Why More SAP Users Are Considering a Switch to Odoo (And What to Do About It)
Over the past year, we’ve noticed an interesting shift in conversations with prospects.
More organisations running SAP are reaching out to explore Odoo.
This isn’t because SAP is a “bad” system. SAP remains one of the most powerful ERP platforms in the world, especially for large enterprises with complex requirements.
But for many companies today, the question is no longer “Is SAP capable?”
The real question is:
Does the cost and complexity still make sense for what we need day to day?
For some teams, the answer is increasingly becoming “not anymore”.
The Real Reasons Companies Look Beyond SAP
Every organisation has different motivations for change, but there are a few recurring themes we consistently hear from teams evaluating alternatives.
1. Too Many Workarounds Outside the ERP
One of the biggest frustrations is when the ERP is technically in place, but people still rely on external tools to get work done.
This usually shows up as:
- • spreadsheets used for tracking approvals or procurement
- • manual reporting pulled from different systems
- • disconnected workflows between departments
When this happens, teams lose visibility and spend time reconciling information instead of acting on it.
2. Making Changes Takes Too Long
In fast-moving environments, businesses need systems that can adapt quickly.
But many SAP users find that even small adjustments can feel like a project:
- • long internal approval cycles
- • heavy administrative effort
- • reliance on external consultants for changes
- • extended timelines for enhancements
When updates take too long, teams start building workarounds instead.
3. Customisation Costs Add Up Quickly
Another common concern is the cost of tailoring SAP to match real business workflows.
Many companies don’t want “customisation for the sake of it”.
They simply want the system to reflect how their organisation actually operates.
But in SAP environments, the price of customisation and long-term maintenance can grow rapidly, especially when business needs evolve over time.
4. Total Cost of Ownership Becomes Difficult to Justify
Even when SAP is stable, companies often reassess the overall investment required to keep it running.
This includes:
- • licensing costs
- • infrastructure and hosting
- • implementation partners
- • internal admin resources
- • ongoing upgrades and enhancements
For businesses that aren’t using the full power of SAP, this can feel like paying for far more than what’s being utilised.
5. User Adoption Becomes a Challenge
An ERP system only delivers value if teams actually use it.
When the system feels too complicated or disconnected from daily workflows, adoption drops. And once adoption drops, the business ends up with a very expensive platform that isn’t driving real operational improvement.
6. Limited Flexibility as the Business Evolves
Businesses change constantly. New services, new markets, new operating models, new compliance requirements.
Some companies find that their ERP struggles to keep up with these changes, especially if the cost and time to modify workflows becomes a barrier.
Why Odoo Is Becoming a Serious Alternative
Odoo has matured significantly over the years. It’s no longer viewed as a lightweight tool for small companies.
Today, it’s increasingly being considered by organisations that want:
- • a modern, integrated ERP suite
- • faster deployment cycles
- • greater flexibility without excessive customisation costs
- • strong user adoption across departments
- • better alignment between finance, procurement, inventory, operations, and reporting
For companies looking for a practical ERP platform that can scale with the business, Odoo is becoming a very compelling option.
Switching ERP Is a Strategic Move (Not a Simple Swap)
Here’s the honest part: moving from SAP to Odoo isn’t just a technical migration.
A successful switch requires careful planning in a few key areas:
- • understanding current workflows and pain points
- • mapping future processes and responsibilities
- • planning what data needs to be migrated (and what doesn’t)
- • cleaning and validating master data
- • training teams to adopt the new workflows
- • ensuring support is strong after go-live
The goal isn’t to “copy SAP into Odoo”.
It’s to build a cleaner, more efficient way of working.