Odoo PLM: How to Manage Engineering Changes and Product Lifecycle
In modern manufacturing, products rarely remain unchanged throughout their entire lifecycle. Engineering teams continuously improve product designs, replace components, modify manufacturing operations, update documentation, and introduce new product versions.
Managing these changes manually through spreadsheets, emails, disconnected documents, and multiple file versions can create serious problems. Teams may manufacture products using outdated Bills of Materials (BoMs), miss engineering approvals, or lose track of which version was active at a particular time.
Odoo Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) provides a structured approach to managing product changes, engineering revisions, approvals, documentation, and BoM versions within the same ERP environment. Odoo PLM supports product iteration from development and design through manufacturing and continuous improvement.
For manufacturing businesses, PLM can help create a controlled process for proposing, reviewing, testing, approving, and implementing engineering changes.
What Is Odoo PLM?
Odoo PLM, or Product Lifecycle Management, is an Odoo application designed to manage product information and changes throughout the product lifecycle.
It connects engineering change management with manufacturing data such as:
Products
Bills of Materials (BoMs)
Components
Manufacturing operations
Design files
Engineering Change Orders
Approvals
Version history
Manufacturing processes
Odoo PLM is especially useful for companies where products are regularly redesigned, improved, customized, or updated.
The PLM application is installed separately from the Manufacturing application in Odoo 19.
Why Is Product Lifecycle Management Important?
Engineering changes can affect almost every part of a manufacturing business.
For example, changing a component in a product may require:
Updating the product design.
Modifying the BoM.
Changing manufacturing operations.
Updating technical documentation.
Testing the revised product.
Obtaining engineering or management approval.
Releasing the new version to production.
Maintaining the previous version for historical reference.
Without a controlled change-management process, these activities can become difficult to coordinate.
Common problems without PLM
Businesses may face:
Multiple versions of engineering files
Incorrect or outdated BoMs
Unapproved engineering changes
Poor communication between departments
Manufacturing errors
Difficulty tracking revision history
Missing technical documentation
Delayed product improvements
Lack of accountability
Problems during audits or product recalls
Odoo PLM addresses these challenges by bringing product changes and revision management into a controlled workflow.
What Is an Engineering Change Order (ECO)?
An Engineering Change Order (ECO) is a formal record used to manage a proposed change to a product, BoM, or manufacturing process.
In Odoo, ECOs can be used to track, implement, and revert product and BoM changes.
An ECO can represent changes such as:
Adding a new component
Removing an existing component
Changing component quantities
Replacing a supplier component
Modifying manufacturing operations
Updating work instructions
Introducing a new product version
Updating engineering documentation
Making regulatory changes
Improving product quality
Instead of directly modifying the production BoM, the engineering team can work on a revision through an ECO and submit it for review.
Odoo PLM Workflow
A typical Odoo PLM workflow can be represented as:
Engineering Request → ECO → Revision → Testing → Approval → Apply Changes → New Production Version
Let's examine each stage.
1. Create an Engineering Change Order
The process starts by creating an ECO from the appropriate ECO type in the PLM application.
The ECO can include information such as:
Description
ECO type
Product
Bill of Materials
Responsible person
Company
Effective date
Tags
Odoo allows the ECO to specify whether the change applies to the Bill of Materials or the product itself.
For example:
ECO: Replace Steel Gear with Aluminum Gear
Product: Industrial Gearbox
Reason: Reduce product weight
Responsible: Engineering Manager
Change: Replace existing gear component
2. Start a New Revision
Once the ECO is started, Odoo creates a revision of the production BoM.
The original production BoM remains unchanged while the engineering team works on the proposed revision.
This is an important feature because engineers can modify and test the proposed version without immediately affecting live manufacturing operations.
Odoo assigns a new version number, such as:
V1 – Original version
V2 – First engineering revision
V3 – Second revision
V4 – Third revision
This creates a clear product revision history.
3. Modify the Bill of Materials
Engineers can modify the revised BoM according to the requirements of the ECO.
Changes may include:
Add Components
For example:
Original:
Steel Gear – 1 unit
New Version:
Aluminum Gear – 1 unit
Remove Components
A component that is no longer required can be removed from the revised BoM.
Change Quantities
For example:
Original: 4 screws
New Version: 6 screws
Replace Components
A component can be replaced with a new or improved component.
These modifications remain within the ECO revision until the changes are approved and applied.
4. Compare BoM Changes
One of the useful features of Odoo PLM is the ability to compare the revised BoM with the production version.
The BoM Changes tab highlights differences between the existing production BoM and the proposed revision.
Odoo uses visual indicators to show:
Blue: New components
Black: Existing components with shared information
Red: Removed components
This makes it easier for engineering and management teams to understand exactly what has changed before approving the revision.
5. Modify Manufacturing Operations
Engineering changes are not always limited to components.
A product may require a change to its manufacturing process.
