At this time of the year, we like to calmly reflect on everything that happened in the previous year. With this in mind, we have reviewed the modules added in 2024 by the Odoo Community Association, and we believe the most outstanding one has been the set of modules designed to enhance customer communication. Besides being a highly interesting and significant improvement, it is one of the most commented additions on GitHub from last year.
What is it?
This module allows companies to seamlessly and efficiently integrate instant messaging into their workflow in Odoo. With this module, users can:
- Send WhatsApp or Telegram messages directly from Odoo: Whether for order confirmations, payment reminders, or shipping updates, everything can be managed from a centralized location.
- Automate notifications: Set up automatic rules to send messages based on predefined conditions, such as the status of a sale or an upcoming appointment.
- Interact in real-time with clients and partners: A bidirectional integration that enables receiving and responding to messages directly within the system.
Why is it so interesting?
In 2024, WhatsApp remains one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with billions of active users. For businesses, this represents a unique opportunity to connect with their clients on a platform they already use daily. The OCA module democratizes this capability, removing the need for complex and costly custom integrations.
Some reasons why we consider this module the most outstanding innovation of the year are:
- Ease of use: Designed with an intuitive interface that adapts to the average Odoo user, the module is incredibly simple to use.
- Enhances customer experience: Quick and direct communication builds trust and increases customer satisfaction, a critical factor for us.
- Open-source and customizable: Like all OCA contributions, this module is backed by an active community ensuring continuous improvement and adaptability to specific needs.
Practical Applications of the Module
The possibilities of this module are as broad as the needs of businesses. Some examples include:
- E-commerce: Sending order confirmations and shipping updates directly to customers.
- Services: Reminding appointments or sharing project details with clients.
- Finance: Notifying about invoice due dates or credit approvals.
- Customer support: Managing inquiries and resolving issues in real-time, all within the Odoo environment.
What’s Next?
With its flexibility and potential, the OCA WhatsApp module is just the beginning. The community continues to expand its capabilities to enable a fully integrated workflow.
In summary, this module stands out not only as the best innovation from the OCA in 2024 but also as an essential tool for any business seeking to improve its communication and customer service.