Implementing an ERP like Odoo is a structuring project for an SME. It affects all key functions: accounting, sales, purchasing, production, HR...
But before you get started, one question arises: what will the return on investment (ROI) be?
At Advanced Conseil, we help our clients quantify expected gains, secure investment decisions, and manage profitable deployment.
ROI, a simple indicator… but demanding to construct
The formula for ROI is basic:
ROI = (Benefits - Costs) / Costs
But in the context of an ERP project, the challenge is mainly to evaluate the right elements to integrate :
- 🔸The total cost of the project
- 🔸 The value created through the ERP
Identify the costs of an Odoo project (SaaS mode)
Here are the main items to anticipate:
Initial Costs
- Implementation cost (consulting, configuration, migration)
- User training
🔹 Recurring Costs
- Annual Odoo licenses
- Maintenance and support
Indirect costs
- Time spent by your internal teams
- Change management support
These positions must be carefully estimated to avoid unpleasant surprises.
📊 Estimate the expected gains and benefits
The interest of an ERP is multidimensional. Here are the main levers for creating value:
Process Automation
Less data re-entry = time savings and reduction of errors.
Productivity Gains
Faster access to information, smooth coordination between departments.
Improved Decision-Making
Unified and reliable reporting, available in real-time.
Reduction of fixed costs
Less administrative staff required as the company grows.
Customer Service Improvement
Faster delivery, better tracking, increasing satisfaction rates.
3 tips to ensure the reliability of your ROI calculation
- Accurately quantify costs : request detailed quotes from your integrator (licenses, configuration, training).
- Involve the teams : time and quality gains are better estimated by the concerned users.
- Document use cases : streamlining inventory, reducing unpaid invoices, accelerating billing…
📊 Example of 3-Year ROI Calculation
Project costs (Odoo in SaaS)
| Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Implementation | 50,000 € | 0 € | 0 € | 50,000 € |
| Training | 10,000 € | 5,000 € | 0 € | 15,000 € |
| Licenses | 7,500 € | 7,500 € | 7,500 € | 22,500 € |
| Miscellaneous (support, updates, etc.) | 20,000 € | 5,000 € | 5,000 € | 30,000 € |
| Total | 87 500 € | 17,500 € | 12 500 € | 20 500 € |
Estimated gains
| Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
| Accounting | 10,000 € | 15,000 € | 20,000 € | 45,000 € |
| Operations | 20,000 € | 30,000 € | 35,000 € | 85,000 € |
| Other gains | 10,000 € | 10,000 € | 10,000 € | 30,000 € |
| Sales growth | 20,000 € | 20,000 € | 20,000 € | 60,000 € |
| Total | 60,000 € | 75,000 € | 85,000 € | 220,000 € |
ROI = (220 000 - 120 500) / 120 500 = +83% sur 3 ans
Conclusion: A structuring and profitable investment
A well-managed ERP project generates significant gains, often visible from the first year. The ROI is not limited to savings: it also includes growth, agility, and risk management.
At Advanced Conseil, we help you to :
Build a solid business case, Accurately estimate gains by business, Manage a profitable and scalable ERP project