Two open-source approaches to ERP
Odoo has built one of the most popular open-source business platforms in the world, with 12 million users and a thriving community. Teamnet takes a different architectural approach — a single-database composable platform with native IoT and hardware integration. Both are excellent. The right choice depends on what you are building.
Architecture: monolith vs composable
Odoo uses a traditional modular monolith. All modules share one codebase and one deployment. This is simple and works well, but it means upgrading one module requires upgrading everything. Custom modules must be compatible with each Odoo version, and major version upgrades (e.g., Odoo 17 to 18) can require significant migration effort.
Teamnet uses a composable architecture on a shared database. Each module (or custom app) can be updated independently. The platform framework handles compatibility, so adding or upgrading one module never breaks another. Custom apps built on the platform framework survive platform upgrades automatically.
Pricing model
Odoo's pricing has evolved significantly. The Community edition is free but limited. Odoo Enterprise uses per-user pricing — currently around $24.90/user/month for the Standard plan and $37.40/user/month for Custom. At 500 users, that is $12,450–$18,700 per month.
Teamnet charges a flat subscription with unlimited users. Whether you have 50 or 5,000 users, the price does not change. This is particularly impactful for manufacturers where shop floor operators, warehouse staff, and contractors all need system access.
IoT and hardware
This is the biggest differentiator. Odoo has no native IoT or hardware integration. Connecting RFID readers, biometric devices, PLCs, SCADA systems, or IoT sensors requires third-party middleware, custom development, or the Odoo IoT Box (limited to specific device types).
Teamnet has hardware integration built into the core. MQTT, OPC-UA, Modbus, and BACnet protocols. Direct SCADA/PLC communication. RFID asset tracking. Biometric attendance. Edge computing with offline-first sync. If your operations involve physical hardware, this is a fundamental advantage.
Manufacturing depth
Odoo offers MRP with BOMs, work orders, and basic quality checks. It is adequate for simple manufacturing scenarios — discrete manufacturing, light assembly, basic production planning.
Teamnet offers full MES capability: OEE tracking, digital twins, SCADA integration, predictive maintenance, energy monitoring, batch traceability, and JIT dispatch with SLA enforcement. For process manufacturing, discrete manufacturing, or any operation that needs shop floor visibility, Teamnet goes significantly deeper.
Safety and compliance
Odoo has no built-in safety or EHS module. Permit-to-work, incident management, safety audits, environmental monitoring — all of these require custom development or third-party apps from the Odoo marketplace.
Teamnet includes a complete Safety & EHS module with digital permit-to-work, incident management, safety audit scheduling, contractor compliance, and environmental monitoring with IoT sensor integration. For industries where safety is non-negotiable (manufacturing, oil & gas, construction), this matters.
When Odoo makes more sense
- You are a small business or startup (under 50 employees) with simple operations
- You need e-commerce, website builder, or marketing automation integrated into your ERP
- You want access to a large community marketplace of 40,000+ apps
- Your operations are primarily digital (services, SaaS, consulting) without hardware needs
When Teamnet makes more sense
- You are a manufacturer or operations-heavy business with shop floor requirements
- You need IoT, RFID, biometric, or SCADA integration without middleware
- You have hundreds or thousands of users and per-seat pricing is a problem
- You need safety and EHS compliance built into your platform
- You want MES-level manufacturing capability (OEE, digital twins, predictive maintenance)
- You operate in regulated industries (pharma, defence, oil & gas) requiring compliance
Odoo is a great business platform. Teamnet is a great operations platform. Choose based on where your complexity lives.