Setup and Stages Guide

Odoo PLM ECO types let you shape change orders to fit your process. First, Odoo PLM ECO types help you label engineering change orders clearly. Then, you can track each change in your product lifecycle. Moreover, this tutorial walks you through each step. Finally, you will master how to set up, customize, and apply ECO types and their stages in Odoo PLM.

source : https://www.odoo.com/documentation/18.0/applications/inventory_and_mrp/plm/manage_changes/eco_type.html

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What Are ECO Types in Odoo PLM?

Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) record modifications to products, documents, or parts. In addition, ECO types classify those change orders into meaningful groups. For example, you might use “Design Change,” “Supplier Update,” or “Compliance Fix.” Therefore, each ECO type reflects a distinct workflow. Consequently, your team knows exactly how to process each change.

Synonyms and Related Terms

• Change order types
• Engineering change orders
• ECO categories

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Why Use Custom ECO Types and Stages?

Custom ECO types and stages unlock several advantages:

1. Improve Organization
   • By grouping similar ECOs, you reduce clutter.
   • Consequently, finding past modifications becomes quick and straightforward.
2. Streamline Approval
   • Assign approvers per ECO type to enforce proper sign-off.
   • Furthermore, you guarantee that both design and quality teams validate changes.
3. Boost Visibility
   • Global stage overviews let you spot bottlenecks at a glance.
   • Therefore, you can intervene before minor issues become major delays.
4. Maintain Compliance
   • Auditing falls into place when every change is tagged correctly.
   • Finally, you can generate reports by ECO type or stage, supporting your regulatory requirements.

Configuring ECO Types (Change Order Types)

To get started, enable the PLM module and navigate to the ECO Types configuration:

1. Enable Developer Mode

• Go to Settings.
• Scroll down and click Activate Developer Mode.
• Confirm activation.

2. Access Change Order Types

• Head to PLM → Configuration → ECO Types.
• Click Create to define a new ECO type.

Creating a New Engineering Change Order Type

• Name: Enter “Design Change.”
• Sequence: Specify its position in lists (e.g., 10).
• Color: Choose a color for quick visual cues.
• Description: Summarize when to apply this ECO type.
• Click Save.

Tip: Short, clear names keep your lists neat.

Editing Existing Change Order Types

• Under ECO Types, select an existing type.
• Click the pencil icon to modify its name, sequence, or description.
• Click Save again.

Managing ECO Stages (Order Stages)

Once your ECO types are in place, configure stages to reflect each workflow:

1. Define Global Stages

• Navigate to PLM → Configuration → ECO Stages.
• Click Create, then enter:
  • Stage Name (e.g., Draft, Review, Approval, Implementation, Done)
  • Sequence to order the stages
  • Folded to hide completed steps
• Click Save.

2. Assign Stages to ECO Types

• Open an ECO type record.
• Switch to the Stages tab.
• Add or reorder the stages you created.
• Click Save.

3. Automate Stage Transitions

• Go to Settings → Technical → Automation → Automated Actions.
• Click Create and select:
  • Model: “ECO”
  • Trigger: “On Stage Change”
  • Condition (e.g., Stage = Approval)
  • Action: e.g., send an email or update a field
• Click Save.

Note: Always test automation rules in a sandbox before deploying to production.

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Step-by-Step ECO Types & Stages Setup

Tie everything together with this end-to-end process:

1 – Install and Configure the PLM Module

• Open Apps, search for “PLM,” and click Install.
• Then, enable Developer Mode (see above).

2 – Create Your First ECO Type

• Navigate to PLM → Configuration → ECO Types.
• Click Create, then fill out Name, Sequence, Color, and Description.
• Click Save.

3 – Add Stages for That Type

• Open your newly created ECO type.
• Click the Stages tab, then Add a Line.
• Select a stage from the dropdown and repeat as needed.
• Click Save.

4 – Test Your Workflow

• Go to PLM → Engineering Change Orders → Create.
• Pick your ECO type (e.g., Design Change).
• Enter details like Title, Product, and Change Date, then click Save.
• Use the Kanban view to drag your ECO through each stage.
• Additionally, verify that any stage-based emails or tasks trigger correctly.

5 – Refine and Automate

• Review your ECO backlog in List or Pivot view to identify slow stages.
• Afterwards, adjust automation rules.
• Finally, train your team on the new ECO types and stages.

Best Practices for ECO Management

• Use Clear, Short Names: Keep ECO types under three words for tidy lists.
• Limit Stage Count: Four to six stages balance simplicity with detail.
• Automate Repetitive Tasks: Set up Automated Actions for reminders or updates.
• Audit Regularly: Schedule a weekly review, then archive or close outdated ECOs.
• Link to Documentation: For deeper insights, consult the official Odoo PLM docs.

Troubleshooting & Tips

• ECO Type Doesn’t Appear: First, confirm you saved the type; next, refresh the page.
• Stage Automation Fails: Additionally, verify your Automated Action’s domain and user permissions.
• Large ECO Backlog: Use List view filters (by type or stage), then apply batch actions: select multiple ECOs → Action → Change Stage.

Reporting on ECO Types

• Go to PLM → Reporting → ECO Analysis.
• Use Group By on Type or Stage, then filter by date range or product.
• Tip: Export as XLSX for offline review.

Integrating with the Quality Module

• Install the Quality app.
• Under Quality → Control Points, select ECO.
• Link quality checks to stages such as “Before Approval.”

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Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to use Odoo PLM ECO types to shape your engineering change workflows. First, you enabled developer mode. Then, you created and edited ECO types. Next, you built and assigned stages. After that, you tested and refined your process. Finally, you set up reporting and quality checks. By following these active steps and using transition words, you keep your team on track. Moreover, you will enjoy clearer communication and faster approvals. Now, go ahead and implement your tailored ECO types and stages in Odoo PLM!