When it comes to selling aircraft parts and tooling, efficiency is everything. For Pius Parts, a growing aviation business based in Rockport, Texas, finding an all-in-one system that could seamlessly integrate inventory, accounting, and payments was crucial for becoming one of the most efficient suppliers in their market.
Pius Parts has deep roots in the aviation industry. The company’s origins date back to the 1980s when founder Abe Sissons' father, a former F-15 Eagle mechanic in the U.S. Air Force, started an aircraft maintenance shop with a parts division. Over time, the business evolved, and in 2015, the maintenance side was sold while the parts business remained dormant.
In 2019, Abe, who had a background in web development, built a website for his father’s remaining inventory. The demand quickly skyrocketed, and what started as a small venture turned into a multi-million-dollar business serving customers worldwide.
"I didn’t think it would be profitable at first, but once I saw the market potential and started marketing, it blew up."
Flying with the wrong instruments
As the business grew, managing inventory and sales became increasingly difficult. Before Odoo, Pius Parts relied on a manual system of Excel spreadsheets. The biggest pain point? Keeping the inventory synchronized across sales channels.
Additionally, payments were cumbersome. In the aviation industry, credit card transactions often involved manually filling out and sending forms for each purchase, an outdated process that slowed down operations.
They also built a custom website but struggled with keeping it updated in real time. They considered other ERP systems but found Odoo to be the most comprehensive and adaptable to their needs.
"Before, we had to manually delete sold items from the website. Now, as soon as someone buys something, Odoo automatically updates the inventory, saving us hours of work."
Why Odoo stood out?
Pius Parts discovered Odoo while searching for a better inventory management system. After extensive research and customization, they implemented a tailored Odoo setup that revolutionized their workflow.
One of the most significant improvements was in payment processing. Pius Parts now sends invoices through Odoo, allowing customers to pay instantly online. The automation of payments alone has set them apart from competitors.
In terms of efficiency, the company estimates that Odoo has made their operations 50% to 75% more efficient than before. Processes that previously took hours now take minutes. The team has also reduced the number of people needed for inventory management, cutting down on human error and improving productivity.
Abe also highlights the significant impact that the Documents App has had on his business operations. With frequent document signing required, the ability to integrate them with invoices has been a game changer, streamlining workflows and improving efficiency. This functionality has not only saved time but also enhanced the customer experience by simplifying transactional processes.
Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of CRM tools, which his company recently adopted to track sales and potential leads. The CRM's integration with quotes has been particularly valuable, making it his top choice among the available features.
"With Odoo, we’ve basically doubled our efficiency. It’s been a game changer for us."
What's next
Abe envisions growth not only through expanding their product and service offerings but also by leveraging technology to optimize internal processes. The CRM, in particular, is proving instrumental in improving sales tracking and customer relationship management, setting the foundation for more strategic decision-making.
Abe also sees an opportunity to turn his customized system into an app that aviation parts companies can use, making his business a software provider for the industry. While many organizations hesitate to switch systems, he believes the improvements will win them over. At the same time, he is considering expanding into aircraft maintenance, leveraging his expertise. Despite the challenges, both paths offer exciting growth opportunities for his company.
Pius Parts' success story is a testament to how the right ERP system can transform operations. Explore how Odoo can help your company achieve seamless integration and maximize growth today!