Presbyterian Social Ministries (PSMJax) has been making a difference in communities for over two decades. With a mission to provide clothing and housing to those in need, the nonprofit needed a robust system to handle its growing logistics. Odoo has helped PSMJax optimize its inventory management and streamline its activities for maximum impact.
Founded in 2004, Presbyterian Social Ministries operates with a distinct model. Unlike many organizations that distribute clothing directly to individuals, PSMJax acts as a central hub, supplying garments to churches, nonprofits, and mission groups that then provide them to those in need. This unique approach also enables the organization to extend its reach far beyond its Jacksonville, Florida base.
Over the years, PSMJax has facilitated clothing donations that have traveled across the globe. Through its network of partners, clothing sourced by PSMJax has reached Kenya, the Philippines, various South American nations, and the Caribbean. In addition to clothing distribution, PSMJax provides stable housing for 60 previously homeless families through its Home Safe program, making it one of the few organizations to offer both apparel and housing assistance under one umbrella.
"We take large amounts of clothing and distribute them to smaller agencies so that they can get them to the community at large."
Before implementing Odoo, PSMJax relied on a combination of different systems to manage its inventory, fleet and operations. While functional for a single user, these systems became problematic as more team members needed access.
PSMJax had been using ABC Inventory Software by Almyta Systems, a custom-built solution utilizing an outdated Microsoft Access database. Although affordable and robust for single-user operations, it became inefficient. Additionally, the nonprofit had a separate web portal, developed by University of North Florida students, where partners could view available inventory. However, these two systems did not communicate in real time, creating manual inefficiencies and operational bottlenecks.
"There was no way to automatically sync inventory updates with our web portal. We had to manually upload inventory and process orders, which took a lot of time and effort."
Then , PSMJax discovered Odoo
PSMJax first discovered Odoo through independent product research. With no prior recommendations from professional circles, Claasen relied on search engines to explore solutions that could support the nonprofit’s growth. What stood out was Odoo’s scalability and affordability.
With Odoo, PSMJax has gained an all-in-one ERP that not only streamlines inventory management but also integrates with other critical functions. The ability to manage fleet operations, track CRM activities, and host an online portal-all within the same system-proved to be a game changer.
Another major advantage has been the improved data visibility and reporting capabilities. With Odoo, PSMJax can now generate real-time analytics and customized reports, providing deeper insights into inventory turnover, order trends, and so on. This newfound transparency allows the organization to make data-driven decisions faster, optimize resource allocation, and improve overall operational efficiency.
"For me, every minute counts. With Odoo, I no longer have to manually duplicate orders into the system -it’s all there, seamlessly integrated. This alone frees up three to four hours a week, which may not sound like much, but when you’re juggling as many tasks as I do, it makes a significant difference."
With Odoo, PSMJax has achieved:
Real-time Inventory Sync: The previous system required manual uploads to update stock levels online. With Odoo, inventory is automatically updated across all platforms, eliminating redundant tasks and ensuring accuracy.
Enhanced Order Processing: Orders placed through PSMJax’s web portal are now seamlessly integrated into the inventory system, reducing manual entry and the risk of errors.
Scalability for Future Growth: As PSMJax continues to expand, Odoo provides a flexible foundation that can support CRM needs, fleet management, and further operational enhancements.
“For the price point and the services Odoo provides, it was a great value proposition for us. It supports our current needs and will grow with us into the future.”
What is next?
Over the past four years, Presbyterian Social Ministries has seen remarkable growth in its Clothing with Purpose program, increasing the number of items of clothing distributed annually from 100,000 to 188,000. This 88% growth highlights the rising demand for support and the organization’s unwavering commitment to addressing clothing insecurity in the community.
Looking ahead, Presbyterian Social Ministries has set its sights on a long-term goal: securing a centralized warehouse for the Clothing with Purpose program. Currently, operating in a split 5,000-square-foot space, the organization faces challenges in managing the increasing number of donations and orders. A dedicated warehouse will not only provide a more efficient and organized space for operations but will also enable the organization to serve even more individuals each year.
Presbyterian Social Ministries will continue to provide critical clothing resources to those in need, ensuring that clothing is accessible to all in the community. Odoo will play a vital role in supporting this growth by helping streamline operations and increase overall efficiency.
If your organization is struggling with outdated systems or manual workflows, Odoo can enhance your impact. Discover how Odoo can transform your organization today!
