Introduction
Odoo 18 marks a major leap forward in business management software, especially in the realm of warehouse and inventory operations. One of the most impactful upgrades lies in its improved handling of operation types and barcode commands. These features, central to the Inventory and Barcode apps, bring efficiency, accuracy, and automation to routine warehouse processes. Whether you’re receiving stock, delivering goods, performing quality checks, or adjusting inventory, these tools ensure that your operations are seamless and intuitive.
In this blog, we’ll explore what operation types and commands are, why they matter, when and where to use them, who benefits, and how they work — all framed using the 5W1H method. Let’s dive into how Odoo 18 transforms warehouse workflows with these powerful tools.
What Are Operation Types and Commands in Odoo 18?
In Odoo 18, operation types define the nature of stock movements—such as receiving, transferring, or delivering products—while commands allow users to interact with these operations using barcode scans.
Operation Types include:
- Receipts: For incoming stock
- Delivery Orders: For outbound shipments
- Internal Transfers: For moving stock between locations
- Manufacturing: For tracking raw materials and finished goods
- Pickings: For handling multi-step deliveries
Commands are barcode-triggered actions that simplify warehouse tasks, such as validating transfers, printing delivery slips, or scrapping defective items.
Together, these two features form the foundation of efficient, paperless warehouse management in Odoo 18.
Why Did Odoo 18 Improve These Features?
Odoo enhanced these tools in version 18 to solve real-world warehouse challenges:
- Manual errors and inconsistencies in stock handling
- Delays due to inefficient user interfaces
- Complex development processes using outdated syntax
- Growing demand for mobile and IoT-compatible workflows
By refining operation types and barcode commands, Odoo ensures a faster, more accurate, and more user-friendly inventory experience across all devices and skill levels.
When Are These Features Used in Business Operations?
These features are used during critical inventory events, including:
- Inbound shipments: To receive and verify goods
- Outbound deliveries: To pick, pack, and ship items
- Internal transfers: To manage stock between locations or warehouses
- Manufacturing: To monitor material consumption and product output
- Returns, repairs, or scrap management: To adjust stock levels accurately
Because Odoo 18 allows these processes to be completed by simply scanning printed barcodes, they’re used anytime speed and precision are required.
Where Do You Access and Configure These Features in Odoo 18?
You’ll work with these tools in two primary modules:
- Inventory App: Configure operation types via Inventory → Configuration → Operation Types. Here, you can define routing rules, reservation settings, packaging behavior, and more.
- Barcode App: Enable scanning workflows and print barcode labels for both commands and operation types.
To print barcodes:
- Go to Inventory → Settings → Barcode Section, then click “Print barcode commands and operation types”.
- Or print directly from the Operation Types list view.
Each operation type now includes a Hardware tab, where you can set up barcode printers, RFID scanners, and weighing scales for fully integrated workflows.
Who Benefits from These Features?
Odoo 18 operation types and commands serve a wide range of users:
- Warehouse Operators: Perform tasks hands-free with minimal training
- Inventory Managers: Gain accurate real-time tracking and full control over workflows
- Manufacturing Teams: Ensure timely production with smart inventory routing
- IT Teams & Developers: Use the new Command Class to write cleaner, more structured code for automation and customization
- Business Owners: Reduce errors, speed up operations, and lower costs
Whether you’re running a small store or a large distribution center, everyone in your organization benefits from faster and more reliable warehouse processes.
How Do These Features Work in Practice?
Here’s a practical example:
- A warehouse worker scans a printed barcode labeled “WHIN” to start a receipt operation.
- They scan product barcodes to confirm what’s been received.
- They finalize the process by scanning the “VALIDATE” command barcode.
- Odoo instantly updates the inventory, and a delivery slip or label can be printed automatically.
This workflow eliminates the need for manual data entry. On the development side, the Command Class (which replaces the old tuple system) allows for smoother updates to related fields like sale order lines, stock moves, or picking operations.
Conclusion
Odoo has made inventory operations smarter, faster, and more intuitive. By improving how operation types and barcode commands work together, the system now empowers businesses to automate complex warehouse tasks while maintaining accuracy and control. These features—along with developer tools like the Command Class and hardware integrations—position Odoo 18 as a top-tier solution for modern inventory management.
