In Odoo 18, the standard Purchase Order line layout combines the Product and Description fields into a single column. While this may reduce horizontal space usage, it creates usability challenges for purchasing teams—especially when working with long product names, detailed vendor descriptions, or custom notes.
The Split Product and Description in Purchase Order Lines SME enhances the Purchase module by restoring a clearer and more structured layout. This feature introduces two separate columns in the Purchase Order line tree view:
- Product – Displays only the selected product.
- Description – Displays the purchase description or vendor-specific product notes.
By separating these fields, users can clearly distinguish between the product being ordered and its descriptive details. This is particularly valuable in procurement scenarios where:
- Vendor descriptions differ from internal product names
- Additional technical or contractual notes are added to PO lines
- Large orders with many lines must be reviewed quickly and accurately
The change applies directly to the Purchase Order line interface and does not affect pricing logic, vendor rules, or downstream processes such as receipts, invoicing, or reporting. Existing data remains fully compatible, and the feature works seamlessly with standard and customized purchase workflows.
Key Benefits
- Improved Readability: Clear separation of product selection and descriptive text.
- Reduced Errors: Minimizes confusion when reviewing or editing PO lines.
- Better Vendor Communication: Ensures descriptions are clearly visible and printable.
- Enhanced User Experience: Cleaner and more intuitive PO line layout.
- Odoo 18 Friendly: Addresses a usability regression introduced in the newer UI.
- Non-Disruptive: No impact on accounting, inventory, or vendor pricing logic.
Example Use Case
A purchasing agent creates a Purchase Order with multiple products, each requiring detailed vendor-specific instructions. With the default Odoo 18 layout, long descriptions clutter the Product column, making it difficult to scan the order.
After enabling this feature:
- The Product column shows only product names.
- The Description column displays detailed instructions and notes.
This allows the agent and vendor to quickly review the order without confusion.
Conclusion
The Split Product and Description in Purchase Order Lines feature restores clarity and usability to Purchase Orders in Odoo 18 by separating critical information into dedicated columns. This enhancement improves accuracy, speeds up order review, and delivers a cleaner purchasing interface—making it an essential SME for organizations with complex procurement needs.
Split Product and Description in Purchase Order Lines