For example:
Previous process:
Cutting → Drilling → Welding → Painting
New process:
Cutting → CNC Machining → Welding → Quality Inspection → Painting
Odoo PLM allows manufacturing operations to be modified within the revised BoM.
Companies can:
Add operations
Remove operations
Modify operations
Change work center information
Update operation instructions
Odoo also provides an Operation Changes view to compare the revised operations with the production version.
6. Manage Engineering Documents and Design Files
Engineering changes often involve technical documents.
These may include:
CAD drawings
Product specifications
Assembly instructions
Technical manuals
Product images
Quality documents
Engineering PDFs
Manufacturing instructions
Odoo PLM allows design files and related documents to be attached to BoMs and managed through ECOs.
When documents are changed as part of an ECO, the updated files can be linked to the production BoM after the ECO is approved and applied.
Archived files remain accessible through the ECO history, helping maintain traceability.
7. Configure ECO Stages
Different engineering changes may require different approval workflows.
For example:
New Product Introduction
Draft → Engineering Review → Prototype → Testing → Management Approval → Production
Component Replacement
Draft → Engineering Review → Quality Approval → Production
Regulatory Change
Draft → Engineering Review → Compliance Review → Management Approval → Production
Odoo allows businesses to configure ECO types and stages according to their internal processes.
This helps different departments follow a consistent change-management workflow.
8. Add Approvals
Not every engineering change should immediately reach production.
Important changes may require approval from:
Engineering Manager
Manufacturing Manager
Quality Team
Product Manager
Procurement Team
Regulatory Team
Senior Management
Odoo PLM allows approvers to be assigned to ECO stages.
Approval types can include:
Required approval
Optional approval
Comments only
The ECO cannot be applied to production until required approvals have been completed.
This creates an important control between proposed engineering changes and live manufacturing changes.
9. Apply the Engineering Change
After the revised BoM and associated changes have been reviewed and approved, the ECO can be applied.
When the changes are applied:
The original production BoM is archived.
The revised BoM becomes the new production BoM.
The new version becomes active.
The change is recorded in the ECO history.
Odoo therefore creates a controlled transition from one product version to another.
10. Maintain BoM Version History
Version control is one of the most important aspects of PLM.
Consider a product with the following history:
| Version | Change | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| V1 | Original design | January |
| V2 | New motor | March |
| V3 | Improved housing | June |
| V4 | New safety component | September |
With Odoo PLM, previous BoM versions can be retained through ECO history.
This makes it easier to determine:
Which components were used?
Which operations were active?
Who approved the change?
When did the change become effective?
Which BoM version was active at a particular time?
Odoo documentation specifically highlights version history as useful for scenarios such as recalls and customer complaints.
Odoo PLM Example: Product Engineering Change
Let's consider a manufacturing company producing industrial pumps.
Current Product
Product: Industrial Pump P-100
Existing BoM
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Steel Housing | 1 |
| Motor | 1 |
| Impeller | 1 |
| Steel Shaft | 1 |
| Fasteners | 8 |
The engineering department discovers that the steel shaft is causing unnecessary weight.
They decide to replace it with an aluminum shaft.
ECO Created
ECO: Replace Steel Shaft
Reason: Reduce product weight
Responsible: Product Engineering Team
Revision
The team creates a new BoM revision.
V1:
Steel Shaft → 1
V2:
Aluminum Shaft → 1
Testing
The engineering team tests the new design for:
Performance
Durability
Weight
Safety
Manufacturing feasibility
Approval
The engineering and quality teams review the ECO.
Apply Changes
After approval, V2 becomes the production BoM.
The previous V1 remains available as historical revision information.
This provides a complete traceable engineering change process.
Odoo PLM for New Product Introduction
PLM is not only useful for modifying existing products.
It can also support New Product Introduction (NPI).
A typical NPI process may include:
Product Idea
↓
Engineering Design
↓
Prototype BoM
↓
Testing
↓
Engineering Review
↓
Quality Approval
↓
Production Release
↓
Continuous Improvement
This allows businesses to manage product development and subsequent revisions within a structured system.
Odoo PLM and Manufacturing
PLM is closely connected with manufacturing because engineering changes often affect production.
For example, changing a component may affect:
Material requirements
Manufacturing cost
Work center operations
Production time
Quality checks
Procurement
Inventory
Manufacturing Orders
Odoo's continuous improvement workflow allows approved BoM updates to become available for new Manufacturing Orders, while version control keeps previous revisions accessible.
This helps engineering and production teams work from the same product information.
Odoo PLM and Quality Management
Engineering changes should often be validated before production.
For example, if a manufacturer changes a critical component, the quality team may need to perform:
Inspection
Functional testing
Dimensional checks
Performance testing
Safety verification
Integrating the PLM change process with quality activities can help ensure that engineering improvements are properly validated before release.
This is especially important for industries where product reliability and compliance are critical.
Odoo PLM for Different Industries
Odoo PLM can be useful across many manufacturing environments.
