For decades, Stansteel and Hotmix have been at the forefront of asphalt plant manufacturing and parts distribution. With a commitment to quality and innovation, the companies have built a reputation for providing top-tier products and services to their customers. But managing an extensive database of equipment, tracking historical data, and streamlining operations across multiple business entities required a robust software solution, one they found in Odoo.
Stansteel and Hotmix specialize in the design, production, and distribution of asphalt plants and their components. With a unique approach to equipment tracking, they set themselves apart by maintaining a comprehensive historical record of every plant they sell, upgrade, or service. This meticulous tracking system allows them to provide unparalleled customer support, ensuring clients have access to detailed records of their equipment’s lifecycle.
Founded by Lenny Loch, the company has grown by acquiring various businesses within the industry, including Chattanooga Hotmix, which specializes in equipment repair. While Hotmix primarily focuses on parts sales and asphalt distribution, Stansteel leads the engineering and construction of new plants.
"From what I understand, we are the only company in the industry that tracks plants like this. We have the entire history of everything that has happened to a plant since we got involved with it."
The struggles of managing disconnected systems
Before implementing Odoo, Stansteel and Hotmix relied on multiple disconnected systems, including numerous in-house Microsoft Access applications. This created inefficiencies, particularly for employees accustomed to these legacy programs. Sales orders, procurement, and customer tracking were scattered across different platforms, making it difficult to consolidate data and optimize workflows. Transitioning away from these systems was a challenge, especially given the complexity of the company's long-standing contracts.
Initially, they used Sage CRM but found it insufficient for their needs. When searching for an alternative, they evaluated Insightly and SugarCRM. However, they needed a full-fledged ERP rather than just a CRM, which led them to Odoo.
"We needed more than just a CRM. We needed an ERP: something that could handle sales orders, purchasing, dashboards, inventory, and manufacturing. Odoo provided all of that."
A new era of operational efficiency
Switching to Odoo transformed the way Stansteel and Hotmix managed their operations.
The search for a new system began with a simple Google search for CRM solutions. Initially, Insightly seemed like the preferred choice, but when the company refused to connect them with existing customers for feedback, Stansteel's leadership lost confidence in them. Odoo, on the other hand, readily facilitated conversations with current users, which helped solidify their decision.
With Odoo in place, tangible improvements became evident:
Data Flow: The ability to enter customer information once and have it flow across the entire system eliminated redundant data entry and reduced errors. "I've got three different tabs of equipment for each customer. Each tab has at least five different types of equipment, and each type can have multiple pieces. It's incredibly intricate and powerful. Instead of jumping between pages and systems, everything is accessible in one place," Leslie said.
Chatter: Centralizing internal communications through Chatter ensured that all notes and documentation remained in one place, streamlining collaboration and historical tracking.
Customization through Studio: The flexibility of Odoo Studio empowered the team to tailor applications to their specific needs without relying on third-party developers. .
Eliminating paper-based processes: While they haven't completely removed paper usage, Odoo significantly reduced reliance on manual documentation, allowing employees to focus on high-value tasks.
"Chatter is the most powerful feature Odoo has. I love that it’s integrated across everything, allowing us to track all the work that goes into quotations in one place."
Future expansion and growth
Looking ahead, Stansteel and Hotmix aim to continue their digital transformation with Odoo. The next phase includes fully integrating sales orders for Stansteel, which will pave the way for incorporating procurement and inventory management. Given that their current purchasing software is outdated and no longer sustainable, transitioning to Odoo’s purchasing module is a top priority.
"We didn’t implement Odoo to reduce staff. We implemented it to expand everyone’s bandwidth so we can make more sales and serve our customers better. That’s our priority."
Beyond software implementation, the company is focused on growth. Their goal is to become the go-to provider in the asphalt industry, earning the trust of customers through superior service and high-quality products. By leveraging Odoo’s capabilities, they aim to enhance operational efficiency and provide even better support to their clients.
Stansteel and Hotmix’s journey with Odoo highlights the power of an integrated ERP in optimizing business processes and fostering growth. If your company struggles with disconnected systems and inefficient workflows, Odoo might be the solution you need. Contact us today to explore how Odoo can help revolutionize your operations.
