A Comprehensive Guide to Building Custom Odoo Dashboards
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Read our latest blog to learn how to build a custom dashboard in Odoo for real-time data tracking. We have covered steps to show key metrics using charts, tables, and lists. We also have discussed how to set goals, pick data fields, and adjust views. We have explained how businesses can show sales, support, or inventory data in one place. We help teams view what matters most without switching screens. For more information on Odoo customization services, read our blog!
![6. Make the Dashboard Mobile-Friendly
Odoo web views are responsive, but custom elements may break. Always test your dashboard
on different screen sizes. Use CSS to adjust spacing, font size, or container width for smaller
devices.
Users often check dashboards on phones or tablets. Make sure your layout works well on all
screen sizes. Use CSS to adjust card sizes and fonts. Mobile-ready dashboards improve access
and usability.
7. Add Security and User Access
Some dashboards contain sensitive data. Make sure only authorized users can see them. Use
record rules and access controls to limit visibility.
Not every user should see all data. You can set permissions by group or user role. Odoo allows
access rules that protect sensitive information. This keeps your data visible only to the right
people.
For example:
xml
<record id="dashboard_sales_user_rule" model="ir.rule">
<field name="name">Sales Dashboard Rule</field>
<field name="model_id" ref="sale.model_sale_order"/>
<field name="domain_force">[('user_id', '=', user.id)]</field>
<field name="groups" eval="[(4, ref('sales_team.group_sale_manager'))]"/>
</record>
This restricts dashboard data based on user roles.
8. Test the Dashboard With Sample Data
Testing helps catch issues before launch. Use real records to verify that data loads and filters
work. Also, test different user roles. Make adjustments if values are wrong or views are broken.
Always test with real records. Check the following:
● Are values accurate?](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/howtobuildacustomodoodashboardforreal-timeinsights-250709080238-11918f51/85/A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Building-Custom-Odoo-Dashboards-7-320.jpg)
A Comprehensive Guide to Building Custom Odoo Dashboards
- 1. How to Build a Custom Odoo Dashboard for Real-Time Insights Businesses require rapid access to accurate information to make informed decisions. Default dashboards offer some value, but they don’t always match specific business needs. That’s why many teams opt for custom dashboards that display key metrics in a single view. If you use Odoo, creating a tailored dashboard can make a big difference. This guide will show you how to build one step by step. If your team needs help, many businesses rely on trusted Odoo customization services to get this done correctly. What Is a Custom Dashboard in Odoo? Odoo dashboards show important data using charts, tables, graphs, and lists. A custom dashboard focuses on specific goals like sales, inventory, or support tickets. You can choose what to show and how to show it. That way, each team member sees only the most important numbers. These dashboards are built from Odoo models, fields, and views. A custom dashboard displays key business data in one place, tailored to match your specific needs. It pulls live records from Odoo modules and presents them using visual tools like charts
- 2. or tables. For example, a custom dashboard in Odoo for the logistics industry can track shipments, delivery times, and warehouse updates. This makes it easier for teams to track what matters most without switching between multiple screens. Why Build a Custom Dashboard? A custom dashboard allows teams to work smarter. It helps reduce time spent on reports and manual data checking. With real-time updates, you can track progress and spot issues faster. Default dashboards can’t always meet unique team needs. For example: ● Sales managers can track monthly revenue targets. ● Inventory teams can check low-stock items instantly. ● Finance teams can see overdue payments on one screen. These insights are visible in one dashboard instead of switching between different modules. Tools Needed for Custom Dashboard Development
- 3. You can build dashboards using code or no-code tools. Odoo Studio works well for simple layouts. For advanced views, developers use XML, Python, and JavaScript. Having access to Odoo backend and model data is also essential when working with customizable Odoo ERP modules. To build your dashboard, you need the following: ● Access to Odoo backend ● Understanding of Odoo models and fields ● Basic XML and Python coding skills If you prefer not to code, Odoo Studio can help. It allows you to build basic dashboards using a drag-and-drop editor. However, for full control and advanced features, coding offers more flexibility. Plan Your Dashboard Before You Start Good planning helps avoid errors during development. Define your goals, key users, and required data early. Choose layout types like lists, charts, or graphs. Planning saves time and helps match the dashboard with business needs. Before you start writing code, create a plan. Ask these questions: ● What key metrics does your team need? ● Who will use the dashboard? ● How often should data be updated? ● Which modules will provide the data? Also, decide the layout. Will it show graphs, lists, or tables? Will it need filters? Planning saves time and avoids backtracking. Steps to Build a Custom Odoo Dashboard These steps walk you through dashboard creation. From creating menus to writing code, each part builds toward your custom layout. We also cover adding charts, filters, and widgets. Follow the process below for a fully working dashboard.
