Client: Avante Security Inc.
Industry: Private Security & Surveillance
Employees: ~100
Headquarters: Toronto, Canada
Project Duration: Nov 2023 – Mar 2024
Lead Partner: Syncoria Inc.
Executive Summary
Faced with fragmented systems and operational bottlenecks, Avante Security—a publicly traded provider of integrated residential and commercial security solutions—embarked on a full-scale digital transformation initiative. Syncoria was engaged to re-architect Avante’s core operating model through a unified ERP deployment, eliminating manual reconciliation across finance, CRM, and field operations. Within four months, Avante transitioned from disconnected legacy tools (Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, external payment processors, third-party FSM tools) to a seamless Odoo-based ecosystem—reducing error-prone tasks, improving time-to-invoice by 60%, and laying the foundation for margin expansion through operational leverage.
Context & Challenge
Avante Security delivers high-touch security services—ranging from live surveillance and predictive video analytics to executive protection and residential alarm response. Their high-value clientele and recurring revenue model demand operational precision and reliability.
Yet, prior to transformation:
- Systems were fragmented: CRM (Microsoft Dynamics), accounting (Business Central), and invoicing/payment systems (invoice.com) required manual reconciliation.
- Payment flows were disjointed: Credit card payments processed through invoice.com did not sync back to the ERP, causing AR inconsistencies.
- Field operations lacked visibility: Asset deployment and technician scheduling relied on spreadsheets and siloed tools.
- A failed ERP migration had already strained internal teams, and stakeholder confidence was low.
The mandate was clear: migrate to a single, scalable system without disrupting billing continuity for thousands of active subscriptions.
Solution Approach
Syncoria executed a phased ERP transformation with five primary workstreams:
- End-to-End Integration of Finance & Subscription Billing
- Migrated thousands of monthly subscriptions into Odoo with zero downtime.
- Built bi-directional API integration with invoice.com to auto-register payments within the ERP.
- Enabled smooth transition for existing customers—preserving legacy tokens and portals to avoid friction.
- Architected a future-proof pathway to migrate new customers to Stripe, with secure token storage within Odoo.
- Migrated thousands of monthly subscriptions into Odoo with zero downtime.
- Custom Field Service & Asset Management Module
- Designed a bespoke FSM-Assets module to map thousands of physical security installations to their respective service locations.
- Captured granular device-level metadata (e.g., alarm type, CCTV specs, credentials).
- Integrated with mobile portals to support real-time access for field technicians.
- Tracked service requests, installation history, and SLA compliance end-to-end.
- Designed a bespoke FSM-Assets module to map thousands of physical security installations to their respective service locations.
- Modular Expansion for Cross-Functional Departments
- Deployed Helpdesk, Inventory, Subscription, and Sales modules.
- Created role-based dashboards for finance, ops, and field teams.
- Streamlined internal workflows across customer onboarding, asset installation, invoicing, and support.
- Deployed Helpdesk, Inventory, Subscription, and Sales modules.
- Change Management & Departmental Uplift
- Orchestrated hands-on training across all departments via a “Train the Trainer” model.
- Created a central knowledge base with video walkthroughs, documentation, and troubleshooting guides.
- Enabled internal champions to drive adoption and reduce reliance on external consultants post go-live.
- Orchestrated hands-on training across all departments via a “Train the Trainer” model.
- Post-Go-Live Hypercare & Performance Stabilization
- Maintained dedicated support for the first 30 days post-launch.
- Resolved payment sync issues due to legacy customer duplication.
- Enhanced invoice templates to reflect site-specific terms, analytics services, and bundled installation costs.
- Maintained dedicated support for the first 30 days post-launch.
Metric | Post-Implementation Outcome |
Subscription Invoice Processing Time | Reduced to <48 hours per billing cycle |
Manual Payment Entries | Eliminated for 95%+ of transactions via automated sync |
System Sync Delays | Achieved real-time data synchronization across finance, CRM, and payments |
Subscription Accuracy Rate | Exceeded 99.5% accuracy on migrated and newly generated recurring invoices |
Recurring Revenue Continuity | Achieved zero disruption during go-live; seamless continuity for existing customers |
Technician Dispatch Visibility | Enabled real-time field service coordination through integrated GPS and mobile FSM dashboards |
Strategic Value Realized:
- Improved operating leverage: The same team can now support higher revenue volumes with reduced headcount expansion.
- Faster cash cycles: Accelerated invoice generation and collection due to real-time payment syncs.
- Reduced tech overhead: Replacing third-party FSM tools and consolidating into one platform is expected to yield savings in technical OPEX.
- Enhanced data governance: Single source of truth for customers, invoices, and assets.
Looking Ahead: Roadmap for Continuous Improvement
With the core ERP now stabilized, Avante is preparing for next-phase digital initiatives:
- Stripe onboarding for all new customers.
- AI integration for anomaly detection in alarm systems.
- Route optimization engine to integrate GPS data for technician dispatching (replacing 3rd-party app).
- Predictive maintenance powered by asset performance tracking.
- BI dashboards across finance, operations, and customer success.
Conclusion
The Avante Security transformation exemplifies how service businesses with field operations and subscription revenue models can unlock operating leverage and resilience through integrated ERP modernization. Syncoria's structured implementation, stakeholder alignment, and customization capabilities were instrumental in delivering a smooth transition—positioning Avante for profitable growth and innovation.