Automation · Odoo glossary
Automation Rules
Understand automation rules in ERP systems and Odoo: triggers, conditions and actions, with a simple example of automating a business follow-up.
Definition
In general ERP practice
An automation rule instructs a system to carry out an action when a defined event occurs and specified conditions are met. In an ERP, rules help make routine steps consistent, such as assigning a task, notifying a colleague or updating a record.
The three core parts are the trigger, the eligibility conditions and the action. A useful rule has a clear business purpose and an identifiable owner who can explain when it should run.
In Odoo
Odoo automation rules execute one or more actions in response to a trigger. Conditions restrict which records qualify. Rules can respond to changes in a record or operate in relation to a date.
Odoo Studio provides an Automations interface for configuring the trigger and actions. Available actions include updating or creating records, creating activities and sending communications. Time-based rules are checked by a scheduled action, so the trigger date and the actual execution time are not necessarily identical.
Trigger → condition → action
Trigger
An opportunity moves to a review stage.
Condition
It belongs to the team responsible for reviewing that type of deal.
Action
Create a follow-up activity for the responsible person.
Illustrative rule design, not an ERPixel client case.
Before activating a rule
Define which records qualify, what should happen on repeated changes and who handles exceptions. Test representative records and review overlapping rules before applying the automation to operational data.
Official Odoo documentation
The Odoo-specific explanation above is based on the documentation for Odoo 19. Features and workflows can differ in other versions.
Related glossary terms
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