Automotive
Manage:
Component revisions
Vehicle assemblies
Engineering changes
Supplier component changes
Electronics
Manage:
PCB revisions
Component replacements
Firmware documentation
Assembly changes
Industrial Manufacturing
Manage:
Machine assemblies
Mechanical components
Manufacturing operations
Engineering drawings
Consumer Products
Manage:
Product improvements
Packaging changes
Component updates
Product versions
Medical and Regulated Manufacturing
Manage:
Controlled revisions
Approval workflows
Technical documentation
Traceability
Benefits of Odoo PLM
Implementing Odoo PLM can provide several operational benefits.
1. Better Engineering Change Control
Every important product change can follow a defined ECO workflow.
2. Improved Version Management
Companies can maintain historical BoM versions instead of overwriting previous information.
3. Reduced Manufacturing Errors
Production teams can work with approved and current product information.
4. Better Collaboration
Engineering, manufacturing, quality, procurement, and management teams can work from the same ERP data.
5. Controlled Approvals
Required stakeholders can review changes before they become effective.
6. Better Documentation
Design files and technical documents can be associated with the relevant product and engineering change.
7. Improved Traceability
Companies can identify product versions, changes, responsible users, and effective dates.
8. Faster Product Improvement
Engineering teams can propose, test, review, and implement improvements in a structured workflow.
Odoo PLM vs. Manual Engineering Change Management
| Feature | Manual Process | Odoo PLM |
|---|---|---|
| ECO management | Spreadsheets/emails | Centralized ECO workflow |
| BoM revisions | Manual copies | Version-controlled revisions |
| Approvals | Email-based | Configurable approval stages |
| Design files | Multiple folders | Linked to product/ECO |
| Change comparison | Manual | BoM and operation comparison |
| Traceability | Difficult | ECO history |
| Production release | Manual communication | Controlled application |
| Historical versions | Difficult to maintain | Archived revisions |
| Collaboration | Disconnected | Centralized ERP |
Best Practices for Odoo PLM Implementation
To get the most value from Odoo PLM, businesses should establish clear internal procedures.
1. Define ECO Types
Create different ECO types for processes such as:
New Product Introduction
Product Improvement
Component Replacement
Cost Reduction
Quality Improvement
Regulatory Change
2. Define Approval Responsibilities
Identify who must approve different categories of changes.
3. Use Clear Versioning
Maintain a consistent versioning approach for product and BoM revisions.
4. Maintain Engineering Documentation
Attach relevant drawings, specifications, manuals, and other technical files to the appropriate records.
5. Test Before Production
Avoid applying major engineering changes without proper validation.
6. Define Effective Dates Carefully
Odoo allows ECOs to become effective as soon as they are applied or at a specified date, which can help businesses control when a revised BoM becomes active.
7. Train Engineering and Manufacturing Teams
Users should understand how to create, review, approve, and apply ECOs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Changing the Production BoM Directly
Direct changes can make it difficult to understand why a product changed and who approved the change.
Skipping Approvals
Critical changes should have appropriate engineering and quality reviews.
Ignoring Previous Versions
Historical BoM information can be important for recalls, complaints, audits, and troubleshooting.
Keeping Documents Outside the ERP
Scattered drawings and manuals can result in teams using outdated files.
Not Defining ECO Stages
A structured workflow makes it easier to control engineering changes.
Odoo PLM Workflow at a Glance
The complete process can be summarized as:
Identify Improvement
↓
Create ECO
↓
Create BoM Revision
↓
Modify Components / Operations
↓
Attach Design Documents
↓
Test & Validate
↓
Engineering / Quality Approval
↓
Apply Changes
↓
New Production BoM
↓
Maintain Version History
This workflow creates a controlled connection between engineering decisions and manufacturing execution.
How ERP Harbor Consulting Services Can Help
Implementing Odoo PLM successfully requires more than simply installing the application. The system should reflect the company's engineering, manufacturing, quality, and approval processes.
ERP Harbor Consulting Services can help manufacturing businesses with:
Odoo PLM implementation
ECO workflow configuration
BoM setup and optimization
Product version management
Engineering approval workflows
Manufacturing integration
Quality process integration
Document and design file management
Odoo customization
Manufacturing module integration
User training
Odoo support and maintenance
Our team can analyze your existing engineering change process and configure Odoo to create a more structured and traceable product lifecycle.
Conclusion
Product changes are a normal part of modern manufacturing, but unmanaged engineering changes can lead to production errors, outdated BoMs, documentation problems, and poor traceability.
Odoo PLM provides a structured framework for managing these changes through Engineering Change Orders, BoM revisions, approvals, documentation, testing, and version control.
Instead of relying on spreadsheets, emails, and disconnected files, manufacturers can create a centralized process where engineering changes are reviewed, approved, implemented, and tracked.
With the right PLM workflow, businesses can improve product quality, engineering collaboration, manufacturing accuracy, traceability, and continuous product improvement.
For manufacturers looking to build a controlled and scalable engineering change-management process, Odoo PLM can become an important part of the overall Odoo manufacturing ecosystem.