Configuring Odoo with a CUPS ServerPrerequisitesStep 1: Add the CUPS Server in OdooStep 2: Fetch Printers from CUPSStep 3: Assign Printers to ReportsTroubleshootingAdditional Notes


Configuring Odoo with a CUPS Server

This guide explains how to configure Odoo to communicate with a CUPS (Common UNIX Printing System) server using the OCA report-print-send module. By following this process, you can manage and fetch printers from the CUPS server directly through Odoo.


Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure the following prerequisites are met:

  1. CUPS Server Setup:
    • The CUPS server is installed and configured. Refer to the official Network Setup Guide and CUPS Setup Guide for details.
    • Note the server's IP address, username, password, port number, and authentication method.
  2. OCA Module Installation:
    • Install the OCA report-print-send module in your Odoo instance. For installation instructions, refer to the OCA repository.
  3. Odoo Access:
    • Access to the Odoo backend as a system administrator.


Step 1: Add the CUPS Server in Odoo

  1. Log in to your Odoo backend.
  2. Navigate to Settings > Printers > CUPS Servers.
  3. Click Create to add a new server configuration.
  4. Fill in the following details:
    • Server Name: Enter a descriptive name for the server.
    • IP Address: Specify the CUPS server's IP address.
    • Port: Enter the port number (default: 631).
    • Username: Provide the CUPS server username.
    • Password: Enter the corresponding password.
    • Authentication Method: Select the appropriate method (e.g., Basic, Digest).
  5. Save the configuration.


Step 2: Fetch Printers from CUPS

  1. After adding the server, navigate to Settings > Printers.
  2. Click the Fetch Printers button.
  3. Odoo will communicate with the configured CUPS server and retrieve the list of available printers.
  4. Verify the fetched printers are displayed in the list.


Step 3: Assign Printers to Reports

  1. Go to Settings > Technical > Reports.
  2. Open the report you want to print using a specific printer.
  3. In the Printer field, select the desired printer fetched from the CUPS server.
  4. Save your changes.



Troubleshooting

  • Connection Issues:
    • Verify the CUPS server's IP, port, and credentials.
    • Ensure the server is accessible from the Odoo host machine.
  • Authentication Errors:
    • Double-check the authentication method used in the CUPS configuration.
    • Refer to the CUPS Setup Guide for supported methods.
  • Printers Not Fetched:
    • Ensure the CUPS server has shared printers and is configured to allow access from the Odoo server. At the time of adding a new printer, cups will ask if you want to share the printer with other users. this is important step, make sure the checkbox is checked otherwise, printers will not show in odoo. 



Additional Notes

  • For advanced configurations, such as enabling SSL for secure communication, refer to the CUPS documentation or consult your system administrator.
  • Always test the printer setup by printing a sample report from Odoo.