Web applications, such as Odoo, have now found their way into many areas. The advantages are obvious: the software can be used on a variety of end devices and is also accessible from any location. In addition, maintenance is often easier than with classic server/client installations.
One disadvantage of web applications, however, is that integration into the "real world" is often more difficult because interfaces are missing. One of these hurdles is encountered with the topic of "printing". This article deals with different possibilities to print from Odoo and thereby increase efficiency.
In principle, however, it should be said that Odoo itself tends to avoid the topic and offers other ways. For example, orders can be confirmed digitally or documents digitally signed. In addition, Odoo offers a service that sends a letter directly to your customers via an Odoo partner at the touch of a button.
Nevertheless, some areas of the business require physical printing on site, for example labels for packages or delivery notes for customers.
Variant 1: Manual printing
The easiest way to print from Odoo is to open the corresponding report and download it as a PDF. The document can then be printed using the PC's on-board resources.
Advantages: Free of charge, uncomplicated, any printer connected to the PC can be used, complex print settings can be set via the print menu | Disadvantages: Lengthy process, printers that explicitly require formats other than PDF (e.g. ZPL) can only be accessed with difficulty, the PC must have configured all printers |
For whom is this variant suitable? | For whom is this variant not suitable? |
Variant 2: Odoo IoT Box
With the Odoo IoT-Box, Odoo offers its customers the possibility to install a device in the local network which can, among other things, accept print commands. Technically, the IoT box registers with the Odoo server with its local IP address. As soon as the user initiates a print, Odoo generates a data packet for the respective browser, which is forwarded directly and fully automatically from the browser to the IoT box.
The IoT box offers other possibilities, e.g. the connection of scales or cameras. You can find a more detailed overview of the functions of the IoT box her.
The costs for an IoT-Box currently amount to EUR 20/IoT-Box/month with annual commitment (EUR 26/IoT/month with monthly commitment). An IoT box can manage up to 4 physically connected printers (via USB) and additionally a number of network printers in the same network.
Advantages:
| Disadvantages: Cost point, geographical binding, not all printer drivers are available for the IoT box, additional maintainable device |
For whom is this variant suitable? | For whom is this variant not suitable? |
Variant 3: PrintNode
PrintNode is a third-party service that connects cloud software to local printing environments via a server/client solution.
Technically, a client software is installed on the user's PC, which connects to all printers in the network. Odoo is connected to the PrintNode cloud, and when the user clicks on print, documents are sent via the cloud to the user's client. The client then takes over the printing of the document.
Odoo does not offer this variant as standard, but the functionality can be extended via a third-party module.
Advantages: Flexible configuration options (e.g. setting default printers per user), all printers set up on the PC can be used via Printnode (no driver problems) | Disadvantages: PC on site is necessary (no pure work with mobile clients), purchase of a third-party module necessary, monthly costs - can exceed those of the IoT box with high print volumes, data is sent via a third-party provider (thus an additional possible point of failure) |
For whom is this variant suitable? | For whom is this variant not suitable? |
Special case Point of Sale
The Odoo point-of-sale module can communicate directly with special network receipt printers to print receipts without using an IoT box. This uses a print protocol from Epson that, similar to the IoT box, sends print jobs directly from the user's browser to the printer.
Advantages: Free of charge as part of the PoS module, fast connection (especially at the checkout, the print job should be triggered quickly after confirming the order) | Disadvantages: only works with special network receipt printers, only as part of the PoS module |
For whom is this variant suitable? | For whom is this variant not suitable? |
Conclusion
Each variant for triggering print jobs in Odoo has its advantages and disadvantages. We will be happy to advise you on the right solution for your company.
