When it comes to space-saving furniture with style and smart engineering, Inovabed is a standout in the market. But behind the sleek Murphy beds and streamlined installations is a complex operational engine, one that was transformed by adopting Odoo. Since implementing the software, Inovabed has doubled its efficiency, streamlined communications, and modernized its workflow, proving that great products deserve equally powerful backend systems.
Founded in 2000, Inovabed emerged from a personal need and a creative mind. The company’s founder, once a Broadway set designer, developed the first patented table bed after moving into a small one-bedroom apartment following a divorce. In an effort to create a multifunctional space that could easily accommodate his children on weekends, he designed a dining table that seamlessly converted into a bed, a practical innovation that planted the seeds for Inovabed’s current product line.
Today, Inovabed manufactures American-made Murphy beds that blend smart design with functionality. Specializing in easy-motion furniture that doesn’t require removing seat cushions or anchoring units to the wall, the company caters to both direct-to-consumer clients and large-scale commercial buyers. From hotel chains like Disney to government housing, Inovabed serves customers who value quality, innovation, and simplicity.
"There aren’t that many Murphy bed providers, and our product is unique. It’s American-made, easy-motion, and doesn’t require wall anchoring, unlike most of our competitors."
The Patchwork Problem: Life Before Odoo
Before switching to Odoo, Inovabed relied on a patchwork of systems: FileMaker databases, Excel spreadsheets, Google Docs, and QuickBooks. None of these platforms communicated with each other, requiring the team to re-enter data multiple times across various formats. This manual juggling act was very time-consuming and sometimes prone to error.
Even though they had client lists, vendor information, and accounting software in place, the lack of integration made operations inefficient and stressful. Recognizing the need for a more cohesive solution, the team began searching for an all-in-one platform that could handle the front-end of their business without requiring constant duplication.
"It was so cumbersome. We were pulling in data, re-entering it in multiple places, and nothing spoke to each other. The goal was to create one cohesive program that made everyone’s life easier."
Rewriting the Rules: How Odoo Streamlined Everything
The initial introduction to Odoo came through a tech consultant who recommended the platform for its flexibility and affordability. With the understanding that customization would require internal effort, Sarah took the lead on implementation, working closely with the consultant until she eventually became the internal go-to for the system.
- Odoo’s Accounting, Sales, Purchase, Projects, and Contacts apps became the backbone of Inovabed’s operation. While they haven’t implemented the manufacturing and back-of-house modules yet, the apps in use have improved the business's front-end performance.
- One of the most valuable changes came through interdepartmental communication. By equipping factory supervisors with iPads, Inovabed replaced printed job tickets with live job data accessible on the floor. The chatter and tagging features allow team members to communicate within the platform, keeping messages tied to specific records and visible across departments.
- They also integrated PayPal with Odoo’s Accounting app, enabling one-click payment links directly on invoices, simplifying the process for customers and accelerating cash flow. Meanwhile, the log notes and document storage features help keep essential files like shop drawings and samples in one easily accessible place.
- Most importantly, Odoo eliminated redundant work. Tasks that previously required multiple team members and constant data re-entry across disconnected systems can now be handled more efficiently by fewer people. According to Sarah, overall efficiency has more than doubled since the company adopted Odoo.
"We used to print and walk papers to the factory floor. Now supervisors use iPads to view live data and even send messages. It’s just leaps and bounds more efficient than what we were dealing with."
What’s Next for Inovabed: Expansion and Integration
Looking ahead, Inovabed is focused on growing its e-commerce business and increasing public awareness around Murphy beds as stylish, modern solutions, not outdated relics. Inspired by companies like California Closets, they aim to become a household name in multifunctional furniture.
In parallel, the team is working on connecting Odoo with Shopify to automate online sales imports, reduce staff workload, and streamline order processing. On the product front, they’re expanding their portfolio to include closet systems, wardrobe units, and other home storage solutions, all geared toward the direct-to-consumer market.
For companies navigating fragmented software systems, Inovabed’s journey is a compelling case for consolidating operations with Odoo. Whether you're managing sales, accounting, or project communications, the integrated nature of the platform can save time, reduce redundancy, and boost productivity. If you're a small-to-mid-sized manufacturer or a growing DTC brand, Odoo might just be the missing piece in your operational puzzle.