When it comes to running a product-based business, efficient product packaging management isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Whether you're handling single-unit sales or bulk shipments, having a well-structured packaging process helps reduce costs, prevent errors, and improve customer satisfaction. That’s where Odoo 18 comes into play.
With Odoo’s latest release, packaging management has seen notable improvements in usability, customization, and integration. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to organize and manage product packaging in Odoo 18, from setup to best practices—making your logistics smoother than ever. For companies already using solutions like Vantagepoint Configuration with Odoo ERP, these packaging tools integrate seamlessly for even greater operational control.
Let’s break it down step-by-step.
? What is Product Packaging in Odoo?
In Odoo, product packaging refers to how products are grouped, stored, and shipped. For example, you might sell water bottles individually but ship them in boxes of 12. Odoo allows you to define these different packaging units, track inventory accordingly, and print accurate shipping labels—helping you meet customer expectations without confusion.
? Why Packaging Management Matters
Before jumping into configurations, let’s quickly understand why packaging management is crucial:
- Reduces errors in shipment quantities
- Helps in inventory forecasting and demand planning
- Saves time during the pick-pack-ship process
- Enhances customer satisfaction with accurate delivery
- Improves warehouse organization
Proper packaging not only helps your backend operations but also contributes to a better brand experience on the frontend.
?️ How to Enable Packaging in Odoo 18
To get started, you’ll need to activate packaging in your Odoo instance. Here’s how:
- Navigate to Inventory Module
Go to Inventory Configuration Settings. - Enable Product Packaging
Under the “Products” section, check the box for Product Packagings. - Save the Settings
Click Save in the upper-left corner. Packaging options are now available for use.
This enables the Packaging tab on product forms, allowing you to define custom packaging configurations.
? Defining Packaging for Products
Now that packaging is enabled, let’s create a new package configuration for a product.
Step-by-Step:
- Go to Products
Inventory Products Products - Select a Product
Click on an existing product or create a new one. - Click the Packaging Tab
A new “Packaging” tab appears in the product form. - Add a New Packaging
Click Add a line, and fill in the details: - Packaging Name: E.g., "Box of 12"
- Quantity: Number of units per package
- Barcode (Optional): For scanning and tracking
- Package Type: Define if needed (box, pallet, crate, etc.)
Save Your Changes
You can create multiple packaging options for the same product. For example, “Single Unit,” “Box of 12,” and “Pallet of 120.”
? Using Packaging in Sales Delivery
In Sales Orders:
When creating a sales order, you can select packaging units instead of individual units. Odoo will automatically calculate the total quantity and adjust the picking and delivery process accordingly.
In Delivery Orders:
During delivery, the system will prompt your warehouse team to pick according to the selected packaging units—saving time and reducing errors.
In Barcodes:
If your warehouse uses barcode scanners, packaging-level barcodes streamline operations. You can scan a package barcode, and Odoo automatically identifies the contents and quantity.
? Tracking Inventory with Packaged Products
Odoo 18’s inventory tracking supports product quantities based on packaging configurations. This is especially useful for:
- Batch Picking: Pick entire boxes instead of individual items.
- Stock Valuation: More accurate cost accounting at the package level.
- Reordering Rules: Auto-replenish based on package quantity thresholds.
You can also set up custom routes and warehouse operations that respect package levels, such as cross-docking, drop-shipping, or multi-step routes.
?️ Customizing Packaging Labels
Odoo supports the generation and printing of custom packaging labels. These labels can include:
- Product name
- Packaging quantity
- Barcode
- Lot/Serial number
- Expiry date (if applicable)
To print packaging labels:
- Go to Inventory Operations Delivery Orders
- Open a delivery
- Click on Print Delivery Slip with Packages
You can also integrate third-party shipping connectors (e.g., UPS, FedEx, DHL) to auto-print labels during the delivery step.
? Managing Return Packages
Odoo 18 also allows you to manage returns at the package level. This means:
- Returning full packages
- Logging damaged packaging
- Adjusting stock based on returned units
This is especially useful in industries like electronics, food beverage, and apparel, where packaging damage affects the product's usability.
? Security and Traceability
Product packaging in Odoo isn’t just about physical handling—it’s about traceability.
- Lot and Serial Numbers: You can assign these per package
- History Tracking: Know which package was delivered to which customer
- Package Tags: Add additional metadata to improve traceability (e.g., “Fragile,” “Perishable”)
Odoo’s chatter feature even logs all packaging-related actions, creating a clear audit trail.
? Multi-Warehouse Packaging Integration
If you operate across multiple warehouses or locations, Odoo 18 allows centralized control over packaging types and processes.
- Shared packaging definitions across warehouses
- Warehouse-specific packaging rules for handling fragile or oversized items
- Package Transfers between locations
This ensures packaging remains consistent, even in complex logistics setups.
? Best Practices for Product Packaging in Odoo
- Standardize your packaging units across similar products.
- Use barcode integration to minimize manual errors.
- Set default packaging types for faster order processing.
- Train warehouse staff to handle multi-package operations.
- Leverage reports to analyze packaging usage, cost, and efficiency.
✅ Final Thoughts
Managing product packaging in Odoo 18 is no longer a headache—it’s a competitive advantage. With tools for defining, tracking, and automating packaging workflows, businesses can scale faster, deliver better, and reduce costly fulfillment errors.
Whether you're shipping individual items, boxes, or full pallets, Odoo gives you the flexibility to handle it all with ease.
? Need Expert Help?
Looking to streamline your packaging and logistics in Odoo? Hire a professional Odoo Implementation Consultant to customize your system for peak performance. Let’s make your packaging workflow smarter, faster, and error-free.
