Invent Design Beheer B.V., known as OneEightyOne (181), is an Amsterdam-based company specialising in dynamic and custom light systems. They design and supply lighting for a wide range of sectors: architectural facade lighting for hotels, video lighting systems for exhibitions, linear and concealed lighting for offices and retail environments.
Their product range runs from direct view LED displays and linear lighting profiles to complete bespoke light systems and installation components — drivers, power supplies, cabling and mounting profiles. Alongside off-the-shelf products sold via a webshop, OneEightyOne also executes bespoke lighting commissions for architects, project developers and clients in hospitality and retail.
The combination of product sales via a webshop and project-based work demands a system that handles both streams: inventory and component management for standard products, and project administration that gives clear visibility into the progress and profitability of each installation commission.
The challenge
OneEightyOne was working with separate systems for product sales, inventory and project administration. The webshop had no direct link to the stock of lighting components. Bespoke commissions were tracked via spreadsheets and email — without an integrated view of project status, associated purchases or invoicing progress. They needed a single platform integrating both business streams.
The approach
We are implementing Odoo in phases at OneEightyOne. CRM and sales went live first; the remaining modules are being rolled out step by step.
CRM and sales
The commercial processes are in place: quotes, orders, customer management and sales reporting all run through Odoo. The sales team has full visibility into the pipeline and the complete order history per customer.
Purchasing, inventory and barcodes
Purchasing and inventory are managed from Odoo. Lighting components — LED modules, drivers, profiles, cabling — are registered with barcodes. Products are scanned on receipt for immediate stock updates. Labels are printed via the integrated printer infrastructure.
Manufacturing and bills of materials
The manufacturing module manages the assembly of light systems. Bills of materials define which components are required per product or system. Production orders are created from sales orders and tracked through to completion.
Project management for bespoke commissions
Alongside standard products, OneEightyOne carries out bespoke lighting projects for clients in hospitality, architecture and retail. The Projects module brings structure to these engagements: from quote and task planning through time registration, delivery and invoicing. This makes it possible to track profitability per project and assign tasks to team members.
eCommerce
The webshop runs on the Odoo eCommerce platform. Standard products are ordered directly through the shop, connected to inventory and the warehouse.
Accounting
Accounting connects to all operational processes — invoices, debtors, creditors and financial reporting all run through Odoo.
Results
OneEightyOne is building step by step towards one integrated platform for product sales, warehouse management, project administration and accounting. CRM and sales are live. The remaining modules are being added in phases, ensuring each is properly configured before the next stage begins.
Read more: Odoo for manufacturing · All cases