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Streamlining Operations for a Leading Food Manufacturer with Odoo ERP

A Case Study of Bread, Snacks, and Tortilla Production in North America

The Challenge: Fragmented Operations and Outdated Business Visibility

For decades, our client—a leading consumer goods manufacturer specializing in bread, snacks, and tortillas—relied on various disconnected systems to manage its operations. Manufacturing, accounting, invoicing, and distribution were all handled separately, resulting in inefficiencies and operational silos.

Production planning was highly dependent on staff expertise and manual controls, primarily managed through spreadsheets. Traceability of ingredients and final products was difficult to maintain, and customer orders were processed manually, which led to delays and errors. Without real-time data, decision-making was reactive, making it challenging to respond quickly to market demands.

These challenges reflected a deeper issue: the business lacked visibility across operations. Fragmented processes were creating bottlenecks, limiting growth, and affecting the overall efficiency of the organization.


The Solution: A Seamless and Scalable ERP with Odoo

Faced with these operational hurdles, the company explored various ERP solutions but ultimately selected Odoo for its simplicity, flexibility, and affordability. Odoo provided an end-to-end solution that integrated all critical processes under a single system, eliminating the need for multiple tools and complex integrations.

The modular nature of Odoo allowed for customized solutions without deviating from the core platform, ensuring scalability for future needs. By consolidating ERP, MPS, and accounting operations within one unified database, the company could access real-time data, reduce manual tasks, and enhance operational transparency.

The Effikacious team, in partnership with the client, designed the project to simplify and automate the company’s make-to-order operations. This included everything from order receipt to final product distribution, as well as manufacturing planning, inventory validation, and materials sourcing. Traceability was also a critical component—Odoo’s capabilities ensured that each lot and expiration date could be tracked comprehensively throughout the supply chain.

Additionally, the new system provided the company with custom dashboards for instant access to business metrics. These dashboards not only replaced the reliance on spreadsheets but also highlighted process gaps, driving continuous improvement.

Change management was a key element of the implementation strategy. User resistance, a common hurdle in digital transformation, was addressed through training programs and structured support. Effikacious helped the company’s employees transition to the new system by demonstrating the value of real-time data and automated reporting.


The Outcome: Data-Driven Operations and Improved Efficiency

The results of the Odoo ERP implementation were transformative. Paper-based processes in manufacturing and supply chain operations were eliminated, leading to smoother workflows. Order management and manufacturing processes became streamlined, enabling faster production cycles and improved product distribution.

The integration of accounting and invoicing functions within the same system ensured data consistency, reducing discrepancies across departments. With real-time insights accessible through dashboards on mobile devices, decision-makers gained complete visibility over operations, regardless of their location.

The entire transformation was achieved within weeks, delivering operational efficiency and full traceability across the supply chain. This empowered the company to operate proactively, responding to market demands with confidence.


Key Takeaways: Best Practices from the Project

The success of this project offers valuable lessons for other organizations embarking on their digital transformation journey:

  1. Leverage Modular ERP Systems: Odoo’s modular design allows businesses to grow and adapt without unnecessary complexity.
  2. Designate a Project Champion: Having a leader within the organization ensures smoother communication and faster resolution of challenges.
  3. Prioritize Early Data Migration: Starting with clean data helps identify issues early and ensures a smooth go-live.
  4. Limit Customization: Minimizing customizations reduces maintenance efforts and ensures compatibility with future updates.
  5. Invest in Change Management: Structured change management helps users embrace new processes and reduces resistance to change.
  6. Track Progress and ROI: Regular evaluation ensures the system delivers on its promises, such as improved efficiency and cost savings.
  7. Use Dashboards to Drive Adoption: Real-time insights through dashboards help users see immediate benefits, fostering quicker adoption.

Watch the full presentation here: Effikacious at Odoo Experience 2024 in Belgium


Streamlining Operations for a Leading Food Manufacturer with Odoo ERP
Effikacious, Francisco Estevez August 1, 2024
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