With all the focus on the auto sector, it’s important to recognize that many family-owned businesses, or SMEs, also deserve attention. While large corporations dominate headlines, smaller businesses play a critical role in the economy. Let me share some insights from my industry to illustrate this point.
In Canada, over 70,000 companies use Odoo ERP, and approximately 75% of them have five users or fewer. This highlights a crucial fact: the majority of Odoo ERP users are small businesses, often run by individuals or families with anywhere from 1 to 100 employees. Unlike large enterprises, these businesses require software that is not only powerful but also affordable, flexible, and easy to implement. Fortunately, modern ERP solutions like Odoo are designed to meet these needs. Once properly installed and fine-tuned, they become invaluable management tools—offering flexibility, efficiency, scalability, and a strong return on investment.
Despite economic uncertainty, we are witnessing a surge in inquiries from small, family-owned businesses. Many of these companies have relied for years on Excel spreadsheets and traditional QuickBooks accounting, manually managing every aspect of their operations without feeling the need for a more advanced system. But two recent conversations stood out to me.
One was with a potential client in the accessibility and mobility equipment industry. They had two U.S.-based suppliers and had long recognized the need for an ERP system but kept postponing the decision, believing their supply chain was simple and manageable. However, with recent disruptions, they can no longer competitively source from their only two suppliers. Now, they anticipate government assistance and incentives—similar to the COVID-era initiatives—and want to be ready to take full advantage of these programs.
The second conversation was with an existing client using Odoo ERP. They run a security system supply and service business with 20 employees, an annual turnover of approximately CA$5M, and more than 10,000 products. They recently needed to incorporate tariffs into their invoices and bills. Thanks to Odoo’s flexibility, the entire setup and transition took under 30 minutes. The impact was immediate and seamless—an illustration of how adaptable ERP solutions can make businesses more resilient in times of change.
Both interactions highlight a growing realization—businesses that once resisted change are now recognizing that staying competitive requires more than just hard work. It demands the right tools for efficiency, adaptability, and long-term success.
With shifting trade policies and increasing tariffs, the road ahead may seem uncertain. But could this also be an opportunity for smaller companies to compete and fill market gaps? Is it time for businesses to break free from outdated systems and habits that keep them tied down?