Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As DRAMS marks its 50th year, I am writing to share not just a milestone but an entire journey that has shaped our organisation.
In 1974, Grampian Software launched an inventory management solution for a Scotch distillery – the first iteration of DRAMS.
Today, DRAMS Software serves the global market, transforming the ways in which the matured spirits industry manages ageing spirit.
Throughout this half-century, our commitment to serving the needs of our customers has propelled us forward, shaping every product and service we provide.
As the Managing Director of DRAMS, it is my privilege to celebrate this remarkable milestone with you. Our golden anniversary marks not only our past successes but also our ongoing commitment to be the gold standard in spirit inventory management.
The Road Travelled: Celebrating 50 Years of Innovation
The DRAMS story has been marked by many significant milestones, and reaching this point in our journey is undoubtedly a remarkable achievement, signifying not only longevity but also the ability to adapt and thrive through changing times.
Many things have changed over the last 50 years, including the DRAMS technology! From a ‘Punch Card’ computer system with spirit inventory records shuttled up and down the country by train, DRAMS has come a long way from its original form. Three iterations of the solution later, ‘keeping up with the times’ has meant a process of continuous modernisation.
And that’s a process that is still ongoing as we undertake our latest re-platforming exercise, transitioning DRAMS from a desktop application to a web-based platform, ultimately ensuring that DRAMS continues to remain at the cutting edge of software solutions for the distilled spirits industry.
Evolution of industry requirements has also meant an ever-growing suite of DRAMS products, each developed to cater to a specific aspect of the matured spirit production process. Many of the DRAMS products have been developed in partnership with our customers, leveraging their knowledge and the experience and skills of the DRAMS team to deliver solutions that have a direct and positive impact on the way our customers do business.
The changing environment in which we operate has not only influenced the DRAMS solution, but also the very way that we do business. While we may have left the need for trains carrying inventory records behind, global air travel is now a regular feature of our interaction with our customers.
Over the past five decades, DRAMS has grown to become a globally recognised solution, expanding on the credibility we have built in the Scotch sector to service new customers in new spirit categories around the world. And while technology has advanced in ways which eliminate the need for travel, we still believe that physically witnessing and participating in our customer’s operations is a great way to build lasting partnerships.
Today, DRAMS is successfully used by producers of Scotch, Bourbon, Canadian Whisky, Irish Whiskey, Rum, Tequila, and Cognac in nine countries around the world. Each satisfied customer in a new spirit category has marked a significant milestone in the DRAMS journey – milestones of which we are particularly proud.
With Gratitude: Valuing Every Contribution
Reflecting on these past decades, it’s the collective effort, loyalty, and resilience of the DRAMS team and customers that stand out, from those who’ve been with DRAMS from the start to those who have joined us more recently. Our gratitude extends deeply to each of you.
The Team
When I joined Grampian Software in 1998 as a junior developer, I was lucky enough to spend a short time working on a previous iteration of the DRAMS application. That led to my first distillery tour on my first customer site visit. I couldn’t have imagined that, 25 years later, some of my early colleagues would still be here with me contributing to DRAMS’ success. I believe that speaks volumes about our company culture and values.
In celebrating DRAMS’ 50th anniversary, it is important to shine a light on the remarkable individuals whose dedication has profoundly influenced our path.
- Christina Weston – who I accompanied on that first distillery visit in 1998 – stands out with her impressive 42-year tenure. Having showcased exceptional dedication across various roles, her leadership now ensures that our Customer Care team’s service standards remain second to none.
- Douglas Harvie – with a quarter-century of DRAMS development under his belt, has been pivotal to our Research and Development team, contributing many of the features that our customers rely on daily.
- Hayley McMinn – as DRAMS Product Manager, has infused our product strategy with her passion and a clear vision for the future, showcasing her deep industry understanding and customer-focused approach.
While these individuals have been spotlighted for their contributions, it’s crucial to acknowledge the entire DRAMS team – past and present. Our team members are the backbone of our success. Their hard work, dedication, and shared vision for excellence have made DRAMS what it is today.
Our Customers
50 years on from that first iteration of DRAMS, I’m proud to be able to say that our very first customer remains with us to this day. This is a testament to the lasting relationships we have nurtured over the years.
In my experience, the matured spirits sector is a community of welcoming and passionate individuals who care deeply about their products and businesses. As a software supplier, being welcomed into that community has been truly rewarding.
Our customers have been more than supporters—they’ve been true partners, working with us to shape solutions that address their unique challenges. This collaboration has not only fostered long-term relationships but also driven the continuous evolution of the DRAMS product into the dynamic solution it is today.
These partnerships have cemented our reputation as a trusted provider to some of the biggest names in the spirits industry. In a close-knit industry, where referrals and recommendations carry significant weight, DRAMS is immensely grateful for our customers’ willingness to share their experiences and, in many instances, showcase their operations and the role our solution plays within them to potential DRAMS users. The community around DRAMS is undoubtedly one of our strongest assets.
Continuing the Journey: A Toast to Tomorrow
Looking to the future, we remain committed to innovation, excellence, and serving the needs of our customers. Our vision for DRAMS is to continue evolving and providing value, staying at the forefront of technological advancements, and fostering the growth of our community.
Strong customer partnerships and ongoing engagement with customers, combined with our continued sharp focus on their needs, will continue to be our approach going forward. We believe that by truly understanding the unique journeys and challenges of our clients, we can better serve them and drive mutual success.
We’re particularly excited about the upcoming launch of DRAMS 5 – our web-based platform. This marks the culmination of years of dedicated work, and we’re committed to ensuring it meets the high standards you’ve come to expect from us. It’s a significant step forward, and we’re eager to share it with you.
So, as we celebrate this 50th anniversary, I’d like to invite you all to share your stories and experiences with DRAMS on our LinkedIn page. Hearing from you, the people who have seen the evolution of DRAMS firsthand, would provide an invaluable perspective to our shared history. Your engagement and feedback are invaluable as we look forward to the next chapter of our story.
Thank you to everyone who has played a part in our journey. Thank you for your trust, your collaboration, and your support and dedication over the last fifty years.
Here’s to continuing our shared success for many years to come.
Brendan Flood
Managing Director, DRAMS Software
A Message About Growth, Innovation, and the Future
In just a few minutes, Brendan shares insights into how DRAMS has grown over the years – charting our journey from a Scotch-centric company to our current standing as a diversified leader in the spirits sector. He also offers a glimpse into the future of our company, highlighting how the upcoming Web UI migration, DRAMS 5, is set to redefine the way we serve our customers in the years ahead.
We invite you to watch the video and join us in looking ahead to the exciting opportunities and advancements on the horizon.
