ERP Selection · Odoo glossary
Cohort Analysis
Cohort analysis compares groups sharing a starting event or characteristic to understand how their behavior changes over time.
Definition
In general ERP practice
Cohort analysis groups customers or other records by a shared characteristic, such as the month of first purchase, and follows their results over time. It can help distinguish changes in customer behavior from changes in the mix of new and existing customers.
For example, a company can compare repeat revenue from customers acquired in different months. Meaningful comparisons require consistent definitions, observation periods, and treatment of incomplete periods.
In Odoo
During ERP evaluation, ask the supplier to demonstrate the precise cohort definition, source data, and time-based calculation the business needs.
Do not assume that an ordinary sales summary or a configurable report automatically provides the required cohort analysis. The proposed Odoo reporting approach may involve configuration, additional reporting, or integration.
What to check in an ERP project
Group definition
Specify the event or characteristic that assigns records to a cohort.
Time basis
Compare equivalent periods after the starting event.
Data evidence
Check the records behind the displayed result.
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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