In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, efficiency and adaptability are crucial. Aldis Group, a digital marketing agency with deep roots in the automotive sector, has leveraged Odoo to streamline its sales and accounting processes, leading to smoother operations and sustainable growth.
Aldis Group is a digital marketing agency that acts as the crucial bridge between clients and vendors. Their unique business model allows them to establish and maintain long-term relationships while ensuring marketing services seamlessly align with client needs. The company generates revenue by taking a percentage of the marketing services and products delivered, making operational efficiency key to profitability.
The company has a rich history, tracing its origins to the early 1990s when it was part of a larger agency. Following a split, one of the partners decided to branch off and form Aldis Group. Since then, the company has maintained a loyal customer base while continuously expanding, particularly within the automotive industry. However, Aldis Group has also worked with customers in healthcare, spirits, and beverages and is now looking to diversify further to create a more balanced portfolio.
“We've never lost clients. We're gaining new ones, and people are increasing their budgets. That's a testament to our ability to deliver results.”
Outgrowing legacy software
Before implementing Odoo, Aldis Group struggled with outdated software. Initially, they relied on QuickBooks for accounting, but as the company grew its revenue, it became clear that the software was insufficient for managing an expanding client base and increasing workflow complexities.
Lisa Appel, former Comptroller and current consultant for Aldis Group, recognized the limitations of QuickBooks and the need for a robust, all-in-one CRM solution. While evaluating alternatives, the company also considered other enterprise software solutions but found them too complex or expensive for their business size. Odoo emerged as the ideal choice due to its affordability, ease of use, and scalability.
“A lot of small businesses make the mistake of sticking with QuickBooks, but it isn't built for growth. You need a CRM that provides a full workflow, and that's what drew me to Odoo.”
Success is ensured with Odoo
Aldis Group’s relationship with Odoo dates back years, as Lisa had previously used Odoo while working for Scratch Music Group in New York City. When the need arose to revamp Aldis Group’s technology stack, Lisa revisited Odoo, finding it far more advanced and feature-rich than before.
"I love all the apps in Odoo, but right now, we're primarily using it for sales, accounting, and even some HR tasks like tracking PTO. What really sets Odoo apart is how fresh and cutting-edge it feels, especially with its AI technology. It's the one CRM on the market that truly keeps up with the industry's evolution, making it a game-changer for businesses looking to stay ahead," Lisa said.
The impact has been significant:
- Sales process: Odoo’s Sales app has transformed how Aldis Group manages client budgets and quotations. Once a sales deal is agreed upon, account managers enter the details into Odoo, generating detailed, professional quotations with company branding. Clients can approve budgets easily, and changes-such as modifications to radio ad schedules or Super Bowl airtime slots-are tracked seamlessly.
- Invoicing and payment processing: Once a sales order is finalized, it is automatically processed in Odoo’s Accounting app. The invoicing system ensures accuracy, and clients can pay through integrated payment processors, improving cash flow.
- Workflow visibility: The integration between sales and accounting has provided much-needed transparency. The workflow allows for clear tracking of payment statuses, ensuring that invoices are properly managed and reconciled.
"With Odoo, we saved $200,000 in potential hiring costs, optimized our team’s efficiency, and eliminated redundant tasks to focus on what drives results."
Expanding horizons
With a solid foundation in place, Aldis Group is now focused on expanding its client base beyond the automotive sector. By leveraging Odoo’s advanced AI capabilities and automation features, the company aims to optimize its marketing operations further and explore new industries.
Looking ahead, Aldis Group is considering deeper integrations within Odoo, such as expanding its use of HR and project management tools to enhance team collaboration and client service delivery.
Aldis Group’s success with Odoo demonstrates how a well-integrated CRM and accounting system can revolutionize operations, even for small and mid-sized businesses. Ready to take your business to the next level? Discover how Odoo can help streamline your operations today.
