An Odoo alternative for e-commerce: a comparison with Collana Diva Now

Odoo alternative

Odoo is a powerful ERP system that covers many sectors with over 80 apps. It is precisely this breadth that raises a question for online retailers: how much customisation is required before the system can map their own e-commerce processes? Retailers dealing with multiple channels, returns and integrations often encounter three recurring issues when using cross-sector systems:

  • Scalability and costs: If a large number of integrations are required, the workload and budget can quickly increase.
  • Mapping of business processes: Off-the-shelf solutions require further development to accurately map e-commerce processes.
  • Data in one place: Marketing, sales, stock management, administration and accounts must all run on a central platform; otherwise, collaboration will suffer.

A specialised alternative is collana diva now, our ERP solution for online retail based on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. All business processes are integrated into a single software platform: no detours, no development work, no constant customisation.

A comparison of Odoo and Collana Diva Now

Every piece of software has its pros and cons. This comparison summarises the key categories.

Status of the settlement: December 2025

Category Odoo collana diva now
Head office Belgium Germany (DACH region)
Provision Three options: Odoo Online, Odoo.sh, on-premises Cloud (SaaS model)
Implementation time Depending on the project 8 to 12 weeks (depending on the project)
Target group SMEs across all sectors E-commerce, SMEs and start-ups
Basic Proprietary architecture (Python/PostgreSQL) Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
Support and Updates Included in Odoo Online and Odoo.sh; not included in the on-premise version Included, with a dedicated contact person
Pricing structure as stated by the provider Open-source version free of charge (One App Free); Standard from €19.90 per user per month (from €24.90 after 12 months); Custom from €29.90 per user per month (from €37.40 after 12 months). Costs for implementation, data import or project management may apply. Business Central plus the diva-now module for around €99 per user per month, plus the basic module for €49 per client per month (includes LabelPort and collana pay). Further modules available on request.
E-commerce integrations Can be done via apps Integrated interfaces with online shops, logistics partners and production
Microsoft 365 suite Can be done via apps Yes, fully integrated
LabelPort integrated No, other providers are available via apps Yes
PSP connectivity Can be done via apps Multi-payment hub integrated (Collana Pay)
Multi-client capability Depending on the edition Yes
Security and Data Protection GDPR-compliant GDPR-compliant, hosted in Microsoft Azure data centres
Trial version Yes No, but there’s a free live demo

All information regarding Odoo is based on publicly available information from Odoo S.A. (as at October 2025) and is provided for general guidance only. „Odoo“ is a registered trademark of Odoo S.A. It is mentioned here solely for comparison purposes.

A word on open source: The free version sounds tempting. In practice, however, most retailers need additional development work to meet industry-specific requirements. These customisations take time and money, which are not included in the licence fee.

E-commerce features

collana diva now covers all e-commerce workflows within a single system. An overview of three key areas.

Stock Management and Logistics

  • Centralised stock management with real-time data: Manage items, stock levels, prices and storage locations in real time; see available quantities and variants at a glance.
  • Returns management: Process returns quickly and in a customer-friendly manner, with automated return processing and stock adjustments.
  • Shipping and logistics: Integrated interfaces with parcel delivery providers simplify label creation, parcel tracking and delivery optimisation.
  • Product range and purchasing: Accurate master data, clear supplier management and intelligent ordering recommendations.

Sales and Customer Processes

  • Order processing: The entire order process, from placing an order through to dispatch and invoicing, with processes that can be automated.
  • CRM: Customer data such as addresses, payment details, reviews and service enquiries are all centralised, including quotation and chat histories.
  • Marketing: Use customer data for targeted offers and email campaigns, managed across all channels.

Administration and Financial Accounting

  • Payment processing: collana pay is integrated and, as a multi-PSP hub, connects to all standard payment methods.
  • Accounting: Create invoices and receipts automatically, process payments, and keep track of outstanding items and cash flows.
  • Reporting and Controlling: Dashboards and reports provide real-time key performance indicators, ranging from turnover to the returns rate.

As the business grows, the solution grows with it – even beyond the German market. For companies with more demanding requirements, there is collana diva the next phase of development, based on the same Microsoft platform, is ready.

The benefits of the Microsoft platform

collana diva now combines Microsoft technology with over 20 years’ industry experience in e-commerce. In practical terms, this means: a stable ERP platform with excellent future-proofing and security standards in line with Microsoft Azure-Data centres and the direct integration of Excel, Teams, Outlook and Power Automate into day-to-day work.

Six steps to ‘collana diva now’

The migration from Odoo or another ERP system follows a set procedure:

  1. Advice: A live demonstration and an assessment of whether collana diva now is a good fit for your business model.
  2. Kick-off: Define objectives, effort, requirements, modules and timelines.
  3. Onboarding 1: Set up financial accounting, data migration, users, profiles, documents and email templates.
  4. Onboarding 2: Implement purchasing, customer service, logistics and other interfaces.
  5. Final touches: Tests, adjustments and checks ensure the software is ready for use.
  6. Go-live: Commencement of live operations with support until everything is running smoothly.

If you’re still at the early stages of making your choice, our ERP orientation and selection workshop when making your decision. You can find comparisons with other systems in our articles on Xentral Alternative and to the weclapp alternative.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about collana diva now as an Odoo alternative

Why is collana diva now the more specialised alternative to Odoo in e-commerce?

collana diva now is designed for e-commerce. The cloud-based ERP system is ready to use without the need for complex customisation, and there is no need to search for the right edition. All data from sales, marketing, logistics and financial accounting is consolidated on a single central platform.

What is the difference between collana diva now and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Business Central forms the technical foundation. collana diva now supplements this with e-commerce modules: integrated interfaces to online shops and delivery service providers, the LabelPort dispatch module and the collana pay payment hub. You receive the Microsoft platform with pre-configured processes for online retail.

What features does collana diva now offer retailers?

The solution covers inventory management, returns management, dispatch, purchasing, order processing, CRM, marketing, payment processing, accounts and reporting. Everything runs on a single system.

Is Collana Diva Now a scalable solution?

Yes, cloud technology and add-ons grow alongside your business, even internationally. If your business outgrows the current feature set, you can switch to collana diva without leaving the Microsoft platform.

How quickly can collana diva now be implemented?

Typically, the implementation takes between 8 and 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project. The process consists of six phases, from consultation to go-live.

Xentral and collana diva now both cover the core processes of online retail. Anyone looking to get started very quickly and who is happy with a transaction-based starter package will find a suitable solution with Xentral. Anyone looking for a Microsoft-based ERP system with an integrated payment hub, returns management, personalised support and a clear growth path will find collana diva now to be a strong alternative.

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