Introduction
WAO Group offers two distinct upgrade paths for businesses looking to upgrade their Odoo version to the latest release: the technical upgrade and the fully managed upgrade. The main difference between them is that the fully managed upgrade includes comprehensive training, internal testing, and UAT videos, while the technical upgrade provides a cost-effective route for businesses that simply want their current Odoo file upgraded to the new version.
Odoo releases a new major update once a year at the Odoo Experience in Belgium, making it important for businesses to stay current. Upgrading Odoo requires an investment in time, resources, and potentially licensing fees, so choosing the right path is a strategic decision for your business.
This guide covers both technical and fully managed upgrade options available through WAO Group’s services in Australia and New Zealand. It’s designed for medium to large product-based businesses currently using older Odoo versions who need professional upgrade support to maintain their ERP system and protect their business processes. Choosing the right upgrade path is an important investment for future business growth.
The Core Difference: WAO Group provides both cost-effective technical upgrades and comprehensive, fully managed upgrades—the technical path focuses on the database upgrade and migration essentials, while the fully managed path adds WAO internal testing, delta features training, and UAT videos for a complete upgrade experience. As your partners, WAO Group offers more than just technical services, bringing strategic and financial expertise to ensure your upgrade aligns with your long-term business objectives, including efficient data management.
By the end of this article, you will understand:
The fundamental differences between technical and fully managed upgrade paths.
Exactly what’s included, optional, and excluded in each service.
How to compare costs and benefits based on your specific needs.
Which approach suits your business goals and internal capabilities?
Important caveats that apply to both upgrade paths.
Understanding Odoo Version Upgrades
An Odoo version upgrade involves migrating your entire Odoo system—including your database, custom modules, customizations, and integrations—from a previous version to the latest version. Regular upgrades are essential for business continuity, as they ensure access to new features, security patches, ongoing support from the Odoo community, and compliance with evolving standards across various industries.
The upgrade process involves significant technical complexity. Every custom solution, workflow, and document template in your current system must be analyzed, migrated, and tested to maintain data integrity and functionality in the new version.
Technical Upgrade Fundamentals
A technical upgrade focuses on the core system migration without extensive support services. This approach handles the essential data migration, module upgrades, and basic bug fixes needed to get your Odoo experience functioning on the new platform.
This path is most suitable for businesses with internal IT resources who can manage user training, conduct their own testing, and handle change management independently. Companies with strong in-house Odoo expertise often find this the most cost-effective investment. For those looking to build Odoo expertise or foster future talent, Odoo's Education Program is making a difference by providing hands-on learning opportunities for students.
Fully Managed Upgrade Approach
A fully managed upgrade provides end-to-end support throughout the entire upgrade process. Beyond the technical migration, this path includes WAO internal testing of applicable Odoo modules, functionalities, and document templates, along with user training on changes between versions and UAT videos that document the upgrade for your team.
This comprehensive approach suits businesses needing a strategic partner to guide them through the transition, particularly those without dedicated technical staff or those wanting to minimize risks and ensure a seamless upgrade experience.
WAO Group’s Two Upgrade Paths
WAO Group has developed these specialized upgrade approaches based on 6 years of Odoo experience, with particular focus on the ANZ market. Both paths aim to bring the best Odoo experience to your workplace while addressing your specific needs and budget.
Technical Upgrade Service
The technical upgrade provides essential migration services with the following inclusions:
Inclusions:
- Existing modules, custom modules, and customizations will be upgraded.
- Bug fixes included with an allocation of up to 20 hours.
- Up to 20 hours for document template adjustments (approximately 2 hours per template for 10 templates)—you will only be charged for the actual time used.
- Post go-live support of 10 hours.
- The hours listed are best estimates; billing is based only on actual hours utilized.
Optional Add-ons (additional cost):
- User training sessions and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) videos.
- Internal testing by WAO.
- Data cleanup services.
Exclusions:
- New functional enhancements or customizations.
- New modules or app implementations.
- Workflow emulation (if you prefer to retain workflows from the previous version rather than using the upgraded version’s flow).
- Performance optimization (configuring Odoo to better suit your workflows and address pain points).
- Business process reengineering (redesigning and/or implementing new functional workflows).
Fully Managed Upgrade Service
The fully managed upgrade expands on the technical path to provide comprehensive training and testing support:
Inclusions:
- Existing modules, custom modules, and customizations will be upgraded.
- Bug fixes included with an allocation of up to 20 hours.
- Database upgrade and technical migration.
