Selecting the right distillery software to manage your production, inventory, and financials can be a confusing process. And once you have committed to a particular data set and have organised everything via a specific operating system – a real pain to switch between. Namely, they all rely on the integrity and accuracy of the data going in and all ask for it in slightly different ways!
However, whether you’re managing a small craft distillery or are a large, established producer, a tailored software solution that works for your needs is essential for operational efficiency and growth.
For those looking for more insight. we’ve written more about why it matters and what to look for here: The Spirit of Success: What’s IMS?
Below, we provide an overview of some of the top software solutions available globally, highlighting a few of their features, and the scalability and suitability of the product for various types of operations.
Distill x 5
Distill x 5 offers comprehensive tracking of distillation, fermentation, raw materials, and inventory management. It integrates seamlessly with Xero for accounting, making it a suitable choice for medium to large distilleries seeking an all-in-one solution for managing production and inventory.
Distill x 5 provides complete oversight of production processes, including raw material tracking, fermentation, and distillation, and is widely used across multiple countries, making it a trusted global solution.
DRAMS
DRAMS is a comprehensive spirit inventory management platform, specifically designed to manage the movement and maturation of bulk stocks in a distillery and warehousing environment.
The solution provides tools to efficiently manage bulk spirit and barrel inventory, warehouse operations, and end-product recipes. It comes with an extensive range of reports, including those required for customs and regulatory compliance. It is best suited for large distilleries managing over 1,000 casks and focusing on long-term maturation.
Their selection of add-on modules further enhances the capability of the platform in key areas of the Whisky and Rum inventory management process, including forward planning, empty wood management, barrel scanning, and advanced analytics.
Bevica
Bevica covers finance, duty calculations, supply chain management and inventory, connecting seamlessly with finance tools, online sales, and other CRM systems.
Tailored specifically for the UK market, Bevica is useful in addressing local tax and duty regulations. It has strong capabilities for managing supply chain logistics and customer relationships, making it ideal for distilleries focused on direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales.
Its unique feature set supports growth and development, helping distilleries of any size manage and gain insights from all aspects of their operations.
Vinsight
Vinsight offers production management for wineries, breweries, and distilleries, inventory tracking and D2C sales. It is compatible with WooCommerce, Shopify, and other e-commerce platforms.
Vinsight’s capabilities are broad. They include lab and observations such as chemical analysis reporting and processing recording, regulatory compliance including excise tax and traceability, procurement features like purchase ordering and drop shipment, making and production features such as operation worksheets and temperature control integration, growing management including spray diaries and growth stage tracking, robust security features with HTTPS and secure data-centres, and accessibility across multiple devices and platforms.
It also supports back-office functions like auditing, monitoring, and inventory reconciliation, logistics with multi-location awareness and bonded locations.
MasterDistiller
MasterDistiller, built upon the Odoo platform, covers all aspects of the production and maturation process and is crafted to meet the unique needs of the whisky industry. It focuses specifically on whisky production tracking, including inventory and maturation, and works with Xero for accounting purposes.
Given it’s inception and category focussed development, it is best suited for producers requiring a solution that understands the intricacies of whisky production. MasterDistiller integrates every aspect of distillery operations, from raw material and cask procurement to whisky production, maturation, vatting, bottling, sales CRM, and financial and HMRC reporting.
BrewMan
BrewMan provides inventory management and production tracking, integrating with various accounting software platforms. It is ideal for smaller distilleries, particularly those focusing on white spirits.
As a software solution, BrewMan is cost-effective and scalable, making it suitable for small-scale operations looking for affordable software that can grow with them. While is well-suited for managing production and inventory of gin, vodka or RTD’s, it is less ideal for long-term cask management.
Unleashed
Unleashed focuses on inventory management, production planning, and integration with accounting, and works well with accounting and e-commerce platforms. It is best for distilleries in growth phases seeking efficient inventory control.
