Custom Machine Builder ICS Transforms Operations with Customized Odoo ERP Solution
“Our engagement with Novobi was quite broad because we brought everything about our business onto the one platform and asked them to develop the engineer-to-order features from scratch.”
Andy Wilcox
President – Inline Cleaning Systems
Client : Inline Cleaning Systems (ICS) / EIS Machine LLC
Industry : Industrial Manufacturing
Location : Lafayette, IN
Team Size : 40 employees
The Challenge
As the owner of Inline Cleaning Systems (ICS), EIS Machine, and Rando Machine, Andy Wilcox faced a critical business challenge that many custom manufacturers know all too well. His company builds specialized machines for automotive, aerospace, and various industrial applications. Each project is unique and requires precise cost tracking across inventory parts, custom components, labor time, and outside services.
“We’ve had larger project quotes for multiple machines where we needed a high degree of confidence in what it would take to actually sell that order and build those machines,” explains Wilcox. “Before, we would have been hesitant and maybe would have lost opportunities because we didn’t feel confident about our bids.”
The company’s 20+-year-old legacy Engineer-to-Order (ETO) system hindered their progress. The outdated platform lacked affordable support and cloud hosting capabilities, making it nearly impossible to export information without incurring costly custom reports. With a second site to integrate and inefficient payroll processes that required third-party applications, ICS needed a complete transformation.
The Solution
After evaluating multiple ERP options and Odoo developers, ICS chose Novobi for its deep understanding of both the Odoo ERP platform and manufacturing processes. “We looked at 3 or 4 other Odoo developers, and no one took as much time as Novobi,” Wilcox recalls. “No one really went into the same depth of understanding of what we really need.”
Novobi implemented a comprehensive Odoo solution featuring eight integrated apps: Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Inventory, Purchase, Payroll, Accounting, and Attendance.
The implementation included:
– Cloud-based system accessible from any location
– SolidWorks CAD import functionality
– Customized time-tracking system
– Streamlined communication between inventory, manufacturing, design data, and job costs
– Enhanced traceability throughout the manufacturing process
The Novobi Process
The Results
The transformation has been remarkable. With complete visibility into project costs, ICS now approaches large quotes with confidence. “Having that data accessible gave us a lot more confidence in where we could go,” says Wilcox.
The comprehensive tracking system captures every detail: “Everything we buy, we enter into Odoo, so we really have complete history on each part—where we bought it from, how much it cost over time, different pricing.” This visibility has removed the constant fear of missing crucial cost components. Most importantly, accurate data enables precise project quoting. “I can accurately quote the next project. I’m not going to quote it too high or too low. That’s critical for us as a custom machine builder.”
Looking Forward
ICS plans to further automate its processes by directly integrating CAD system data into its ERP. This will allow engineers to focus on creative, high-value work rather than manual data entry.
“Of all the reasons we chose Novobi and what has made it successful over the last six years, it’s truly their willingness to try something new and invest the time to create something that works exceptionally well,” concludes Wilcox.
The partnership with Novobi has transformed not just their operations but also their confidence in pursuing complex and profitable projects.
About Client
Inline Cleaning Systems (ICS), an Indiana-based industrial parts manufacturer, has been in operation for over 40 years. Specializing in conveyor and pass-through cleaning systems, ICS faced several operational challenges due to outdated technology. With a legacy system over 20 years old, the company struggled to streamline its processes and meet custom manufacturing demands for industries like automotive, aerospace, and consumer products. ICS partnered with Novobi to address these issues, utilizing the Odoo platform to optimize its engineer-to-order (ETO) workflow.
