Can You Actually Control Who Follows Documents in Odoo?

Information security and access control are paramount. This is especially true when it comes to sensitive documents within your Odoo ERP system. 

You might be wondering, can you actually control who follows documents in Odoo? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t a simple yes or no. 

This blog will delve into the current functionalities of Odoo 17 regarding document followers, explore alternative solutions and showcase Pragmatic Techsoft’s expertise in Odoo security enhancements.

UNDERSTANDING DOCUMENT FOLLOWERS IN Odoo 

Odoo offers a “Followers” feature that allows users to stay updated on changes made to specific records, including documents. When a user follows a document, they receive notifications whenever the document is edited or updated. This can be a great way for teams to collaborate and ensure everyone is on the same page.

However, there’s currently no built-in functionality within Odoo 17 to directly restrict who can follow documents. This means any user with access to the document can choose to follow it, regardless of their specific permissions within the system.

ADDRESSING THE NEED FOR GRANULAR CONTROL : ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS

While Odoo doesn’t offer native control over document followers, there are alternative ways to manage document access and security :

1) Odoo Security Groups and Access Levels : Utilize Odoo’s robust security groups to define user permissions for different document types or categories. This allows you to restrict document access based on user roles, ensuring only authorized personnel can view and modify sensitive documents.

2) Custom Odoo Modules : For a more granular approach, consider a custom Odoo module developed by Pragmatic Techsoft. We can create a module specifically designed to restrict document followers based on predefined criteria. This could involve user roles, department affiliation, or even specific document attributes. 

Important Note : Implementing custom modules requires Odoo development expertise. It’s crucial to partner with a trusted Odoo development company like Pragmatic Techsoft to ensure the module is secure, efficient and integrates seamlessly with your existing Odoo system.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SECURE DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT IN Odoo

Data breaches are becoming increasingly common, costing businesses an average of $4.24 million per incident. Implementing robust document security measures within Odoo can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and potential data leaks.

By controlling who can access and follow documents, you can safeguard sensitive information, maintain regulatory compliance and foster a culture of data security within your organization.

Here are some additional security best practices to consider :

1. Regular User Permission Reviews : Regularly review and update user permissions to ensure they align with current roles and responsibilities.
2. Data Encryption : Explore Odoo data encryption options to further protect sensitive information at rest and in transit.
3. User Training : Educate your team on Odoo’s security features and best practices for handling sensitive documents.

PRAGMATIC TECHSOFT’S Odoo DISABLE FOLLOWERS MODULE – A TARGETED APPROACH

Pragmatic Techsoft offers a targeted solution : the Odoo Disable Followers module.

This custom module addresses the need for granular control over who can follow documents within your Odoo system. Here’s how it works :

1) Disabling Automatic Followers : Upon installation, the module introduces a configuration option within Odoo’s General Settings. This allows you to disable the automatic addition of followers to documents during specific actions, such as :

• Confirming a Sales Order
• Validating an Invoice
• Creating a Picking (Inventory Receipt)

2) Maintaining Visibility : It’s important to note that disabling automatic followers doesn’t restrict document access itself. Authorized users with the necessary permissions can still view and modify documents, regardless of their follower status.

3) Improved Security and Streamlined Workflow : The Odoo Disable Followers module empowers you to streamline document workflows and enhance security. By preventing automatic follower additions, you can :

• Reduce notification clutter for users who don’t necessarily need constant updates on specific documents.
• Maintain a clearer audit trail by limiting the number of automatic followers associated with a document.
• Potentially enhance data security, particularly for highly sensitive documents, by restricting automatic follower access.

Important Considerations:

1. Customization Options : Pragmatic Techsoft can further customize the Odoo Disable Followers module to suit your specific needs. This could involve granular control based on user roles or departments and selective disabling for specific document types.
2. Integration with Existing Workflows : The module is designed to seamlessly integrate with your existing Odoo workflows, ensuring a smooth user experience.

The Odoo Disable Followers module from Pragmatic Techsoft provides a valuable tool for Odoo users seeking to manage document follower access and enhance data security. 

By offering a targeted approach, this module empowers you to create a more secure and streamlined document management environment within your Odoo system.

Contact Pragmatic Techsoft today to discuss your specific requirements and explore how the Odoo Disable Followers module can benefit your organization.