Armoires AD Plus upgrades their manufacturing process with low-code

The company

Armoires AD Plus (AD+) is a family-owned Quebec-based company specializing in designing, manufacturing, and installing custom kitchen and bathroom cabinets, with almost three decades of experience. Their team of 125 skilled professionals share a passion for innovative and customized solutions that cater to the unique needs of their customers. Over the years, AD+ has grown significantly, expanding to multiple shops and a production plant.

Founder Maurice Gilbert and his daughter Dany Gilbert, who now runs the business, have instilled an unwavering commitment to quality, with complete control over their manufacturing process.

In order to understand the challenges faced by AD+, it's essential to know how unique the company's processes are.

The problem

AD+ faced significant challenges prior to Zoho Creator. With separate processes for purchasing raw materials, product design, and installation, the need for integration was essential. The management of raw materials was previously done on ERP software, which was interconnected with their design software, but not with production, which led to inventory errors.

Additionally, crucial files and information was scattered, with spreadsheets and emails used to track orders and customer appointments. But with applications not tailored to their requirements, and communication between modules impossible, AD+ faced further delays and confusion. This siloed approach resulted in miscommunication and missed opportunities.

The turning point for AD+ in overcoming their struggles was when they met BSP, a seasoned Zoho Creator partner organization. As a consulting services provider since 2007, BSP provided AD+ with personalized support and an in-depth analysis of Zoho's potential for addressing their sector-specific needs—and which had the Zoho Creator platform at its core.

The solution

For AD+, implementing new processes and tools was going to take a lot of work. But they understood the importance of getting everyone on board, so they took a careful and considered approach.

Their journey began with a series of training sessions provided by BSP. The aim was not just to teach the team how to use Zoho Creator but to create a culture within the company that would facilitate the integration of new software tools. The training was a success, and everyone quickly began to see the new system's benefits.

The integration capability of Zoho Creator was the gateway to AD+'s digital transformation. The company's ERP system for managing raw materials was integrated with Zoho Creator, and a simplified interface was developed to connect the production and commercial aspects of the process.

When designs are created on the company's design software, it's now communicated to the production team via a submission form. The Blueprint component of Zoho Creator facilitates communication between each team, streamlining the process and ensuring each activity is validated. This approach brings structure and organization to the production process, ultimately helping AD+ to operate more efficiently and effectively.

In addition, the adoption of Zoho CRM has also been a game-changer for the company. It has allowed them to centralize technical and commercial data, resulting in a clear structure and better allocation of resources.

Benefits & ROI

The implementation of Zoho Creator in 2018 allowed AD+ to experience significant turnover growth, with an initial increase of 13%. This growth can be attributed to the time saved by employees, who can now focus on important tasks.

By using a single solution throughout the company, collaborative working has been promoted, and employees now have access to real-time information from their computers and phones.

This has simplified and helped categorize the entire process, from ordering to production and delivery, leading to better structure and defined roles for each person. Thanks to Zoho Creator and its flexible integrations, AD+ has continued to improve its operations and employee experience.

Looking forward

AD+ is continuing its efforts to streamline its operations and expand its use of Zoho Creator. Their planned supplier portal, for instance, will be a valuable addition to the company's procurement process, further simplifying the purchase of raw materials.

Creator's flexibility allows AD+ to develop specific modules as needed, making it an ideal tool for projects of any size. Overall, AD+'s adoption of Zoho solutions has brought significant benefits in productivity, collaboration, and business growth. It will be exciting to see how the company continues to leverage these tools for future success.