Articles
Articles
Benefits of Scanning Solutions for Distillery Barrel Management and Warehousing
Distilleries are embracing technology to enhance efficiency and streamline operations. Barrel Scanning solutions are one such technology solution which is growing in popularity, simplifying barrel management processes whilst allowing for greater flexibility and...
The Challenges of an Overdependence on Spreadsheets in Distillery Reporting
Spreadsheets are probably one of the most used business tools around the world. From finance and accounting to inventory forecasting, contract management, human resource allocation or basic admin, organisations in every industry have found a use for spreadsheets in...
10 Million Barrels of Bourbon Ageing in Kentucky
The Bourbon Boom 95% of the world’s supply of bourbon originates in Kentucky, and as of 2021, the number of bourbon barrels currently ageing in distillery warehouses across the state surpassed 10 million. In 2020 the industry also set new production records filling...
Introducing Gillian, DRAMS Implementation Consultant
Introducing Gillian Thom, DRAMS Implementation Consultant. Having recently joined the DRAMS team, Gillian answers some questions about her time so far with DRAMS. Gillian, welcome to DRAMS. You’ve had a few months to settle into the role now, how have you found it?...
Introducing DRAMS Service Delivery Manager
Introducing Frank McNeil, the new DRAMS Service Delivery Manager. Having recently joined the DRAMS team, Frank answers some questions about his time so far with DRAMs and his plans for the Professional Services team. Frank, welcome to DRAMS. You’ve had a few weeks to...
Video: Updates to DRAMS TTB Reporting Features
During the 2021 DRAMS User Group we demoed a number of product updates and feature enhancements. A full summary of the new features added to the core DRAMS system can be found here. As part of these announcements, we included an update to the DRAMS TTB reporting...
Introducing DRAMS New Product Manager
Introducing Hayley McMinn, the new DRAMS Product Manager. Recently promoted from within the DRAMS team, Hayley has a clear vision for the future of the DRAMS system and the ongoing development of our product range. Having settled into her new role, Hayley shares some...
2021 User Group Announcement: Updated Features in Core DRAMS
During this year’s DRAMS User Group we demoed a number of product updates and feature enhancements. A full summary of the new features added to the core DRAMS system can be found below. For more information about these updates or to request training on a particular...
2010-2020: A Decade of Growth, Challenge and Opportunity for Irish Whiskey
The question of where whisk(e)y truly originates has been long debated. But regardless of whether it was the Scots or the Irish who first distilled the "water of life", it is undeniable that both nations have a long and proud history of producing the spirit. Despite...
Gamification: A growing trend in warehousing industries
As a complex operation with many moving parts, it’s no surprise that most warehouses are on an ongoing mission to maximise productivity. Optimising workflows, introducing automated processes, and reducing the amount of time and resources wasted are all part and parcel...
Introducing the latest DRAMS Module: DRAMS Business Intelligence
The DRAMS system is a treasure trove of distillery data. Every day, barrel loads of information are created and recorded within the system: data which is essential for understanding current business performance and for planning for the future. But even with the...
Custom ERP functionality for Distillery Management: Is it worth it?
When speaking with prospective customers, we occasionally hear of the organisation's existing ERP solution as a possible reason not to invest in DRAMS. This viewpoint betrays a misconception regarding what precisely a tailored distillery management solution does, and...
Long-Term Planning: Balancing Today’s Inventory with Tomorrow’s Forecast
Up until very recently, the global demand for mature spirits was booming, with demand outstripping supply in many cases. Recently, however, the global pandemic has interrupted many of the world's industries and supply chains, creating a degree of market uncertainty...
The Innovation Myth
(This article first appeared in Brewer and Distiller International, August 2019) The popular vision of innovation – picture the solitary genius dreaming up the ideas that will transform the world – is a romantic myth. In reality the great works of Darwin and Einstein...
An Interview with… Christine Leggat, Inver House Distillers
Christine Leggat is a DRAMS Superuser for Inver House Distillers, where she works as Stock Controller at their Airdrie plant. She has been with the company since 2006 and has been working with DRAMS since it was installed in 2012. Can you tell us how you use DRAMS in...
The Modern Master Blender
Brendan Flood, Director of Distillery Systems at DRAMS, explores the changing role of master blenders in today’s competitive market While many whisky drinkers like to imagine that their dram has been produced with strict adherence to centuries of tradition, in...
An Interview with… Ron Welsh, Beam Suntory
We were delighted when Beam Suntory master blender and strategic inventory manager Ron Welsh agreed to have a chat with us. Not only is Ron great company; he’s also fascinating to talk with due to his vast industry experience and the high level of strategic focus...
The DRAMS Solution Sheet
DRAMS – The Complete Bulk Stock Distillery Management Solution The movement and storage of maturing spirit inventory is a process with a number of unique challenges which standard stock control packages cannot address. DRAMS has been specifically developed to meet...
Is RFID the future for distillery barrel management?
(This article by DRAMS' Director Brendan Flood first appeared as a LinkedIn post) Scanning the horizon: Is RFID the future for distillery barrel management? Have barcodes officially had their day? Long established as the default solution for...
Key Question: How to manage distillery cask movements
In order for spirits distilleries to run effective, profitable businesses, warehouse managers must be able to manage distillery cask movements efficiently and effectively. Yet when these managers are responsible for the movements of thousands of casks, manually...
Key Question: How to manage spirit recipes and ingredients
The Challenge In order for producers of spirits to consistently meet targets in line with their long-term production plans, they need to effectively manage their component spirit recipes and ingredients in order to create the necessary blends of their spirits. Recipes...
Key Question: How to keep track of distillery stocks
In order for producers of spirits to consistently produce high-quality spirits, managers must be able to track distillery stocks and effectively handle the holding of all cased stock from its initial filling or receipt until it is removed from the warehouse or...
Key Question: How to find the right distillery software supplier
In this article we look at the key questions you must ask - and get the answers to - if you want to find the best distillery software supplier for you, your operation and your company. In the spirits industry, one of the main constants is change. Those in...
Effective long-term planning in the distillery industry
A taste for the future The typical image of the distillery industry, steeped in history and tradition, is not immediately associated with modern technology and digital innovation. Yet distilleries operate in a landscape of continual change, facing simultaneous...