Location/Region: Calgary, CAN
Industry: Personal Care Manufacturing
Apps implemented: Inventory, Accounting, Manufacturing, Purchase
Software
Replaced: QuickBooks, Microsoft Word/Excel
Company size: 15
Hosting type: Odoo online
International Labs, a contract manufacturer of personal care products based in Calgary, Alberta, has been serving small and medium-sized businesses for over three decades. The company needed an efficient way to manage its inventory, orders, and manufacturing processes. Odoo was the answer to those challenges.
Founded over 35 years ago, International Labs specializes in manufacturing a wide range of gels, scrubs, creams, and powders. Unlike larger, automated competitors, International Labs prides itself on producing handcrafted, small-batch articles tailored to the needs of startups and small businesses. This artisanal approach requires meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the highest quality for every element.
Over the years, the company has steadily expanded its client base while maintaining its dedication to flexibility.This growth, however, also brought operational challenges that demanded an integrated and scalable solution.
“Our clientele are small to medium businesses and startups, so flexibility in the manufacturing is key for us.”
Operational roadblocks before Odoo
Before adopting Odoo, International Labs faced significant hurdles in managing its manufacturing process. Inventory control was a major pain point, as stock tracking was done manually, leading to inefficiencies and errors.
The company relied on disconnected systems, including Microsoft Excel and Access, which resulted in a fragmented workflow. This lack of integration meant excessive time spent on manual checks, stock discrepancies, and occasional delays in production due to inaccurate inventory data.
"Everything had to be done manually. We wasted so much time physically checking stock, leading to errors like being out of stock or overstocking.”
Discovering the right fit: Why Odoo?
For years, Alex Robertson searched for a comprehensive solution to streamline International Labs’ operations. His journey began in 2005 when he started exploring software that could seamlessly connect inventory management, order processing, accounting, and manufacturing.
After evaluating multiple options, including QuickBooks and various manufacturing add-ons, International Labs discovered Odoo in late 2020. By early 2021, the company made the decision to implement Odoo, recognizing its robust features and deep involvement in the implementation process.
"Odoo has achieved exactly what we were looking for. The ordering process is now more reliable, manufacturing is seamlessly tracked, and our accounting team loves it.”
The adoption of Odoo has revolutionized International Labs’ workflow in multiple ways:
- Accurate and automated inventory management: One of the most significant improvements has been in inventory accuracy. Orders now flow seamlessly into the system, triggering automated replenishments, eliminating stock shortages, and reducing manual intervention.
- Ordering process: With Odoo, replenishment is automated, allowing the procurement team to access real-time stock data, significantly reducing errors and improving efficiency.
- Integrated accounting: The transition from QuickBooks to Odoo has been smooth, with the accounting team benefiting from better tracking of expenditures and revenues, all within a unified platform.
- Manufacturing workflow: Operators now have access to detailed instructions through Odoo, with lot numbers tracking every step of production, ensuring compliance and quality control.
"Odoo has cut down our inventory management and ordering process time by 50%. Before, we had to physically check every item; now, we have complete confidence in Odoo’s inventory system."
Looking to the future
With a solid operational foundation in place, International Labs is looking to scale its production capabilities. The company plans to expand its range of anhydrous (water-free) products, a growing segment that presents unique manufacturing challenges. Additionally, they aim to optimize logistics and explore new market opportunities while continuing to emphasize flexibility and quality.
Recognizing the potential growth opportunity, they plan to evaluate Odoo’s fulfillment solutions more seriously in the future, ensuring they can meet the needs of their customers.
“As more businesses shift to online sales, frequently ask whether the company can manufacture and package products, as well as store inventory and manage order fulfillment. While Odoo has the capabilities to support this expansion, the team has yet to explore it in depth,” Robertson said.
International Labs’ success with Odoo showcases how businesses in the personal care manufacturing sector, and beyond, can streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and scale with confidence. If your company faces similar challenges, Odoo could be the solution you need to elevate your business to the next level.
