Always Affordable, Always Available Locksmith LTD, a Canadian locksmith service provider, has transformed how it manages field operations, customer requests, and internal workflows using Odoo. By replacing disconnected systems with an integrated platform, the company improved visibility, reduced revenue loss, and increased responsiveness. This customer story shows how a growing locksmith business uses Odoo to centralize operations and support scalable service delivery.
About the Company
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Always Affordable, Always Available Locksmith LTD operates in the locksmith and security services industry, serving both residential and commercial customers. With approximately 20 users, the company combines technical expertise with a strong focus on customer service and operational efficiency.
From its early days, the company differentiated itself through a strategic market approach. Instead of competing directly in the crowded commercial segment, it focused on residential customers, an underserved market at the time. This positioning allowed the company to build trust at the household level and naturally expand into commercial services.
"We groomed our name and our advertising to be more in tune with the residential market… and then naturally expanded into commercial work through those same customers."
This strategy, combined with a problem-solving mindset, continues to define the company’s growth.
Before Odoo: Manual Data Transfers and Limited System Visibility
Before adopting Odoo, the company relied on multiple disconnected tools to manage its operations. These included High Five Software for field service management, spreadsheets for customer tracking, and QuickBooks for accounting.
While each platform served a specific purpose, data had to be manually transferred between systems, creating inefficiencies and increasing the risk of errors. “We had a lot of different platforms trying to accomplish different tasks, and the communication between those platforms was non-existent,” says Alderman.
This fragmentation led to operational issues, particularly in inventory tracking and invoicing. Products were sometimes installed without being properly billed, and invoices could be missed. Email-based communication also created bottlenecks, as information was not always accessible across teams.
Operational Impact: Field Service Management, CRM, and Inventory Tracking with Odoo
The company implemented Odoo approximately five years ago while searching for a more unified system. Although the exact discovery moment is unclear, the decision was driven by the need to centralize operations and eliminate inefficiencies caused by fragmented tools.
"We can actually respond to clients’ needs a lot quicker than we were before."
One of the most significant improvements came from using Helpdesk to manage incoming requests. The company now handles a high volume of tickets through a centralized system, ensuring that each request is properly routed and tracked. Compared to email-based communication, this approach improves visibility and response times.
With Odoo Field Service, customer requests can be seamlessly converted into field tasks. This enables efficient technician dispatching and ensures continuity between customer intake and service execution. The integration reduces manual coordination and supports smoother operations.
Odoo Sales and Invoicing have addressed previous billing challenges. Before Odoo, missed or improperly processed invoices resulted in lost revenue. Now, sales orders, invoices, and payments are connected within a single workflow, improving accuracy and financial control.
Inventory tracking with Odoo has also improved significantly. Products used during service operations are now properly recorded and linked to jobs and invoices, eliminating gaps that previously led to unbilled materials.
On the procurement side, Purchase supports supplier management and plays a critical role in the company’s multi-company structure. The business operates multiple entities, including a wholesale distribution company. With Odoo, creating a purchase order in one company automatically generates a corresponding sales order in another, reducing duplication and saving time.
Internal communication has been streamlined through features like log notes and chatter. Teams can collaborate directly within records such as tickets and invoices. For example, when a payment is received, a confirmation can be attached to the invoice, instantly notifying relevant teams and enabling faster order processing.
Overall, these operational improvements have translated into measurable efficiency gains. “It’s anywhere between 30 and 35%. We’re a lot more efficient now,” says Alderman.
Next phase of growth powered by Odoo
Looking ahead, the company is focusing on integrating AI-driven capabilities to further automate operations. A key initiative involves connecting external AI tools with Odoo to streamline customer interactions and internal workflows.
"We’re taking it to another level where AI can create the client, generate the helpdesk ticket, and even dispatch the job."
In parallel, the company is expanding its SEO strategy across Canada and continuing to explore additional Odoo functionalities, including its evolving AI features.
As the business grows across multiple entities, Odoo remains central to its operations, enabling scalability through its integrated and multi-company architecture. Interested in improving field service management, inventory tracking, and customer operations? Contact Odoo to discover how an integrated platform can support your growth.
