Introduction
Odoo is often presented as a highly customizable ERP. And it is. But most discussions around customization quickly fall into the same binary choice: no-code tools like Studio, or full custom development inside Odoo.
What is rarely discussed is a third option that sits quietly in between and, in many cases, delivers far better results.
This article explains how the Odoo API enables a different way of building custom features, why it is often overlooked, and how it allows companies to push Odoo further without sacrificing stability or upgradeability.
Design features
Most Odoo projects eventually face the same question.
Odoo Studio
Odoo Studio is attractive because it is fast and accessible.
It allows teams to:
- add fields and views
- tweak workflows
- make small adjustments without developers
But Studio has clear limits. As complexity grows:
- logic becomes hard to follow
- configurations become fragile
- projects become difficult to maintain
Studio works best for small, well-scoped changes, not for complex business logic.
Custom code inside Odoo
Custom Python modules unlock full flexibility.
They allow teams to:
- implement complex logic
- deeply customize workflows
- control execution precisely
The downside is cost and long-term effort. Heavy customization inside Odoo:
- increases upgrade complexity
- requires strong technical ownership
- can slow down future evolution
This is where many projects get stuck between “too limited” and “too heavy”. This dilemma usually appears when customization is approached without a clear framework, which is why it is essential to understand how far Odoo should really be customized in the first place.
The overlooked alternative: external apps powered by the Odoo API
The Odoo API offers a third path that many teams underestimate.
Instead of embedding all logic inside Odoo, external applications can interact with Odoo through its API. In practice, this means using secure access to live Odoo data while keeping custom logic outside the ERP core.
This approach allows teams to:
- extend Odoo without modifying its internals
- keep the core system clean
- reduce upgrade risk
Odoo becomes the system of record, while external apps handle complexity. In practice, this approach often leads to the creation of external applications connected to Odoo, designed to solve specific business problems without locking complexity inside the ERP.
Why this approach scales better over time
API-based architectures change how projects age.
Instead of accumulating fragile customizations inside Odoo:
- logic is isolated
- responsibilities are clearer
- failures are easier to detect
- upgrades remain predictable
This is especially powerful for companies using Odoo Online, where server-side customization is intentionally limited.
How we use the Odoo API at Dasolo
At Dasolo, the Odoo API is a core building block.
We use it to design external applications that are:
- fully connected to Odoo
- visually polished
- easy to evolve
- compatible with Odoo upgrades
This approach allows us to deliver custom solutions faster, often at lower cost, while keeping the ERP stable and clean.
Conclusion
There is no need to choose between “just Studio” and “full custom development”.
The Odoo API offers a smarter middle path that combines flexibility, scalability, and long-term maintainability.
Used properly, it turns Odoo into a powerful platform rather than a system that must be constantly bent to fit evolving needs.