- WAO internal testing of applicable Odoo modules, functionalities, and document templates.
- User training on changes between versions (delta features training).
- User Acceptance Testing (UAT) videos.
- Post go-live support of 15 hours.
Optional Services (additional cost):
- Workflow emulation (retaining workflows from the previous version).
- New functional enhancements or customizations (requires scoping and requirements gathering).
- New modules or app implementations (requires scoping and requirements gathering).
- Data cleanup (cleaning the contacts database, etc.).
- Extended user training beyond delta features (training on new features you haven’t yet used).
- Performance optimization (re-configuring Odoo to better suit your workflows).
- Business process reengineering (redesigning and implementing new workflows).
Exclusions:
- New functional enhancements or customizations (unless selected as optional).
- New Odoo modules or app implementations (unless selected as optional).
Detailed Service Comparison and Implementation Process
Choosing between the two upgrade paths depends on your business needs, internal capabilities, and how much support you require to achieve a successful migration. Companies with strong internal teams may find the technical upgrade sufficient, while those seeking to enhance productivity through guided change management will benefit from the fully managed approach.
Feature | Technical Upgrade | Fully Managed |
Odoo Module & Customization Upgrade | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
Bug Fixes | ✅ Included (up to 20 hours) | ✅ Included (up to 20 hours) |
Document Template Adjustments | ✅ Included (up to 20 hours) | ✅ Included |
Database Upgrade & Technical Migration | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
WAO Internal Testing | Optional (additional cost) | ✅ Included |
User Training (Delta Features) | Optional (additional cost) | ✅ Included |
UAT Videos | Optional (additional cost) | ✅ Included |
Post Go-Live Support | ✅ 10 hours | ✅ 15 hours |
Note on Delta Features: Delta features refer to the Odoo modules and functionalities that you are currently using. Training on delta features covers what has changed between your previous version and the new version within your existing workflows.
The technical upgrade works well for clients who can develop their own testing protocols and train their users internally. The fully managed upgrade suits companies wanting WAO Group to handle testing, create documentation videos, and ensure the team understands new features before go-live.
Typical Upgrade Process
Both upgrade paths follow a structured approach to mitigating challenges and ensuring success:
- Initial consultation and scoping — Assessment of your current Odoo version, customizations, integrations, and the version gap to the target release.
- Upgrade execution — Database upgrade, technical migration, module updates, and customization adjustments.
- Testing and validation — Internal testing (included in fully managed; optional for technical) and template verification.
- Go-live and support — Deployment to production with post go-live support hours for bug fixes and stabilization.
Quality Assurance and Testing in Odoo Upgrades
Quality assurance and testing constitute the financial risk mitigation foundation of any Odoo upgrade strategy, ensuring your ERP investment delivers measurable ROI while protecting operational cash flow continuity. When CFOs and Finance Directors evaluate version transitions, the financial implications of data integrity failures, custom solution incompatibilities, and version gap disruptions directly threaten profitability and working capital efficiency. A data-driven testing methodology is not optional—it's the only defensible approach to protecting your ERP asset value and guaranteeing financial operational continuity.
Strategic partnership with WAO Group delivers specialized expertise in ERP financial architecture, accounting-led project governance, and data migration risk assessment—the three pillars that determine upgrade profitability outcomes. WAO Group's comprehensive financial training protocols and ongoing advisory support enable Finance Directors across Australia and New Zealand to de-risk their Odoo upgrade investments, ensuring every financial workflow, reporting integration, and compliance control is validated against accounting standards and operational requirements.
The financial risk mitigation and validation process delivers measurable value through:
- Financial Requirements Assessment: WAO Group begins with a comprehensive analysis of your financial control requirements, accounting compliance obligations, and ROI expectations. This foundational step ensures the upgrade strategy aligns with your CFO's strategic priorities and identifies potential financial exposure early in the process.
- Controlled Testing Environment Architecture: A dedicated financial testing environment replicates your live Odoo financial infrastructure. This includes complete chart of accounts migration, custom financial reporting solutions, and accounting workflow preservation, enabling comprehensive validation without disrupting month-end close processes or financial reporting timelines.
- Financial Process Validation: All core accounting workflows, financial reporting modules, and compliance integrations undergo rigorous testing protocols to confirm the upgraded Odoo version maintains accounting accuracy and financial control standards. This step ensures your financial operations continue supporting strategic decision-making without productivity degradation.
