Getting known how Bourbon, a global offshore maritime services provider, overcame operational inefficiencies and compliance challenges by implementing a custom Odoo ERP. Through digitized cargo tracking, automated manifest generation, and real-time stock visibility, Bourbon streamlined its logistics operations and reinforced its position as an industry leader.
Company Name: Bourbon
Industry: Offshore Oil & Gas Logistics
Location: France
Company Size: 5,982 employees
Current Scale: Leading global maritime services provider for the offshore energy sector
Time of Implementation: 6 months
Systems Implemented: Inventory, Sales & Work Order, Project Management, Maintenance, Custom CARGO Module.
As a key player in offshore maritime services, Bourbon supports some of the largest oil and gas companies in managing complex onshore and offshore logistics. However, with increasing industry demands and regulatory requirements, Bourbon’s reliance on Excel sheets and paper-based documentation became a significant bottleneck.
Without a modern digital system, Bourbon struggled to efficiently track parts, justify logistics activities, and ensure compliance with stringent maritime regulations. The need for automation and real-time visibility was urgent to maintain their position as a leading provider in the industry.
By partnering with Portcities, a leading Odoo implementation expert, Bourbon successfully modernized its operations. By integrating a customized Odoo ERP system, the company now benefits from a streamlined workflow, enhanced compliance, and greater operational efficiency—positioning Bourbon at the forefront of offshore logistics innovation.
Manual Processes, Compliance Risks & Delays: The Urgent Need for Change
Operating in the offshore industry means adhering to strict Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) regulations while maintaining seamless logistics. Bourbon faced several key challenges:
- Limited Visibility – Tracking parts and cargo movements manually led to inefficiencies and errors.
- Compliance Risks – Producing legally required shipping manifests was time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies.
- Disjointed Processes – Teams relied on outdated spreadsheets and paper records, slowing down decision-making.
- Inefficient Resource Allocation – Ensuring the right parts reached the right vessels at the right time was a major logistical hurdle.
Addressing these challenges was critical for Bourbon to maintain its competitive edge and continue providing reliable and efficient services to its clients in the offshore oil and gas industry.
Bridging the Gaps: Bourbon’s Digital Makeover With Odoo
Recognizing Bourbon’s need for a tailored solution, Portcities implemented a comprehensive Odoo ERP system, designed to optimize offshore logistics while ensuring compliance and efficiency.
1. Custom Cargo Management Module (CARGO)
Bourbon required a system that could track and manage cargo movements between oil platforms and Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs). Portcities developed CARGO, a fully customized module integrated with Odoo, enabling:
- Real-time tracking of shipments and equipment locations
- Seamless management of arrivals, departures, and estimated times of arrival (ETAs)
- Automated generation of legally compliant "manifests" for each voyage ensuring full compliance with maritime regulations.
2. Visual Stock Management on OSVs
To enhance operational efficiency, we designed a visual stock management interface that allows crane operators and vessel captains to locate equipment instantly. This feature significantly improved loading and unloading operations.
3. Integrated ERP Modules for Logistics Optimization
Several Odoo modules were implemented to unify Bourbon’s logistics operations:
- Inventory Management – Optimized stock control across onshore and offshore locations.
- Sales & Work Orders – Automated work orders and streamlined order processing.
- Project Management – Ensured transparency in logistics planning and execution.
- Maintenance – Proactive equipment management, reducing downtime and increasing reliability.
By closely collaborating with Bourbon's internal team, particularly the Product Owner, Portcities ensured that the Odoo solution was tailored to the company's unique needs and fully adopted by the workforce.
Bourbon’s New Reality: Smarter Logistics, Seamless Execution
The results of Bourbon’s digital transformation were immediate and substantial:
- Improved Tracking Accuracy – Digital tracking provided increased visibility into parts and equipment status, substantially reducing errors and delays in stock managemen.
- Boosted Client Confidence – Greater transparency and traceability of logistics activities boosted Bourbon's credibility with clients and improved their ability to meet customer requirements.
- Streamlined Operations – Automating repetitive tasks and reducing manual data entry led to significant time savings and improved overall productivity.
- Enhanced Operational – Digital workflows improved scheduling and resource allocation, reducing waiting times and increasing operational efficiency.
- Assure Regulatory Compliance – Automated generation of "manifests" ensured perfect adherence to maritime regulations, eliminating compliance risks.
Still Trapped in Spreadsheets? It’s Time to Go Digital!
Bourbon's journey shows how the right Odoo solution can transform large-scale operations—replacing manual tracking with real-time visibility and automation.
Facing similar challenges with complex logistics or compliance requirements? Contact Portcities to discover how a tailored Odoo ERP can streamline your operations.