- 4. 1. Create a New Menu Item A menu item gives users access to your custom view. It appears under the main dashboard or module. Creating this item is the first setup step. It helps organize the dashboard in Odoo’s interface. Start by creating a new menu item under an existing module. You can do this through the XML file. This step lets users access your custom dashboard easily from the menu bar. xml <menuitem id="menu_dashboard_custom" name="Custom Dashboard" parent="base.menu_custom" sequence="10"/> 2. Define the Dashboard View in XML Next, create a new action and bind it to your custom view. You can use a kanban, graph, or pivot view depending on the data. Below is an example of a kanban view for sales: xml <record id="view_custom_dashboard" model="ir.ui.view"> <field name="name">custom.dashboard.kanban</field> <field name="model">sale.order</field> <field name="arch" type="xml"> <kanban> <templates> <t t-name="kanban-box"> <div> <field name="name"/> <field name="amount_total"/> </div> </t>
- 5. </templates> </kanban> </field> </record> This will show the order name and amount in a card layout. Also read: Manage and Customize Kanban Views in Odoo 17 3. Build Backend Python Logic If your dashboard needs custom data or processing, write the logic in the model file using Python. For example: Python class SaleOrder(models.Model): _inherit = 'sale.order' total_order_value = fields.Float(string="Total Value", compute="_compute_total_value") @api.depends('amount_total') def _compute_total_value(self): for order in self: order.total_order_value = order.amount_total This adds a custom field that calculates order values dynamically. 4. Add Charts and Visuals Odoo supports graph and pivot views for visual dashboards. Here's how you can add a bar chart showing sales by month:
- 6. xml <record id="view_custom_dashboard_graph" model="ir.ui.view"> <field name="name">custom.dashboard.graph</field> <field name="model">sale.order</field> <field name="arch" type="xml"> <graph type="bar"> <field name="date_order" type="row"/> <field name="amount_total" type="measure"/> </graph> </field> </record> This graph helps sales teams see monthly performance at a glance. 5. Use Filters to Improve Data Access Filters help users drill down into data quickly. You can add filters using the search view: xml <record id="view_custom_dashboard_search" model="ir.ui.view"> <field name="name">custom.dashboard.search</field> <field name="model">sale.order</field> <field name="arch" type="xml"> <search> <field name="date_order"/> <field name="state"/> </search> </field> </record> This setup adds filters by date and status.
- 7. 6. Make the Dashboard Mobile-Friendly Odoo web views are responsive, but custom elements may break. Always test your dashboard on different screen sizes. Use CSS to adjust spacing, font size, or container width for smaller devices. Users often check dashboards on phones or tablets. Make sure your layout works well on all screen sizes. Use CSS to adjust card sizes and fonts. Mobile-ready dashboards improve access and usability. 7. Add Security and User Access Some dashboards contain sensitive data. Make sure only authorized users can see them. Use record rules and access controls to limit visibility. Not every user should see all data. You can set permissions by group or user role. Odoo allows access rules that protect sensitive information. This keeps your data visible only to the right people. For example: xml <record id="dashboard_sales_user_rule" model="ir.rule"> <field name="name">Sales Dashboard Rule</field> <field name="model_id" ref="sale.model_sale_order"/> <field name="domain_force">[('user_id', '=', user.id)]</field> <field name="groups" eval="[(4, ref('sales_team.group_sale_manager'))]"/> </record> This restricts dashboard data based on user roles. 8. Test the Dashboard With Sample Data Testing helps catch issues before launch. Use real records to verify that data loads and filters work. Also, test different user roles. Make adjustments if values are wrong or views are broken. Always test with real records. Check the following: ● Are values accurate?
- 8. ● Are filters working? ● Are graphs loading correctly? Also, test across user roles. A manager may need access to full data, but an agent should only see their records. 9. Monitor and Update Once live, gather feedback from users. Are there missing metrics? Is the layout easy to understand? Make changes based on real usage. Schedule reviews every quarter to keep the dashboard relevant. Business needs change, and your dashboard should reflect that. Business needs change, and your dashboard should keep up. Review it every few months and make updates. Ask users for feedback and apply changes as needed. This keeps your dashboard useful over time. Example Use Case: Sales Dashboard A sales dashboard shows revenue, orders, top customers, and pipeline stage. It helps managers track daily progress without extra reports. With graphs and widgets, teams can check targets instantly. It’s one of the most useful custom views in Odoo. Let’s say you want a dashboard that tracks: ● Total sales this month ● Top five customers ● Sales by region ● Quotes not yet confirmed You would: ● Use a graph view for region-wise sales ● Add a kanban block for each top customer ● Create a list of pending quotes ● Add a filter by salesperson
- 9. With just a few XML and Python changes, you’ll have a working dashboard that supports faster decisions. When Should You Consider External Support? Building a custom dashboard can be time-consuming, especially for teams with limited development resources. If your team lacks technical skills or wants faster results, it’s better to work with a development partner. You can also face issues with: ● Data refresh delays ● Poor frontend design ● Complex access rules ● Dashboard performance That’s where expert support adds real value. Also read: Odoo vs SAP
- 10. Why Choose Shiv Technolabs for Custom Odoo Dashboards? Shiv Technolabs has experience building tailored Odoo solutions for various industries. Their team helps clients build smart dashboards that save time and improve visibility. Here’s why businesses prefer Shiv Technolabs: ● In-depth knowledge of Odoo backend and frontend ● Real-world dashboard experience across domains ● Skilled team for XML, Python, and UI customization ● Support for planning, testing, and post-launch updates Whether you need a dashboard for sales, inventory, HR, or finance, we deliver solutions that meet exact requirements. Need a custom dashboard? Contact us and get started with a custom plan. Conclusion A well-built dashboard can change how your team works. It reduces the need to check multiple reports and gives real-time access to data that matters. You don’t have to accept the default layout. With the right planning, tools, and skills, you can build dashboards that match your workflow. And if you need support, you can always rely on trusted Odoo customization services to help you create a dashboard that works from day one.