- Performance Optimization Analysis: The upgraded system undergoes comprehensive performance assessment focused on financial reporting speed, transaction processing capability, and data analytics responsiveness. This identifies and resolves any performance bottlenecks that could impact financial close cycles or strategic reporting requirements.
- Financial Security and Compliance Validation: Financial data security represents non-negotiable risk management for Finance Directors operating under regulatory oversight. WAO Group conducts exhaustive security assessments ensuring your upgraded Odoo architecture meets industry compliance standards while protecting sensitive financial information and maintaining audit trail integrity.
- Finance Team Acceptance Protocols: Your accounting and finance teams validate the upgraded system through real-world financial scenarios, confirming it meets operational requirements and strategic reporting needs. WAO Group's specialized financial training programs and validation documentation enable finance professionals to achieve operational proficiency rapidly and confidently.
Investing in comprehensive financial validation processes delivers a robust Odoo financial platform that maintains operational accuracy, supports strategic growth initiatives, and minimizes financial risk exposure. Regular upgrade cycles, combined with proactive financial system maintenance and expert advisory support, ensure your organization captures the latest financial features, security enhancements, and compliance updates—maintaining competitive advantage through superior financial control architecture.
For Australian Finance Directors, regulatory compliance represents mandatory operational requirements. A strategically planned upgrade process, supported by WAO Group's accounting expertise, enables your organization to meet these obligations while controlling implementation costs and avoiding budget overruns that erode project ROI. Through focused financial validation and testing protocols, you maximize your Odoo investment value, enhance strategic financial capabilities, and drive sustainable profitability growth across your enterprise.
Common Upgrade Challenges and WAO Solutions
Odoo upgrades across various industries present consistent challenges. Understanding these helps you plan appropriately and avoid budget overruns.
Third-Party App Compatibility Issues
Some third-party apps may need to be purchased separately for the new version. Any associated app and installation costs are not included in WAO’s upgrade pricing. During the initial consultation, WAO identifies which apps require updates or replacements, helping you budget accurately for the full investment.
Server and Hosting Considerations
The upgrade paths detailed assume your business is on Odoo.SH. If your business utilizes or is required to utilize an external server (such as AWS), server maintenance charges will apply. WAO can advise on the best hosting approach for maintaining long term performance and compliance.
Time and Budget Estimation Challenges
WAO’s Odoo upgrade projects are time-billed. The Project Pricing provided for either path is an estimate based on experience completing similar projects across various industries. The allocated hours for bug fixes, template adjustments, and go-live support may differ from the examples above—they are adjusted when quoting to suit your specific needs.
This transparent approach protects both parties: you only pay for actual hours used, and estimates are grounded in real-world Odoo experience rather than arbitrary figures.
Conclusion & Next Steps
WAO Group’s two upgrade paths offer flexibility for businesses at different stages of their Odoo journey. The technical upgrade provides an efficient, cost-effective solution for companies with internal resources to handle testing and training. The fully managed upgrade delivers comprehensive partner support, including WAO testing, delta features training, and UAT videos for businesses seeking full potential from their upgrade investment.
Your next steps:
- Assess your current Odoo version and identify the version gap to your target release.
- Evaluate your internal resources—can your team handle testing, training, and change management?
- Contact WAO Group for an initial consultation and project estimate.
- Review your upgrade timeline requirements against business cycles and resource availability.
After your upgrade is complete, consider exploring WAO Group’s flexible customer care retainers for ongoing support, post-upgrade performance optimization, or training on new features you haven’t yet adopted in your Odoo system.
Additional Resources
The upgrade paths detailed assume your business is on Odoo.SH. If your business utilizes or is required to utilize an external server (such as AWS), server maintenance charges will apply. WAO can advise on the best hosting approach for maintaining long term performance and compliance.
- Contact WAO Group for a personalized upgrade assessment and project estimate.
- Learn more about delta features and what changes between Odoo versions during your consultation.
- Explore WAO Group’s ERP Implementation and development services for new modules or business process reengineering after your upgrade.
- Review your upgrade timeline requirements against business cycles and resource availability.
WAO Group’s team of accountants, developers, and solutions architects brings extensive Odoo Experience to your workplace, ensuring your upgrade enhances workflows and creates lasting value for your business.
The information and tips shared on this blog are meant to be used as learning and personal development tools as you launch, run and grow your business. While a good place to start, these articles should not take the place of personalised advice from professionals. As our lawyers would say: “All content on WAO’s blog is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal or financial advice.” Additionally, WAO is the legal copyright holder of all materials on the blog, and others cannot re-use or publish it without our written consent.
