Custom Point of Sale (POS) modules allow businesses to shape their retail operations around specific needs. With Odoo’s open-source framewor...
Odoo ERP is known for its modular structure and flexibility. It supports full customization, including the POS module, which is vital for retail, food service, and hospitality businesses. This guide walks you through the process of building a custom POS module, step-by-step, using Odoo ERP Development Services.
Why Build a POS Module in Odoo?
Odoo’s POS module already includes many core functions:
- Works in online and offline mode
- Touch-optimized for tablets and desktops
- Connects with inventory and sales data
- Supports multiple user sessions
But businesses often want features that standard POS tools do not offer. These may include loyalty systems, product suggestions, custom billing rules, barcode automation, or integration with hardware.
With Odoo ERP Development Services, you can design and build a POS module that works exactly how your business needs it to.
Skills and Tools You’ll Need
Before you start development, prepare your system and make sure you know the required tech stack.
Must-Have Skills:
- Python – For backend logic and Odoo models
- JavaScript – For frontend POS interface and actions
- QWeb and XML – For templates and layouts
- PostgreSQL – Odoo’s database system
Setup Requirements:
- A local or server-based Odoo environment
- Access to Odoo source code
- Text editor like VS Code or PyCharm
- Git for version control
Steps to Build a Custom POS Module in Odoo
1. Identify Gaps in Your Current POS System
Before investing in custom development, assess what your current POS lacks. Ask:
- Does it support your pricing model (e.g., discounts, bundles, loyalty)?
- Can it handle multiple locations or franchises?
- Is it integrated with inventory and accounting in real time?
- Are customer insights or sales data easily accessible?
Why it matters:
Generic POS software often forces businesses to adapt their processes to the tool. Custom Odoo POS allows your business to define the tool.
2. Define the Business Objectives Clearly
Specify the outcome you expect from your custom POS module.
Examples include:
- Reduce billing time by 30%
- Increase repeat customers through loyalty integration
- Sync POS with warehouse inventory instantly
- Add multilingual support for global operations
Why it matters:
Defining business goals upfront helps keep the development focused and measurable.
3. Plan Feature Set Based on Industry Needs
Every industry has different POS needs. Define features relevant to yours.
Retail:
- Barcode scanning
- Stock deduction in real time
- Loyalty rewards
- Refund and exchange process
Restaurants:
Table management
Split bills
Kitchen order printing
Custom tip handling
Service:
- Appointment tracking
- Digital signatures
- Recurring billing
- Prepaid service credits
Why it matters:
Odoo ERP Development Services can create tailored workflows that fit your industry better than pre-built systems.
Also read: Steps to Build a PoC in Odoo for Your Business Idea
4. Prepare for Integration with Other Odoo Modules
A major benefit of building in Odoo is integration. Your POS system can directly connect with:
- Inventory for stock tracking
- Sales for invoices and promotions
- CRM for customer history
- Accounting for automatic journal entries
- HR for staff permissions and shift logs
Why it matters:
This unified system avoids data duplication and human error, improving business accuracy.
5. Set a Development Timeline and Budget
Work with your Odoo partner to define:
- Module complexity and scope
- Required frontend and backend customizations
- Integration points
- Reporting features
- Number of user roles and access levels
Why it matters:
Clear milestones and budget control keep the project aligned with business expectations.
6. Test Features in a Real Business Environment
Don’t roll out the POS module across all stores at once. Instead:
- Test it in one outlet or branch
- Validate the accuracy of transactions, taxes, and stock updates
- Check customer experience at checkout
- Gather staff feedback on usability
Why it matters:
Business-facing bugs or slowness in billing can affect sales and customer satisfaction.
7. Train Staff and Set Access Controls
Once the system is stable:
- Conduct quick training sessions for cashiers, managers, and supervisors
- Set permission levels in Odoo to avoid misuse
- Use dashboards to monitor daily sales, shift activity, and returns
Why it matters:
Well-trained staff can use the POS efficiently, reducing billing errors and improving speed.
Also read: How to Configure Odoo for Service-Based Businesses
8. Monitor Performance and Improve Gradually
Track key performance metrics:
- Sales per store or location
- Transaction speed
- Customer footfall during peak hours
- Inventory movement vs. sales orders
Work with your Odoo development team to add improvements or fix gaps based on real usage.
Why it matters:
Odoo ERP allows you to evolve the POS module over time without starting from scratch.
9. Maintain and Update with Odoo Releases
Odoo launches new versions every year. Plan for:
- Compatibility with future Odoo updates
- Bug fixes
- UI improvements
- Security patches
Why it matters:
Continuous maintenance avoids business disruptions and helps you stay ahead of competitors.
10. Scale Across Locations and Devices
Once the POS module is stable and efficient:
- Roll it out to new branches
- Support multiple POS terminals in large stores
- Add mobile or tablet-based POS setups
- Connect with warehouse and delivery systems for faster logistics
Why it matters:
Scalability helps support business growth without needing to switch systems later.
Also read: How Odoo ERP Helps You Manage eCommerce Operations Better
Common Development Challenges
1. Version Compatibility
Each Odoo version may have different JS and XML structures. Use official docs or inspect the POS assets directly.
2. JavaScript Scope Issues
Make sure to use define() and require() correctly. Avoid global scope pollution.
3. Hardware Integration
If you need barcode scanners, printers, or cash drawers, you may need extra drivers or external modules.
4. Session Conflicts
Multi-user setups can conflict if sessions aren’t handled well. Always test with multiple logins.
Best Practices for Building POS in Odoo
- Always create a new module instead of editing the core
- Use version control (Git) to manage code changes
- Comment your code for future developers
- Test with both local and remote environments
- Backup your database before applying updates
Keeping your module clean and modular helps avoid issues during future Odoo upgrades.
Odoo ERP Development Services by Shiv Technolabs
Looking to build a custom POS or extend your ERP system? Shiv Technolabs offers trusted Odoo ERP Development Services tailored to your business needs. Our team helps you design, build, and integrate Odoo modules that align with your operations—whether you're in retail, manufacturing, or services.
We specialize in:
- Custom POS module development
- Integration with accounting, inventory, and CRM
- Multi-store and multi-device POS setup
- Odoo module upgrades and version migration
- User-friendly frontend customization
Whether you're starting from scratch or improving your current Odoo system, we’re ready to help. Contact us today to schedule a quick consultation with our technical experts.
Conclusion
Building a custom POS module in Odoo gives businesses full control over how transactions, inventory, and customer data are handled at the point of sale. With access to both frontend and backend layers, developers can build features that match business-specific requirements.
The module structure remains clean, modular, and version-friendly, which makes it easier to maintain and scale. By integrating the POS module with other core Odoo apps like accounting, CRM, and inventory, businesses can build a tightly connected system that reduces manual errors and improves operational efficiency across departments. With the help of professional Odoo ERP Development Services, these solutions can be designed, implemented, and expanded to fit long-term business goals.
No comments