Odoo is one of the most versatile and powerful business management platforms available today. With its modular design and user-friendly interface, it allows businesses to streamline their operations efficiently. One of the key features that make Odoo stand out is its ability to customize and configure client actions. Whether you're a business owner or an Odoo developer, understanding how to configure client actions in Odoo 18 can significantly enhance your system's functionality. If you're in Australia and need expert assistance, consider reaching out to Odoo Partners Australia for professional guidance.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps to configure client actions in Odoo 18, ensuring you can leverage this feature to its fullest potential.

What Are Client Actions in Odoo?

Client actions in Odoo are custom actions that allow you to define specific behaviors or workflows within the Odoo interface. These actions can be triggered by users and are often used to perform tasks like opening a custom view, executing a Python function, or redirecting to a specific URL.

Client actions are highly customizable, making them a powerful tool for tailoring Odoo to meet your business needs. Whether you want to automate repetitive tasks or create a more intuitive user experience, client actions are the way to go.

Why Configure Client Actions in Odoo 18?

Configuring client actions in Odoo 18 offers several benefits:

1. Enhanced User Experience: By creating custom actions, you can simplify complex workflows and make the system more user-friendly.
2. Automation: Client actions can automate repetitive tasks, saving time and reducing errors.
3. Customization: Tailor Odoo to meet your specific business requirements.
4. Integration: Seamlessly integrate third-party applications or services into your Odoo environment.

Step-by-Step Guide to Configure Client Actions in Odoo 18

Configuring client actions in Odoo 18 involves a combination of XML and Python coding. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Step 1: Define the Client Action in XML

The first step is to define the client action in an XML file. This file will specify the action's name, type, and other parameters.

xml

<record id="action_custom_client_action" model="ir.actions.client">

    <field name="name">Custom Client Action</field>

    <field name="tag">custom_action_tag</field>

    <field name="params" eval="{'param1': 'value1', 'param2': 'value2'}"/>

</record>

In this example:

• name: The name of the action.
• tag: A unique identifier for the action.
• params: Optional parameters that can be passed to the action.

Step 2: Create the JavaScript File

Next, you’ll need to create a JavaScript file that defines the behavior of the client action. This file should be placed in the static/src/js directory of your custom module.

javascript

odoo.define('custom_module.custom_action', function (require) {

    "use strict";

    var AbstractAction = require('web.AbstractAction');

    var core = require('web.core');

    var CustomAction = AbstractAction.extend({

        template: 'CustomActionTemplate',

        events: {

            'click .custom-button': '_onCustomButtonClick',

        },

        init: function (parent, action) {

            this._super.apply(this, arguments);

            this.params = action.params;

        },

        _onCustomButtonClick: function (ev) {

            ev.preventDefault();

            alert('Custom Button Clicked!');

        },

    });

    core.action_registry.add('custom_action_tag', CustomAction);

    return CustomAction;

});

In this script:

• CustomAction extends the AbstractAction class.
• The template field specifies the template to be used for rendering the action.
• The events field defines event listeners for user interactions.

Step 3: Create the Template

Create an XML template for the client action. This template will define the structure of the action’s interface.

xml

<template id="CustomActionTemplate">

    <div class="custom-action">

        <button class="custom-button">Click Me</button>

    </div>

</template>

Run HTML

Step 4: Add the Template to the Assets

Finally, add the template and JavaScript file to your module’s assets.

xml

Copy

<template id="assets_backend" inherit_id="web.assets_backend">

    <xpath expr="." position="inside">

        <script type="text/javascript" src="/custom_module/static/src/js/custom_action.js"></script>

        <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/scss" href="/custom_module/static/src/scss/custom_action.scss"/>

    </xpath>

</template>

Best Practices for Configuring Client Actions

1. Keep It Simple: Avoid overcomplicating the action. Focus on delivering a clear and intuitive user experience.
2. Test Thoroughly: Ensure the action works as expected across different browsers and devices.
3. Document Your Code: Proper documentation will make it easier for others to understand and maintain your code.
4. Optimize Performance: Minimize the use of heavy computations or external API calls to ensure the action runs smoothly.

Conclusion

Configuring client actions in Odoo 18 is a powerful way to customize and enhance your Odoo system. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create tailored actions that streamline workflows, improve user experience, and boost productivity.

However, if you’re new to Odoo or need expert assistance, don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals. Odoo Partners Australia can provide the expertise and support you need to implement and configure Odoo effectively.

Ready to take your Odoo system to the next level? Hire an Odoo Implementation Consultant today and unlock the full potential of your business management platform!