Burchell Nursery, a family-owned business with a rich history dating back to 1942, has always prioritized growth and innovation. Specializing in almond trees and other crops, their commitment to quality sets them apart from their competitors. However, when it became evident that their software couldn't meet the needs of their growing operation, they turned to Odoo to streamline their processes and bring their systems into the future.
Founded in the heart of California, Burchell Nursery is one of the leading growers of almond trees. With a unique breeding program focused on developing self-pollinating almond varieties, they cater to a market that requires specialized knowledge and innovation. The company also grows citrus, olives, pomegranates, and other crops, which ensures resilience across diverse agricultural markets.
To date, the nursery has grown to encompass over 1,200 acres, with more than 150,000 square feet of greenhouse space dedicated to cultivation. Today, Burchell Nursery proudly sells over 3 million trees annually, serving markets across the nation. Its family-oriented values and unique in-house breeding program set it apart in a highly competitive industry.
“Our almond breeding program is one of the best in the world. We focus on developing new varieties that meet the ever-changing needs of the market. The majority of our business is almond-based, and that’s something we continue to focus on.”
The struggles faced before Odoo
Before adopting Odoo, Burchell Nursery faced numerous operational hurdles. The company’s previous system was a basic inventory software, but it didn’t offer the comprehensive tools needed to integrate accounting, sales, and other essential functions. They had to rely on additional apps for certain features, which led to inefficiencies and frustration. Mauricio recalls, “We were paying a lot of money for a system that wasn’t giving us the integration we needed. It wasn’t a full ERP system, and we knew we needed something that could streamline everything.”
They initially purchased another software, which promised a unified system, but it failed to meet their expectations. “It didn’t integrate well with the rest of our business,” Mauricio explains. “Salespeople couldn’t see inventory easily, and the management didn’t have a dashboard to monitor the business. We kept looking for a solution that would bring everything together.”
Burchell Nursery decided to look for a solution that could streamline operations across the entire business. After considering a few options, they ultimately chose Odoo due to its cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and comprehensive functionality.
"We considered a few other systems like RCO and Microsoft, but Odoo stood out. It was affordable for us and had everything we needed in one package. We didn’t want to make another mistake, so we took our time evaluating our options. Odoo offered great support and had a proven track record with similar businesses."
Bridging systems and unlocking insights
Odoo has helped Burchell Nursery streamline its operations, particularly with inventory management, allowing the system to track products and sales in real time. “Our salespeople can now access inventory from their phones, tablets, or laptops, making their jobs much easier,” Mauricio explains, noting that this is one of their wins.
Additionally, Odoo’s dashboard provides Mauricio and his team with a comprehensive overview of key metrics, making it easier to assess business performance and make informed decisions.
“Before, it was difficult to get an overview of how the business was doing. Now, we can see everything in one place, and that makes a big difference.”
The platform has also improved internal communication through Odoo’s “Discuss” app, making it easier for employees to collaborate and share information.
Odoo’s record-keeping feature has been a key asset for Burchell Nursery, providing a comprehensive way to track every action taken on orders. Whenever something happens to an order, it’s automatically recorded, and users can log notes to ensure that future team members are aware of important details. The app also allows for attaching pictures, making it easier to track the progress of projects and orders in one centralized location.
In addition, Mauricio has created a library of custom videos within Odoo, tailored to their specific business needs, such as addressing variety, size issues, and royalty concerns. By posting these videos on Odoo’s Knowledge app, he has further enhanced the flow of information within the company.
"With Discuss, Odoo has made communication much smoother within the company."
Looking ahead
Burchell Nursery plans to continue refining their use of Odoo and exploring additional ways the platform can support their operations. Mauricio is particularly excited about fully integrating the EDI system to streamline order processing with one of their key customers. “We’re still working on that, but we’re optimistic that Odoo will continue to meet our needs as we grow.”
Their next goal as a company is to develop and introduce new tree varieties that help farmers reduce costs and increase profitability. By creating products that require fewer resources, whether in terms of labor, pollination, or maintenance, the nursery aims to make farming more sustainable and efficient. One key area of focus is addressing the challenges posed by declining bee populations and increased regulatory constraints. For instance, innovations like the Shasta almond variety, which requires fewer pollinators, could offer a game-changing solution for growers. Ultimately, Burchell Nursery is committed to supporting its customers by developing products that make farming more viable and profitable.
If you’re facing challenges with your current software or looking for a more integrated solution, Odoo might be the answer you’ve been searching for. Contact Odoo today to learn how their ERP system can transform your business operations, just like it did for Burchell Nursery.
