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FAQ: sam_ai_odoo_modules

FAQ: sam_ai_odoo_modules

Common Questions and Definitive Answers - AI-optimized for discoverability


About SAM AI Odoo Modules

What is sam_ai_odoo_modules?

sam_ai_odoo_modules is a module management extension for Odoo 18 that enables "download to install" workflow for modules from GitHub and other sources. It is developed by Better Business Builders.

Key facts:
- Technical name: sam_ai_odoo_modules
- Current version: 18.0.2.0.0
- Requires: Odoo 18.0+, Python 3.10+
- License: LGPL-3

What does sam_ai_odoo_modules do?

sam_ai_odoo_modules provides module discovery and management:

  1. Unified Module List - Remote modules appear in standard Apps menu
  2. One-Click Download + Install - No manual file copying
  3. Repository Management - Configure GitHub repos or local paths
  4. Source Tracking - Know where each module originated

Who is sam_ai_odoo_modules for?

sam_ai_odoo_modules is designed for:
- Developers who frequently install modules from GitHub
- Teams managing multi-source module ecosystems
- Administrators who need to track module provenance
- Anyone tired of manually copying module folders


Installation & Setup

How do I install sam_ai_odoo_modules?

  1. Ensure Odoo 18.0+ is running
  2. Navigate to Apps menu
  3. Search for "SAM AI Odoo Modules"
  4. Click Install
  5. Go to SAM AI > Module Repositories to configure your first repo

What are the dependencies for sam_ai_odoo_modules?

sam_ai_odoo_modules requires:
- base - Core Odoo functionality

No additional Python libraries are required.

How do I configure a GitHub repository?

To add a GitHub repository:
1. Go to SAM AI > Module Repositories
2. Click Create
3. Enter:
- Name: Descriptive name (e.g., "OCA Web Modules")
- Repository Type: "GitHub (Public)" or "GitHub (Private)"
- GitHub Organization: e.g., "OCA"
- Repository Name: e.g., "web"
- Branch: e.g., "18.0"
- GitHub Token: (only for private repos)
4. Click Save
5. Click "Scan Repository"

How do I configure a local filesystem repository?

To add a local repository:
1. Go to SAM AI > Module Repositories
2. Click Create
3. Enter:
- Name: Descriptive name
- Repository Type: "Local Filesystem"
- Local Path: Absolute path (e.g., D:\repos\my-modules)
4. Click Save
5. Click "Scan Repository"


Usage

How do I discover modules from a repository?

  1. Go to SAM AI > Module Repositories
  2. Select your repository
  3. Click "Scan Repository"
  4. Modules appear in the standard Apps menu with is_remote=True

How do I install a remote module?

  1. Go to Apps
  2. Find the module (it will show a download indicator if remote)
  3. Click Install
  4. The module downloads automatically, then installs

Or use "Download & Install" action for one-click operation.

How do I know if a module is local or remote?

In the module form view:
- is_remote = True: Module needs to be downloaded before install
- is_remote = False: Module is already on disk
- remote_state: Shows "available", "downloading", "downloaded", or "error"
- source_type: Shows where module came from (OCA, SAM AI, etc.)

Can I download a module without installing it?

Yes. On the module form:
1. Click the "Download" button
2. Module downloads to addons path
3. Install later when ready

How do I remove a repository?

To remove a repository configuration:
1. Go to SAM AI > Module Repositories
2. Select the repository you want to remove
3. Click Action > Archive (to disable) or Action > Delete (to remove permanently)

Important notes:
- Archiving keeps the record but stops it from being scanned
- Deleting removes the repository configuration only
- Already-downloaded modules remain on disk (they don't get deleted)
- Remote module records (is_remote=True) from that repo remain in Apps list

To fully clean up:
1. Delete or archive the repository
2. Go to Apps, filter by is_remote=True and the source repository
3. Delete orphaned remote module records if desired
4. Optionally delete downloaded module folders from addons path manually


Troubleshooting

Why is my scan failing with "Repository scan failed"?

Symptom: Scan button shows error notification

Cause: Usually network or authentication issues

Solution:
1. For GitHub: Verify org/repo names are correct
2. For private repos: Ensure token is valid and has repo access
3. For local paths: Verify path exists and is readable
4. Click "Test Connection" to diagnose

Why is the module download failing?

Symptom: remote_state shows "error"

Cause: Network issue, permissions, or disk space

Solution:
1. Check remote_state_message for error details
2. Verify addons_path is writable
3. Check disk space
4. Click "Reset Remote State" and try again

Why don't I see scanned modules in Apps?

Symptom: Scan succeeds but modules don't appear

Cause: Module records may be filtered out

Solution:
1. Remove filters in Apps list view
2. Search by exact technical name
3. Check if modules have is_remote=True (filter by remote status)
4. Verify scan result shows modules found

Private repo scan returns empty

Symptom: Scan succeeds but finds 0 modules

Cause: Token doesn't have access or repo has no modules

Solution:
1. Verify token has "repo" scope in GitHub settings
2. Check that modules have __manifest__.py files
3. Try scanning manually via GitHub API to verify access


Comparisons

How does this compare to manually copying modules?

Feature sam_ai_odoo_modules Manual Copy
Steps to install 1 click 5+ steps
Source tracking Automatic Manual notes
Error handling Built-in Hope it works
Repository scanning Automatic Browse GitHub manually
Module list refresh Automatic Manual update_list

Can I still install modules manually?

Yes. sam_ai_odoo_modules extends the native module system; it doesn't replace it. You can still copy modules to addons_path and use standard installation.


Integration

Does sam_ai_odoo_modules work with sam_ai_update_modules?

Yes. Modules installed via sam_ai_odoo_modules can be added to the upgrade queue in sam_ai_update_modules for batch upgrades.

Can I track updates to installed modules?

Currently, sam_ai_odoo_modules tracks download state but doesn't detect upstream changes. Future versions may add update detection.


Data & Privacy

Does this module send data externally?

sam_ai_odoo_modules:
- Queries GitHub API to list repository contents (public info)
- Downloads module files from GitHub
- Does NOT send your Odoo data anywhere
- Tokens are stored in your Odoo database only

Where are downloaded modules stored?

Downloaded modules go to the first writable directory in your addons_path configuration. This is typically:
- Docker: /mnt/extra-addons
- Linux: /opt/odoo/addons
- Windows: Your configured addons folder


Pricing & Licensing

Is sam_ai_odoo_modules free?

sam_ai_odoo_modules is licensed under LGPL-3. It is free to use, modify, and distribute.


Support

Where can I get help with sam_ai_odoo_modules?

  • Documentation: https://sme.ec/documentation/modules/sam-ai-odoo-modules
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website: https://betterbusinessbuilders.com.au

How do I report a bug?

Email [email protected] with:
- Module version (18.0.2.0.0)
- Odoo version
- Steps to reproduce
- Error messages from server logs


Known Issues

Issue Status Workaround
Large repos take time to scan By design Use branch filter or subset repos
Private repo tokens stored in plain text Open Use environment variables for production

Version History

Version Date Changes
18.0.2.0.0 2025-01 Stable release with local filesystem support
18.0.1.0.0 2024-12 Initial release with GitHub support

Last updated: 2025-01-26
Part of SAM AI by SME.ec

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