Odoo Activity Plan Tutorial: Streamline Your Workflow

First, you use Odoo Activity Plan to define a sequence of tasks. Next, you configure models like CRM or Project. Then, you set deadlines relative to your start date. Also, you assign tasks to team members. Finally, you launch the activity plan and track future to‑dos. Moreover, this tutorial guides you step by step. For details, visit Odoo Documentation.

What is Odoo Activity Plan?

Definition of Activity Plan

Odoo Activity Plan refers to a template of activities that you configure once. Then, you apply it to any record—for example, a sales lead or a project task. Consequently, you avoid manual setup for each new opportunity. Furthermore, you ensure consistency across your team because every task follows the same plan.

Key Features of an Activity Template

• You define multiple activity types in one plan.
• You set relative deadlines (days before or after the plan date).
• You assign default users or change assignees on launch.
• You launch the full sequence with a single click.
• You group actions logically to cover calls, emails, meetings, and uploads.

Benefits of Odoo Activity Plan

First, you save time because you reuse a single template. Next, you boost consistency since every team member follows the same steps. Then, you reduce errors by automating due dates. Also, you improve visibility: everyone sees upcoming tasks in each record. Moreover, you enhance collaboration because assignees know their next actions. Therefore, you streamline your workflow and accelerate project delivery.

How to Configure Odoo Activity Plan

Enable the Activity Plan Feature

1. First, activate developer mode.
2. Next, go to Settings > Technical > Mail > Activity Types.
3. Then, verify that activity types match your needs (call, email, meeting).
4. Finally, ensure that Activity Plans is visible under Technical > Mail > Activity Plans.

Create a New Activity Plan

1. First, navigate to Technical > Mail > Activity Plans.
2. Next, click Create.
3. Then, enter a Name (for example, “Lead Nurturing Plan”).
4. Also, select the Model (such as crm.lead or project.task).
5. After that, save your plan before adding activities.

Define Activities and Deadlines

Set Relative Dates

• You add each step by clicking Add a line under Activities.
• You choose an Activity Type (e.g. “Call”).
• You enter Delay Days and select After or Before the plan date.
• You repeat until you list all steps (call, email, meeting, document upload).

Assign Users

• You set a Responsible User for each activity.
• Also, you can choose Default User or pick a specific teammate.
• Then, you confirm assignments before saving the plan.

How to Launch an Activity Plan in CRM

Use the Launch Button

1. First, open a CRM lead.
2. Next, click the Plan Activities smart button.
3. Then, select your plan (for example, “Lead Nurturing Plan”).
4. Also, adjust the Plan Date if needed.
5. Finally, click Launch. Odoo automatically creates all tasks.

Programmatic Launch with Code Examples

Sometimes, you want to launch a plan by code. First, you fetch the plan record. Next, you call its launch method. Here is a sample in Python:

# model: mail.activity.plan
plan = env['mail.activity.plan'].search([
    ('name', '=', 'Lead Nurturing Plan'),
    ('model_id.model', '=', 'crm.lead')
], limit=1)

# launch plan for a specific lead (res_id)
if plan:
    wizard = env['mail.activity.plan.launch'].create({
        'plan_id': plan.id,
        'res_model_id': plan.model_id.id,
        'date': fields.Date.context_today(self),
    })
    wizard.action_launch()

This code creates a wizard record and then triggers the plan.

Tips for Effective Activity Planning

• First, use clear step names, such as “Initial Call” or “Send Proposal.”
• Next, group related tasks near each other.
• Then, test your new plan on a sample record.
• Also, adjust delays if tasks overlap.
• Finally, update plans when your process evolves.

Use Cases and Best Practices

CRM Lead Nurturing

You set up an Odoo Activity Plan to guide lead follow‑up. First, you call the prospect. Next, you send an introduction email. Then, you schedule a qualification meeting. Consequently, you never miss a step in your pipeline.

Project Onboarding

You configure a plan for new projects. First, you assign the project manager. Next, you plan a kickoff call. Then, you upload the project charter. Therefore, you ensure that every project starts smoothly.

Field Service Scheduling

You create a plan for field visits. First, you schedule the initial visit. Next, you assign the field technician. Then, you confirm the visit via email. As a result, you improve customer satisfaction.

Customizing Activity Plans via Code

XML Data File Example

You can ship plans in a custom module. First, you add an XML file under <module>/data/. For example:

<odoo>
  <record id="plan_prospect_followup" model="mail.activity.plan">
    <field name="name">Prospect Follow‑Up Plan</field>
    <field name="model_id" ref="crm.model_crm_lead"/>
  </record>

  <record id="plan_line_call" model="mail.activity.plan.line">
    <field name="plan_id" ref="plan_prospect_followup"/>
    <field name="activity_id" ref="mail.mail_activity_data_call"/>
    <field name="delay_days">0</field>
    <field name="delay_type">after</field>
    <field name="user_id" ref="base.user_demo"/>
  </record>
  <!-- Add more lines for email and meeting -->
</odoo>

Then, you include this file in __manifest__.py under data.

Python Script to Trigger Plan

In a custom server action, you can launch the plan:

plan = env['mail.activity.plan'].search([('name', '=', 'Prospect Follow‑Up Plan')], limit=1)
for lead in env['crm.lead'].browse(context.get('active_ids', [])):
    if plan:
        env['mail.activity.plan.launch'].create({
            'plan_id': plan.id,
            'date': fields.Date.today(),
            'res_model_id': plan.model_id.id,
            'res_id': lead.id,
        }).action_launch()

This script loops over selected leads and applies the plan.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

No Plan Visible

If you don’t see your plan in the launch wizard, then:

1. First, check that Model matches your record’s model.
2. Next, confirm that the plan is Active.
3. Finally, refresh and clear cache.

Incorrect Deadlines

If task dates look wrong, then:

1. First, verify Delay Type (before/after).
2. Next, check the Plan Date you entered.
3. Then, adjust the Delay Days accordingly.

Conclusion

You learned how to use Odoo Activity Plan to automate your task workflows. First, you saw what an activity plan is and why it matters. Next, you configured, launched, and even coded custom plans. Then, you explored tips, use cases, and troubleshooting. Finally, you can streamline your to‑do management across CRM, Projects, Field Service, and beyond. Moreover, you maintain consistency and save time by reusing plans. Therefore, you boost productivity and deliver projects on time. Happy planning!