A Sweet Success: Implementing Odoo for Operational Excellence at Belco Confectionery

A Sweet Success: Implementing Odoo for Operational Excellence at Belco Confectionery 


​Belco Confectionery Co., Ltd., based in Bangkok is a chocolate trading company, specialising in the distribution of Belgian confectionery in Thailand. Belco Confectionery, a subsidiary of Gallothai, one of Thailand’s leading chocolate makers, has a substantial and growing presence in the chocolate sector. The business uses the acclaimed Odoo ERP software to manage its numerous operations such as inventory, procurement, sales, and accounting, and focuses on streamlining and digitizing its internal workflows. We sat down with the Regional IT manager of Belco Confectionery and interviewed him about their success with Odoo as their new ERP system, as well as their collaboration with Taube Digital. 


What led Belco Confectionery to look for a new ERP system ?

​“It came to a point where we needed to upgrade our ERP system. In terms of cost and functionalities, we agreed that we needed a new one and not just an update of the previous ERP”, he explains. After thorough evaluation, Odoo emerged as the perfect solution. “Odoo was exactly what we were looking for, and in terms of scalability and extracting accessible data, it was most appropriate for a growing business like ours. That’s why we chose to go with Odoo.” 


Why did you select Odoo over other ERP systems ?

Sofyan states, "that's very simple. Odoo is good and very cost-effective, which is what most companies are looking for. We don't want an ERP system that’s costly in terms of implementation, maintenance, and licenses. Odoo was very flexible and we didn't have to get the full ERP in one block. It has many apps and features that are very useful, which played a big part in our decision process”. Another significant advantage of Odoo is its open-core architecture, which allows for a large range of features to be adapted to specific company needs. This enables Belco Confectionery to customize its ERP system while avoiding excessive complications. Additionally, Odoo has a user-friendly interface and a large support network, making it simple for workers to learn and seek supported assistance when required. It ensures that Belco Confectionery maximizes the benefits of Odoo, streamlining processes and improving data accessibility. 


What are the business processes that you digitised using Odoo ?

​The shift to a digital system has revolutionized key business processes, particularly in procurement and sales order management. “We digitized the procurement process, our sales process, stock management and accounting, helping us to be more efficient, considering that Thailand is a country where it is very paper-oriented.” 

​This transition has significantly streamlined operations, reducing the time spent on manual tasks that once slowed down productivity. With Odoo at the helm, Belco now enjoys an effortless overview of tracking orders, managing inventories, and automating purchasing operations. This not only minimizes human errors but also enhances response times, allowing Belco Confectionery to operate with greater agility. 

​The impact of this digital transformation extends beyond internal processes; it has also strengthened interactions with suppliers and consumers. As a result, Belco Confectionery is able to deliver superior service and improve its stance in the chocolate trading sector. 


What are the benefits of working with Odoo? 

​Odoo offers a wealth of features that position Belco Confectionery for future growth and development. “Odoo has a lot of features that we haven’t used yet, so that leaves room for growth and also adds scalability for business expansion. We still have the possibility to grow and add those modules eventually in the future without having to change to a new ERP system to meet our new needs.” ​This flexibility is crucial in the confectionery trading business, where customisations to meet specific internal requirements is essential.

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​​In addition to these advantages, Odoo's architecture allows businesses to adapt their systems as they evolve. This adaptability ensures compliance with industry regulations and enhances operational efficiency. The partnership with Taube Digital further amplifies these benefits, providing expert implementation and support tailored to Belco Confectionery’s unique needs. 


Implementing an ERP system is always a challenging project. What was the biggest challenge and how has your experience working with Taube Digital been? 

​Implementing an ERP system is a complex endeavor, and Belco Confectionery faced initial challenges as their staff adjusted to the new Odoo systems and processes. Sofyan describes, “in Thailand, people are quite hesitant to change towards any new ways of doing things.” Despite these hurdles, Taube Digital stepped in with comprehensive training, guidance, and support fitted to Belco Confectionery’s needs. Sofyan highlighted their collaboration as “easy,” 

​With regards to the positive experience he had with Taube Digital's co-owners, Stephane De Deken and Jonas Gehring. “My experience with Taube Digital was very good. I really liked the approach of Stephane and Jonas. And, what I appreciated was the way they were constantly challenging me during the collaboration process.” 