As a solution, Unleashed features a user-friendly interface that makes managing raw materials and stock levels straightforward, reducing manual errors. It also offers strong integration with accounting systems, providing a seamless link between production and financial records.
Vapour
Vapour is an end-to-end distillery management solution focused on efficiency, integrating production and inventory tracking into a single system. It is suitable for distilleries needing a comprehensive, all-in-one software solution.
Vapour offers a streamlined and intuitive user experience specifically designed for distilleries and provides a comprehensive toolset for managing both production and day-to-day operations.
Catalyst ERP (NetSuite)
Bottle ERP, built on the NetSuite platform, empowers businesses by seamlessly integrating customer management, supply chain, inventory, finance, and manufacturing processes. With user-specific dashboards and customisable, automated reports, Bottle ERP ensures that management has instant access to critical information, enabling informed decision-making and fostering sustainable growth.
Its focus on user-centric design and comprehensive integration sets it apart, delivering a holistic approach to streamline business operations effectively. It is ideal for distilleries seeking a robust, scalable enterprise solution that provides holistic control over production processes, inventory, and financial management, making it perfect for distilleries requiring sophisticated capabilities and seamless scalability.
Crafted ERP
Crafted ERP is a comprehensive ERP for craft beverage producers, including sales, inventory, warehouse management, procurement, logistics, and production. It features full ERP integration with finance, inventory, production, and e-commerce.
Crafted ERP was developed by industry veterans, including head brewers, distillers, and winemakers, ensuring a deep understanding of the unique needs of craft producers. It helps improve efficiency across all business departments, from procurement to production, with automation features that reduce repetitive tasks. Crafted ERP provides real-time insights, centralising data for enhanced visibility, efficiency, and control across the operation, and is ideal for distilleries looking to drive growth and expand product offerings while using one integrated platform.
Choosing the right software for your distillery
Size & Scope
Smaller distilleries may benefit from affordable, scalable solutions which provide essential features without unnecessary complexity. For start-ups or distilleries with limited production and moving at pace, these systems offer cost-effective options that can support early growth. Just don’t forget that moving systems is challenging so keep the medium-term aspirations in mind.
Larger operations, in contrast, will find more value in comprehensive systems. Especially those with growing cask inventories. These options are well-suited to manage the complexities of scaling production, including advanced inventory management, cask ageing, and supply chain logistics, which become crucial (and very complex) as production scales.
Integration needs
Integration with other systems can be a deciding factor in choosing the right software. For example, how something dovetails into accounting software such as Xero, providing seamless integration between production data and financial management. This can help streamline processes, reduce manual work and improve accuracy.
On the other hand, integration with e-commerce platforms can make other systems an attractive choice for distilleries focusing on D2C sales, offering a unified view of sales and inventory.
Evaluate which existing systems your distillery currently uses outside of production, (be it regulatory, finance or route to market) and how well they integrate with your potential software options.
Specialisation
Different types of distilleries have unique needs, and choosing software that caters to these specific requirements can make operations significantly more efficient. For instance, whisky producers may prefer solutions that address the unique aspects of their production, such as cask management and maturation tracking. Alternatively, distilleries that manage multiple beverage types might look at something where versatility is at the core of the offering.
Look at what you are making now vs what your plans are for the future to allow yourself the room to grow within a system, rather than have to switch out as you diversify your range or change to something more specialist as you hone in your flagship spirit.
It (really) depends on YOU
Fundamentally, the best software solution for your distillery will depend on several factors, including production scale, specific requirements and desired integrations. Carefully evaluate your current systems before making any decisions. Question and fully assess your future growth plans. Truly understand your operational needs. Based on the sum of all these parts, select software that aligns well with your strategic goals.
Lastly, don’t forget that irrespective of what you chose, it’ll be your dedication to the data, from input, management to review that will allow you to enhance your efficiency. It’s only a platform, and it’s only as good as the person managing it. Pick something you are comfortable with and that you can fully commit to.
