Hello Porter,

Here's how to set up your cosmetics subcontracting workflow entirely through the Odoo interface without any custom code:

Step 1: Product Setup

1. Finished Product (e.g., "Lavender Body Lotion 200ml"):
   • Product Type: Storable Product
   • Inventory Tab: Tracked by serial/lot number (if needed)
2. Subcontracting Service Product:
   • Product Type: Service
   • Inventory Tab:
     • Check "Is a Subcontracting Service"
     • Set Routes: Ensure "Buy" is checked

Step 2: Bill of Materials (BOM) Configuration

1. Create a new BOM for your finished product:
   • Manufacturing Type: Select "Subcontracting"
   • Subcontractor: Select your vendor partner
   • Components:
     • Add all packaging materials you supply (bottles, caps, labels)
     • Add the subcontracting service product you created

Step 3: Vendor Configuration

1. Edit your subcontractor's contact:
   • Go to Contacts → Open your subcontractor
   • Inventory Tab:
     • Check "Is a Subcontractor"
     • Set Subcontractor Location (create new if needed)

Step 4: Operations Workflow

1. Creating the Manufacturing Order:
   • Go to Manufacturing → Orders → Create
   • Select your finished product
   • Odoo will automatically:
     • Show components to send to subcontractor
     • Generate Purchase Order for the service
2. Sending Components:
   • From the MO, click "Resupply Subcontractor"
   • Create the transfer of your packaging materials
3. Receiving Finished Goods:
   • When subcontractor completes work:
   • Receive finished products through the Purchase Order
   • Odoo automatically updates inventory

Alternative Non-Subcontracting Method

If the pure subcontracting module doesn't fit, try this approach:

1. Create a Purchase Order:
   • For your finished product (set as storable)
   • In Notes, specify it's for subcontracting
2. Manual Manufacturing Order:
   • Create MO for same product when PO is confirmed
   • Reference PO number in MO's origin field
   • Manually adjust inventory as needed

Key Advantages of This Setup

• Automatic PO Generation: When you create MO, Odoo creates PO for subcontractor
• Component Tracking: Know exactly what materials were sent
• Inventory Accuracy: Finished goods properly received into stock
• Cost Control: Subcontracting costs included in product cost

Troubleshooting Tips

1. Ensure all products have proper routes configured
2. Verify all components have stock available before creating MO
3. Check that subcontractor location is properly set up

Make sure your BOM type is set to "Subcontracting"

🚀 Did This Solve Your Problem?

If this answer helped you save time, money, or frustration, consider:

✅ Upvoting (👍) to help others find it faster

✅ Marking as "Best Answer" if it resolved your issue

Your feedback keeps the Odoo community strong! 💪

(Need further customization? Drop a comment—I’m happy to refine the solution!)