Integrating Complex Product Configurations into ERP

In industries like mechanical engineering and custom industrial equipment production, no two products are exactly alike. Unlike mass production, these companies deal with unique models, special configurations, and non-standard production chains. For such businesses, a “typical” ERP often falls short.

A manufacturer of specialized industrial equipment came to OS-MENA with a critical challenge: their products were highly configurable and required custom production routes for each order.

Standard ERP solutions they had tried were too rigid. These systems were designed for uniform products, not for custom machining, multi-step assembly, and frequent design changes. Instead of supporting the business, the ERP system was getting in the way. ​

The company struggled with several issues caused by “one-size-fits-all” ERP systems:

• Rigid product templates: Standard modules didn’t reflect real-world variations in configurations.
• Disconnected operations: Custom routing and work centers couldn’t be represented correctly.
• Manual workarounds: Teams had to bypass ERP with spreadsheets to capture product specifics.
• Slowed operations: Instead of streamlining processes, the ERP introduced friction.
• Limited scalability: Each new product variation required extra administrative overhead.

OS-MENA implemented and tailored Odoo ERP to accommodate the company’s non-standard product requirements. Instead of forcing the business to adapt to the software, we made the software adapt to the business.

Key modules and configurations included:

• Odoo Product Configurator: To manage complex and custom product variants.
• Odoo Manufacturing (MRP): Configured with flexible routings and work centers to reflect unique production chains.
• Odoo BOM (Bill of Materials): Dynamic and multi-level BoMs adapted for each configuration.
• Odoo PLM (Product Lifecycle Management): Managed engineering changes, design versions, and product updates seamlessly.
• Custom Workflows: Adjusted logic and automation rules to align ERP with real operational needs.
• Business Analyst Support: OS-Mena consultants worked closely with production managers to ensure ERP reflected the company’s true processes.

The impact was immediate and significant:

• ERP that fits the product: The system reflected reality, rather than forcing teams into rigid workflows.
• Fewer workarounds: No more reliance on spreadsheets — everything tracked inside ERP.
• Faster operations: Teams saved time by working in one unified platform.
• Transparency: Managers gained visibility into costs, processes, and changes, even for unique products.
• Scalability: The company could add new product models without disrupting ERP.

At OS-MENA, we specialize in helping manufacturers with non-standard, configurable products adapt ERP to their real needs. With Odoo’s modular flexibility and our customization expertise, your ERP becomes a tool that supports operations instead of blocking them.