Summer Training Technical Report:
(Mastering Odoo ERP at Simplex Company)
Course Code: FRT 231
Submitted by:
Name ID
Mahmoud Abd-Elhamid Mahmoud 20223100
Hassan Ahmed Sayed 20223033
Mechatronics Engineering Department
Submitted to:
DR.prof: Mahmoud Esam Elsaify
Prepared for HTI College of Engineering July 2025
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Contents
1 ERP Overview & Purpose............................................................................................................................
1.1 Understanding ERP Systems.................................................................................................................
1.2 ERP in Manufacturing...........................................................................................................................
2 Introduction to Odoo ERP...........................................................................................................................
2.1 Odoo as a Modular ERP Solution..........................................................................................................
2.2 User Mode vs. Developer Mode............................................................................................................
3 Core Functional Skills Gained.....................................................................................................................
3.1 Company Configuration........................................................................................................................
3.2 User Groups and Access Control...........................................................................................................
3.3 Sales Process Execution........................................................................................................................
3.4 Workflow Automation...........................................................................................................................
4 Odoo Developer Mode & Python Customization.......................................................................................
4.1 Enabling Developer Mode.....................................................................................................................
4.2 Custom Module Development...............................................................................................................
4.3 UI Customization...................................................................................................................................
5 Report Export & Data Analytics.................................................................................................................
6 Odoo Website Builder Experience...............................................................................................................
7 End-to-End ERP Process Roadmap in Odoo..............................................................................................
8 Project-Based Learning Outcome...............................................................................................................
9 Applying ERP Skills in Real Projects..........................................................................................................
9.1 Real-World Applications.......................................................................................................................
9.2 Relevant Fields......................................................................................................................................
10 Enhancing Employability...........................................................................................................................
10.1 Job Market Relevance.........................................................................................................................
10.2 Feedback as Engineers.........................................................................................................................
11 Trainer Acknowledgment...........................................................................................................................
12 Acknowledgments and Closing..................................................................................................................
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Executive Summary
This technical report details a six-week summer training program on Enterprise
Resource Planning (ERP) at Simplex Company, a leading manufacturer of CNC routing
systems and CO₂ laser cutting machines.
Organized by HTI College of Engineering, the program provided hands-on experience
with Odoo ERP, an opensource platform for business management.
Under the guidance of Eng. Abd Elaziz, a mechatronics engineering graduate, trainees
mastered ERP concepts, configured business processes, customized modules using Python,
and built an e-commerce website.
By applying these skills to a simulated company, participants gained practical insights
into real-world ERP applications, significantly enhancing their employability in engineering
and manufacturing sectors.
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1 .ERP Overview & Purpose
1.1 Understanding ERP Systems
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems integrate core business functions— sales,
inventory, manufacturing, procurement, accounting, and human resources— into a unified
platform. ERP systems streamline operations by:
• Data Integration: Enabling real-time data sharing across departments.
• Process Automation: Minimizing manual tasks through workflow triggers.
• Decision-Making: Providing analytics for strategic planning.
• Traceability: Tracking products and transactions throughout their lifecycle.
In manufacturing, ERP is vital for managing complex supply chains, optimizing production,
and ensuring quality compliance. For Simplex, ERP supports efficient processing of over 200
annual machine orders across a 10,000 m² facility.
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1.2 ERP in Manufacturing
Manufacturers like Simplex rely on ERP to:
• Coordinate procurement and inventory to avoid stockouts.
• Schedule production based on real-time demand.
• Track costs and profitability across product lines.
• Maintain auditable records for regulatory compliance.
This training highlighted how ERP eliminates operational silos, enabling Simplex to deliver
high-precision CNC routers and laser cutters efficiently.
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2 .Introduction to Odoo ERP
2.1 Odoo as a Modular ERP Solution
Odoo is an open-source ERP platform with a modular architecture, allowing businesses to
activate only the required applications. Key modules include:
• Sales: Manages quotations, orders, and customer relationships.
• Inventory: Tracks stock levels, movements, and reorder rules.
• Manufacturing: Handles bills of materials (BOMs), work orders, and production
planning.
• Accounting: Supports invoicing, payments, and financial reporting.
• HR: Manages employee records, payroll, and time-off requests.
• Website: Enables e-commerce and customer-facing portals.
• CRM: Tracks leads and opportunities for sales pipelines.
Odoo’s flexibility makes it ideal for manufacturing, where custom workflows are common.
2.2 User Mode vs. Developer Mode
Odoo operates in two modes:
• User Mode: For functional tasks like creating sales orders or generating reports.
• Developer Mode: Unlocks technical customization, including model and view
modifications using Python and XML.
The training covered both modes, equipping trainees to configure processes and extend
functionality.
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3 .Core Functional Skills Gained
3.1 Company Configuration
Trainees set up a virtual company in Odoo to reflect Simplex’s structure:
• Company Details: Defined name, logo, and multi-currency settings.
• Departments and Locations: Configured departments (e.g., Sales, Production) and
warehouse locations for accurate inventory tracking.
• Chart of Accounts: Established financial accounts tailored to manufacturing.
3.2 User Groups and Access Control
Role-based access was emphasized:
• Created user groups (e.g., Sales Manager, Warehouse Operator) with specific
permissions.
• Used domain filters to restrict access, such as limiting warehouse staff to specific
locations.
• Implemented approval workflows for high-value orders.
