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Master Subcontracting in Odoo: Step-by-Step Guide for Efficient Manufacturing (2025)

Subcontracting in Odoo

Master Subcontracting in Odoo: Step-by-Step Guide for Efficient Manufacturing (2025)

Subcontracting in Odoo is a game-changer for businesses looking to streamline their manufacturing and inventory processes. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, understanding how to set up and manage subcontracting in Odoo can help you optimize production, reduce costs, and maintain better control over your supply chain.

In this comprehensive tutorial, you’ll learn everything you need to know about subcontracting in Odoo, from initial configuration to advanced tips for maximizing efficiency. Let’s dive in and transform your manufacturing workflow!


What is Subcontracting in Odoo?

Subcontracting in Odoo allows companies to outsource part or all of their manufacturing processes to third-party vendors while maintaining full visibility and control over inventory and production. This feature is especially useful for businesses that want to leverage external expertise or scale production without investing in additional infrastructure.


Why Use Subcontracting in Odoo?

Subcontracting in Odoo offers several benefits:

  • Cost Efficiency: Reduce overhead by outsourcing complex or resource-intensive processes.
  • Scalability: Easily scale production up or down based on demand.
  • Inventory Control: Maintain accurate records of raw materials sent to and finished goods received from subcontractors.
  • Process Automation: Automate workflows for seamless collaboration with external partners.

For more on the benefits of subcontracting, check out Odoo’s official documentation.


Prerequisites for Subcontracting in Odoo

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • Access to the Odoo Manufacturing and Inventory modules.
  • Defined products and suppliers in your Odoo database.
  • Administrative privileges to configure settings.

Step 1: Enabling Subcontracting in Odoo

To start using subcontracting in Odoo, you need to enable the feature in your manufacturing settings.

  1. Go to the Manufacturing module.
  2. Click on Configuration > Settings.
  3. Find the Subcontracting option and enable it.
  4. Save your changes.

This step activates the subcontracting workflow, allowing you to assign production tasks to external vendors.


Step 2: Configuring Storage Locations

Proper inventory management is crucial for successful subcontracting in Odoo.

  1. Navigate to the Inventory module.
  2. Go to Configuration > Settings.
  3. Enable the Storage Locations feature.
  4. Save your settings.

With storage locations enabled, you can track the movement of raw materials and finished products between your warehouse and subcontractors.


Step 3: Creating a Subcontracted Product

Now, let’s create a product that will be manufactured through subcontracting in Odoo.

  1. In the Inventory module, select Products.
  2. Click Create to add a new product.
  3. Enter the product name (e.g., “Filled Frozen Croissant”).
  4. Set the product type to Storable Product.
  5. Assign a supplier (your subcontractor).
  6. Define the sales price and unit of measure.
  7. Save the product.

This setup ensures that your product is ready for the subcontracting workflow.


Step 4: Setting Up the Bill of Materials (BoM)

A Bill of Materials (BoM) defines the components required to manufacture your product.

  1. Go to the Manufacturing module.
  2. Select Products > Bill of Materials.
  3. Click Create and choose your subcontracted product.
  4. Set the BoM type to Subcontracting.
  5. Assign your supplier as the subcontractor.
  6. Add the required components (e.g., dough, chocolate, eggs).
  7. Specify the quantities for each component.
  8. Save the BoM.

This configuration tells Odoo which materials to send to the subcontractor and what finished product to expect in return.


Step 5: Managing Purchase Orders for Subcontracting

To initiate production, you’ll need to create a purchase order for your subcontractor.

  1. Open the Purchase module.
  2. Click Create to start a new purchase order.
  3. Select your subcontractor as the vendor.
  4. Add the subcontracted product and specify the quantity.
  5. Confirm and save the order.

Odoo will automatically generate inventory movements for the raw materials and finished goods.


Step 6: Validating Inventory Movements

After the subcontractor completes production, you’ll need to validate the receipt of finished goods.

  1. Go to the Inventory module.
  2. Navigate to Operations > Receipts.
  3. Find the relevant receipt and click Validate.

This step updates your inventory, reflecting the finished products received from the subcontractor.


Best Practices for Subcontracting in Odoo

  • Maintain Accurate Records: Always track the movement of raw materials and finished goods.
  • Regularly Audit Suppliers: Ensure your subcontractors meet quality and delivery standards.
  • Automate Notifications: Use Odoo’s automation features to keep stakeholders informed.
  • Integrate with Accounting: Link subcontracting workflows with your accounting module for seamless invoicing and payments.

For more advanced tips, visit Odoo’s Manufacturing Best Practices.


Additional Resources

All external links are DoFollow to help you explore more about Odoo’s capabilities.


Internal Links


By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll master subcontracting in Odoo and unlock new levels of efficiency in your manufacturing process. For more tutorials and expert tips, explore our Odoo blog section.


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