​This partnership proved essential for Belco Confectionery as they navigated the complexities of adopting Odoo. With Taube Digital's expertise, Belco was able to implement a system that not only met their immediate requirements but also laid the groundwork for future growth. The support provided by Taube Digital ensured that Belco could adapt effectively to the new ERP environment, reinforcing their confidence in Odoo as the right choice to manage their business processes. 


How did your employees adapt during the initial phase of using Odoo? 

​The initial phase of using Odoo presented challenges for Belco Confectionery, particularly as employees grappled with the transition from their former ERP system. Sofyan explains, “Of course, our employees were very resistant to the big new change because they were very familiar with the old ERP system, but for us, we wanted to completely minimize and eventually make the business process zero paper.” Despite this resistance, the guidance provided by Taube Digital was instrumental. 

​Their approach was “Simple, Effective and direct without any complications” which helped ease the transition. Acclimating to new processes can be daunting, yet it can also offer significant rewards. Belco Confectionery focused on providing adequate support and training to its employees throughout the integration process. By embracing digital solutions and fostering a supportive environment, they successfully navigated the complexities of change management. This strategy not only enhanced operational efficiency but also aligned with sustainability goals, positioning Belco for upwards growth in an increasingly digital landscape. 


How has Odoo assisted you since you started using it? (What is your favourite feature/app and why?) 

​Odoo has significantly enhanced operations at Belco Confectionery since its implementation, particularly through its real-time data capabilities. “The real-time data is something that I appreciate, and that makes the reporting aspect much simpler once you understand how to work with extracting the data. Reporting on inventory, sales orders and purchase orders with an easy dashboard, that's where a lot of the change is for us.” The customizable dashboards in Odoo offer a tailored view of critical metrics, allowing users to focus on what matters most. This accessibility streamlines processes and boosts efficiency, enabling businesses to swiftly adapt to changing market demands. 


What would you tell other companies that are considering or hesitating about using Odoo? 

​For companies considering Odoo, the experience of Belco Confectionery serves as a compelling testament. “We were one of the first big customers of Taube Digital and we gave them trust for this implementation project. We were impressed that they managed to do it in such a short amount of time! Why would I recommend Taube Digital? They are very serious with their approach, which is the correct one, I believe, in terms of a business mindset. 

​They are available anytime and they are very professional.” Taube Digital’s expertise in managing diverse projects makes them an invaluable resource for organizations looking to enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on paper-based processes. Their commitment to understanding each client's unique needs ensures a smooth implementation experience, allowing businesses to leverage Odoo's powerful features effectively. 

​With Odoo, companies can expect streamlined operations, real-time data access, and customizable solutions that adapt to their specific requirements such as Sofyan experienced. The combination of Taube Digital’s support and Odoo’s reliable functionalities empowers businesses to improve productivity and achieve sustainable growth. For those hesitant about making the leap, Belco Confectionery's success story illustrates that with the right partner and the right ERP system, the transition to change can lead to significant operational growth and a stronger competitive position in the market.


Conclusion: 

​The journey of Belco Confectionery with Odoo and Taube Digital highlights the transformative impact of a well-implemented ERP system. Faced with the challenge of moving away from paper-based processes, Belco embraced Odoo's robust features with the support of Taube Digital, which provided comprehensive training and guidance. 

​The partnership with Taube Digital proved invaluable in this transition. Their knowledge in implementing Odoo ensured that Belco could harness the ERP’s full potential. Sofyan notes that Taube Digital's understanding of the trading industry and their commitment to minimize customization made them an ideal partner. With Odoo now in place, Belco Confectionery is definitely well-equipped for future growth, benefiting from improved efficiency and data-driven decision-making in a competitive market. 

Author :
Stellei Masealii | 
Head of Marketing (Intern)