Demystify the IoT

Demystify the IoT

What is IoT?

The Internet of Things (IoT) acts as a bridge between physical devices and Odoo’s database, allowing them to communicate seamlessly. This small but powerful technology allows tasks such as printing, payment terminal integration and product weighing to be performed directly from within Odoo.

How IoT works in Odoo

When users want to perform tasks, such as printing a document directly from Odoo, they often face limitations due to the fact that Odoo is hosted on a server rather than a local computer. IoT comes into play by bridging this gap - using Raspberry Pi devices or virtual IoT configurations, allowing Odoo to interact with connected devices.

Main use cases

  • Printers: IoT allows Odoo to communicate directly with printers, ensuring documents can be printed without manual intervention.
  • Payment terminals: With the IoT, payments made in the Odoo point of sale are automatically sent to connected payment terminals, which reduces errors and optimizes the process.
  • Scales: IoT can also automate weighing tasks, with the scale sending data directly to Odoo for accurate recording.

Physical or virtual IoT

When you implement IoT in Odoo, you have two main options: Physical IoT and virtual IoT. Both have the same goal - connecting external devices to the Odoo system - but they work differently, and the choice between the two depends on your specific use case. 

Physical IoT

The physical IoT device is essentially a small stand-alone computer, usually a Raspberry Pi, that acts as an intermediary between your devices (such as printers, balances and payment terminals) and Odoo. It is often preferred in environments where multiple devices need to be connected simultaneously, such as a retail store or warehouse.

Key features of the physical IoT:

  • Hardware-based solution: The IoT device is a Raspberry Pi that runs the Odoo IoT application. It acts as a bridge, connecting external hardware to the Odoo database.
  • Multi-device support: Physical IoT is ideal for environments where you need to connect multiple devices (e.g., printers, payment terminals) across different points in your network.
  • Port limitations: The Raspberry Pi used for IoT device usually has a limited number of ports (typically 4 USB ports). For larger installations, you may need multiple IoT boxes or USB hubs to connect all devices.
  • Network requirements: All devices connected to the physical IoT must be on the same network. If you are using multiple networks (for example, a guest network and a master network), this can complicate things because each IoT box must be on the same network as the devices it controls.
  • Scalability: If you operate multiple sites (for example, different stores or warehouses), you will need one physical IoT device per site because the devices must be on the same local network.

Virtual IoT

The virtual IoT solution is a software version of the physical IoT. It is designed to work on Windows PCs, allowing you to connect devices directly from the same machine where Odoo works. This option is best for smaller configurations with fewer devices or when the devices are all located on a single PC.

Key features of the virtual IoT:

  • Software-based solution: Instead of using a Raspberry Pi, the virtual IoT works as a background service on your Windows PC. It is lightweight and does not require any additional hardware.
  • Single-device installation: Virtual IoT is ideal for single-device environments, such as a small office or personal use. It is not designed for scenarios where multiple devices need to be connected from different locations.
  • Networking limitations: Virtual IoT is only effective when connected devices and the Odoo client are on the same computer. If you try to connect from another machine on the network, you may encounter technical problems such as firewall restrictions or network limitations.
  • Cost-effective: Unlike the physical IoT, which requires a subscription, virtual IoT is free, making it a more affordable option for small-scale operations or test environments.

When to use physical IoT instead of virtual IoT?​

  • Choose physical IoT if:
  • You have multiple devices, such as printers, balances and payment terminals, that need to be connected to Odoo
  • Your installation involves multiple sites or large physical distances between devices.
  • You need a stable and scalable solution for larger operations, such as chain stores, restaurants or warehouses.
  • Choose Virtual IoT si :
  • You only need to connect one or two devices, such as a payment terminal or printer, to a single computer running Odoo.
  • Your operations are small and you want to avoid additional costs related to hardware and subscriptions.

You prefer a fast and inexpensive solution that works for local or test environments where all devices are on the same PC.

Best practices

To ensure optimal operation, it is essential that all devices are connected to the same network and use stable internet connections via Wi-Fi. In addition, each IoT box requires a subscription to SSL certificates to ensure secure communication between devices.

Final thoughts

The role of IoT in Odoo is critical for companies that want to automate and optimize their operations, from retail to logistics. Whether you manage printers, payment terminals or balances, IoT simplifies processes, reduces errors and improves efficiency.