3.3 Sales Process Execution
Trainees executed end-to-end sales processes:
1. Product Setup: Defined 600+ SKUs, including CNC components and laser parts, with
attributes like weight and dimensions.
2. Pricelists: Configured customer-specific pricing and discounts.
3. Order Workflow: Created quotations, converted to sales orders, generated delivery
orders, and issued invoices.
4. Inventory Tracking: Set up real-time stock updates and automated reorder rules.
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3.4 Workflow Automation
Automation reduced manual effort:
• Sales-to-Invoicing: Configured triggers to generate delivery orders and invoices upon
sales order confirmation.
• Material Requirements Planning (MRP):Established reorder rules for optimal stock
levels, with weekly procurement proposals.
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4 Odoo Developer Mode & Python Customization
4.1 Enabling Developer Mode
Developer Mode unlocked Odoo’s technical framework, including models, fields, views,
and menus. Trainees explored:
• Data Models: Analyzed structures like sale. Order and stock. Picking.
• Views: Modified form and tree views using XML.
4.2 Custom Module Development
Trainees developed a sales enhancement module:
Added a computed field x priority score to sale. order, based on order value and customer
history
4.3 UI Customization
Using XPath, trainees:
• Added help text to sales forms.
• Extended view switch conditional fields, such as urgency flags for high-priority orders.
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5 Report on Export & Data Analytics
Odoo’s reporting tools enabled analytics:
• Report Types: Generated reports on sales trends, inventory valuation, manufacturing
efficiency, and financial performance.
• Export Formats: Exported data to Excel and PDF.
• Custom Analytics: Used filters and group-by features to analyze metrics like top-
selling products.
Example report screenshot: Odoo Reporting Demo.
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6 Odoo Website Builder Experience
Using Odoo’s Website Builder, trainees:
• Built a responsive site with product carousels linked to the ERP catalog.
• Enabled e-commerce features, including quotation requests and payment integration
(Stripe sandbox).
• Optimized SEO with meta tags and sitemaps.
Website demo: Odoo Website Example.
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7 End-to-End ERP Process Roadmap in Odoo
The training covered key workflows:
• Sales voice: →Lead Payment.→ Opportunity → Quotation → Sales Order → Delivery →
In-
• Procurement: Purchase Requisition → Purchase Order → Receipt → Bill → Payment.
• Manufacturing: Work Orders → Manufacturing Orders → Inventory Update →
Costing.
• HR: Employee Setup → Contracts → Payroll → Time Off.
These were tested in a simulated environment, reinforcing integration.
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8 Project-Based Learning Outcome
Trainees created a virtual company in Odoo:
• Company Setup: Configured a manufacturing firm with sales, inventory, and
production modules.
• Team Collaboration: Worked in teams to design workflows and resolve issues.
• Problem-Solving: Addressed data importer or sand workflow bottlenecks.
• Documentation: Maintained records of configurations and code.
This project underscored the importance of data governance and collaboration.
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9 Applying ERP Skills in Real Projects
9.1 Real-World Applications
The skills acquired are directly applicable to real-world projects:
• Process Optimization: Automating sales-to-invoicing flows reduces errors and saves
time in manufacturing firms.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Generating reports enables companies to optimize inventory
and sales strategies.
• Customization: Python-based module development allows tailored solutions for
unique business needs, such as custom reporting for CNC production.
• E-commerce Integration: Building ERP-linked websites supports online sales, a
growing trend in manufacturing.
9.2 Relevant Fields
Odoo ERP skills are valuable in:
• Manufacturing: Managing production, inventory, and supply chains.
• Logistics: Optimizing warehouse operations and delivery schedules.
• E-commerce: Integrating online sales with ERP systems.
• Consulting: Implementing and customizing ERP for clients.
• IT/Software Development: Developing custom ERP modules.
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10 Enhancing Employability
10.1 Job Market Relevance
The training significantly boosts employability:
• Technical Proficiency: Python customization and Odoo configuration are in-demand
skills in manufacturing and IT sectors.
• Problem-Solving: Troubleshooting data and workflow issues demonstrates analytical
skills.
• Interdisciplinary Knowledge: Understanding cross-functional processes (sales,
inventory, manufacturing) prepares trainees for diverse roles.
• Adaptability: Experience with Odoo’s modular platform equips trainees to work with
other ERP systems like SAP or Oracle.
Companies increasingly seek engineers who can bridge technical and operational domains,
making these skills highly marketable.
10.2 Feedback as Engineers
As mechatronics engineering trainees, the program provided:
• Practical Exposure: Applying ERP to Simplex’s CNC and laser operations bridged
theoretical and practical engineering.
• Systems Thinking: Understanding how ERP integrates mechanical, electrical, and
software components in manufacturing.
• Career Clarity: Exposure to roles like ERP consultant, process engineer, and systems
analyst.
Feedback from trainees highlighted increased confidence in handling complex systems and
contributing to industry projects.
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11 Acknowledgments and Closing
We extend gratitude to:
• HTI College of Engineering for facilitating this industry-aligned program.
• Simplex Company provides access to their advanced facilities and ERP environment.
• Eng. Abd Elaziz for his dedicated mentorship.
This training has equipped participants with a deep understanding of ERP concepts and
hands-on Odoo expertise. By mastering process configuration, Python customization, and
website development, trainees are well-prepared to drive innovation and efficiency in
engineering and manufacturing industries, enhancing their career prospects in a competitive
job market.
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