Just like when you buy a new smartphone and transfer your old data to the new one, Odoo also comes with new and improved versions now and then and hence needs data transfer.
The process of backing up, transferring data and changing the plan from one version of Odoo to another refers to Database Migration in Odoo .
Database Migration in Odoo ensures companies can transfer their data without losing any prior information. It also ensures the consistency of data and code structure with the new and upgraded feature.
Database Migration in Odoo includes several important features that help in a smooth transition. The feature includes:
Upgrade in version and compatibility: From the Odoo , there are several versions that have been introduced, such as Odoo 17 to Odoo 18, Odoo 18 to Odoo 19. Each time the versions are introduced, they come up with an improvement, a new feature, or a change. Odoo recently launched Odoo 19, which includes an AI feature, Connect Gmail or Outlook, Audit reports, Duplicate bill detection, Bank transactions with PDF preview, Cached data, etc.
Database Migration ensures data compatibility while transferring the old data to the new version.
Change in database module: When migrating, it is important to make sure the custom module or third module is also updated in the process.
Migration also adjusts the deprecated features that are no longer in use or supported.
Tool and Technique used for Migration: An official Odoo upgrade service is provided by Odoo , including automated migration.
Another technique for migration is Odoo Migration Scripts, which are custom scripts responsible for migrating data and structure. For instance, the scripts could include migrating custom fields or migrating data types to accommodate new fields in the target Odoo version.
Open Upgrade is an open-source tool that automates Odoo database migration between major versions, handling data and schema updates.
When migrating your database, follow these key steps:
First and foremost, I am planning: Backup your database, revise customization and third-party modules for update and make sure all the dependencies are aligned to the new version of Odoo .
Modification in the upgraded version often brings necessary changes in the blueprint/ schema change, and if customization is involved, it is sometimes done manually. That's when the Migration script is used to update the database, remove the column or data that are no longer supported and add the new one that aligns with the updated Odoo version.
Data transformation: ensures similarity; hence, to keep the record credible after the upgrade, it becomes important to map and restructure the field, such as splitting or reformatting values very precisely.
Module Update: The Module, be it custom or third-party, needs to be checked for compatibility with the Odoo updated version. In the case of a custom module, updating, code rewriting or XML adjustment are required so that it can be aligned with the updated API.
Testing: is done before the final migration. Testing is a must when migrating the database to ensure all the data has been migrated correctly, whether the system is working as intended or the workflow is not hampered.
Once the testing is done, one can finally migrate all the databases, and to avoid any disruption, it is ideal to do so during off-hours.