Last week, the Odoo Roadshow brought together New Zealand’s business innovators in Auckland and Wellington for two insightful sessions filled with practical ERP advice and real-world stories.
Our General Manager Kevin from OptimySME was a keynote speaker at the event, and shared straightforward guidance, no fluffy stuff! In short: define your requirements early, minimise custom development, and set realistic timelines and resource expectations.
His emphasis on a committed, resilient project team and effective change management resonated strongly. Kevin’s hands-on approach, including proof-of-concept workshops and open communication, proved invaluable for clients tackling complex ERP projects.
One of our clients, Andriy from Outside In told the inspiring story of their growth from a garage startup in 2014 to an internationally awarded leader in biophilic design. Their complex value chain, from design and manufacturing to installation and ongoing field service, demanded a flexible, scalable ERP solution.
Odoo’s modular, mobile-friendly platform helped them replace a patchwork of disconnected systems with one integrated solution, improving decision-making and enabling global expansion.
Their ERP implementation was a major undertaking, combining business process change, software development, and roll out simultaneously. Andriy highlighted the importance of strong team dynamics, open communication, and organisational readiness. A memorable lesson involved user access rights - an oversight nearly caused the loss of 700 field service tasks overnight!
Key takeaways from the Roadshow:
- Test before committing with a proof of concept
- Minimal customisation development = more chance of success
- Prepare for ongoing improvement and support after going live
- Involve your whole organisation in early stages, and maintain clear communication
- Build resilience and tenacity within your project team to navigate challenges
The event was an overall success - Kevin and the panel were able to show how even the most complex of businesses can transform their operations and thrive with the right product, partner, and people.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us in Auckland and Wellington - here’s to smarter, more connected businesses across New Zealand!