflows.

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Troubleshooting & Tips

• Missing Menu Items: Clear your cache and update app list.
• Permission Errors: Check group access under Settings → Users & Companies → Groups.
• Wrong BOM Revisions: Verify ECO status and approve before applying.
• Board Not Loading: Ensure your browser runs JavaScript and WebSocket features.

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Best Practices for Odoo 18 Manufacturing

• Document each configuration change in your internal wiki.
• Version your custom modules in Git for traceability.
• Audit production data weekly to spot demand/planning gaps.
• Review quality check logs monthly to identify recurring defects.

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Additional Resources

• Official Odoo 18 Manufacturing Docs:
  https://www.odoo.com/documentation/18.0/manufacturing.html
• PLM User Guide:
  https://www.odoo.com/documentation/18.0/plm.html
• Community Forum:
  https://www.odoo.com/forum/help-1

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Conclusion

Odoo 18 manufacturing updates empower you with automated demand planning, a flexible scheduling board, inline quality checks, an intuitive product configurator, and full PLM integration. Consequently, you can optimize your shop floor, reduce errors, and accelerate time to market. Therefore, apply these steps today and transform your production process with Odoo 18!