As part of DRAMS’ 50th Anniversary celebrations, we’re featuring Douglas Harvie, Senior Software Developer and a core member of our team since 2001. Douglas’ extensive experience has been instrumental in shaping DRAMS’ evolution and ensuring our solutions meet the ever-changing needs of spirit producers around the world.
1. Can you introduce yourself, share some details of your experiences?
I started at Grampian Software in 2001, back when DRAMS was just a small part of the business. At first, I worked on a product for another customer, Richard Irvin. Things changed when one of the original owners retired, and DRAMS was sold to Trapeze. That’s when I transitioned to working on DRAMS full-time.
When I started, I didn’t know anything about whisky production or the spirits industry. It was all new to me. Visiting distilleries and seeing the production process firsthand really helped me understand what our customers needed from the software. It was an invaluable learning experience and something I think every team member should have the chance to do.
2. What is your favourite drink?
Over the years, I’ve been a fan of Highland whisky, but lately, I’ve taken a liking to rum. It’s great to try something different and explore new flavours.
3. What is the most enjoyable aspect of your current role at DRAMS?
I love the problem-solving aspect of my role. When a customer comes to us with specific requirements, I enjoy working through them, creating a specification, and delivering the solution. It’s satisfying to see the end result and know that what we’ve built makes their work easier.
I also really enjoy the collaborative environment. Working with the team, bouncing ideas around, and finding innovative solutions together keeps things exciting.
4. How has your role at DRAMS evolved since you first joined, and what would you consider to have been some of your key learning experiences?
The biggest change has been the growth of the team. When I first joined, there was just one consultant working alongside me on implementations. Now we have a full team of consultants, which allows us to better serve our customers and their unique needs.
One of the most significant learning experiences for me was working with our first bourbon client. They had unique processes and measurements that were completely different from what we were used to with Scotch whisky. That project taught us a lot and opened the door to the American market. Every project like that expands our understanding and helps us improve our product.
5. Can you share a memorable moment or milestone you experienced at DRAMS that resonates with you, especially as we celebrate our 50th anniversary?
When I started, we had about eight customers. Now, DRAMS is the recommended solution for some of the biggest names in the industry. Every time one of these large groups buys a new distillery and implements DRAMS as their standard solution, it feels like a win. For a small company in Scotland to earn that level of trust is something I’m really proud of.
6. What would you consider to be DRAMS biggest successes/achievements in the time that you’ve worked for the company?
One of the biggest achievements has been seeing DRAMS grow from a small add-on product to a core solution that we actively invest in. When I first joined, we only developed DRAMS when a client paid for specific work. Today, we’re constantly innovating and moving the product forward.
Another major success has been the shift to a dedicated sales team. In the early days, most of our sales came through word of mouth. Now, we have a team actively bringing in new clients from different spirit categories and geographies. It’s incredible to see how much we’ve grown.
7. Can you share a specific challenge you faced in your role and the solution you and your team implemented to overcome it?
One of the most challenging projects I’ve worked on involved a client with a unique barrel-filling process. They weighed barrels both empty and full, which wasn’t something we’d encountered before. We had to figure out how to integrate this into DRAMS and ensure accurate calculations for Proof Gallons. It was a complex problem, but working through it with the team was incredibly rewarding.
8. Can you share a memorable experience where you directly impacted a customer’s success story?
One of the first major implementations I worked on in the U.S. really stands out. I collaborated closely with a client who provided us with detailed information, which made the process much smoother. That relationship has lasted for years, and it’s rare to have that kind of ongoing connection. It’s something I truly value.
9. One of DRAMS Core Values is ‘Customer Focus:
“We listen to our customers, recommending solutions that best meet their needs and delivering beyond their expectations.”
How do you see this value integrated into the day-to-day activities of DRAMS?
Customer focus is central to everything we do. Sometimes, customers don’t fully know what they need, and it’s our job to help them figure it out. Through collaboration and continuous communication, we can deliver solutions that truly meet their needs.
For new team members, we provide extensive training materials to help them understand the bigger picture, not just their specific role. This approach ensures that everyone is equipped to deliver the best outcomes for our customers.
10. What other values and principles do you believe have been fundamental to DRAMS’ success, and how do these values guide your work every day?
Ownership and honesty are critical. Mistakes happen, but it’s important to own up to them, learn from them, and focus on fixing them. This approach builds trust with both customers and the team.
There’s also a strong culture of support at DRAMS. Even when we’re busy, everyone makes time to help each other. That spirit of collaboration is a big part of what makes us successful.
11. In your opinion, what sets DRAMS apart as a solutions partner, and how does the team ensure ongoing value for our customers?
Our deep industry knowledge and ability to adapt to customer needs set us apart. We don’t just offer a one-size-fits-all product; we work closely with each customer to ensure our solution fits their specific requirements.
We’re also constantly improving. Whether it’s developing new features or refining existing ones, we’re always looking for ways to deliver more value. It’s about building long-term relationships and helping our customers succeed.
