DRAMS: A Legacy of Innovation in Spirits Management
For over 50 years, DRAMS has been the trusted software solution for distilleries and mature spirits producers worldwide. From its humble beginnings in 1974 as a punch-card system to today’s sophisticated web application, DRAMS has continually evolved to meet the needs of an ever-changing industry. Now, in 2025, we are excited to launch DRAMS 5, our latest and most advanced solution — designed to revolutionise how our customers manage maturing bulk inventory.
This article reveals how DRAMS has evolved to meet the changing needs of distillers through the past four iterations of DRAMS and explores the next generation of inventory management with DRAMS 5.
The Evolution of DRAMS: 1974–2025
DRAMS 1 (1974): The Beginning of Computerised Inventory Management
The first version of DRAMS was developed by Grampian Computers to serve the needs of the spirits industry, specifically for Invergordon Distillers. Running on a punch-card system on an ICL 1900, it was a pioneering step in computerised stock control. Though limited in scope, it laid the groundwork for future versions of maturing inventory management.
DRAMS 2 (1983): Transition to the HP3000
As technology advanced, DRAMS was redeveloped for HP3000 systems in 1983. This upgrade brought greater processing power and efficiency, allowing distillers like Whyte & Mackay to adopt the platform. It marked a significant step toward a more scalable and accessible inventory management system.
DRAMS 3 (1998): The Move to Windows
With the rise of graphical user interfaces, DRAMS took a major leap forward in 1998 by launching DRAMS for Windows. This version, developed in partnership with Whyte & Mackay, introduced user-friendly navigation for its time, improved data visibility, and potential for integration with financial systems.
DRAMS 4 (2002–2021): Expanding Capabilities and Global Reach
DRAMS 4, first introduced in 2002, marked the most substantial expansion of the platform. Over the years, it evolved to support multiple spirit types for distillers across the globe, including whisk(e)y, rum, tequila, and cognac.
Key milestones during the DRAMS 4 lifecycle included:
- 2006: Introduction of Cased and Dry Goods modules enabling tracking of materials used during the bottling process; including cased stock, labels and packaging materials.
- 2010: Expansion into the Bourbon industry following the acquisition of Wild Turkey by Campari.
- 2011–2015: Further enhancements for rum and tequila production in Mexico and the Caribbean.
- 2014–2019: Development of new modules into the DRAMS product range; DRAMS Scan, Long-Term Planning, Wood Management, and DRAMS BI.
By 2021, DRAMS 4 had become a globally recognised platform, supporting some of the world’s most recognisable spirits producers.
Driven by our commitment to evolve alongside our customers’ needs, we began laying the groundwork for a modernised, web-based platform—leading to the development of DRAMS 5.
DRAMS 5: The Future of Spirits Inventory Management
In 2025, we are proud to launch DRAMS 5, an enhanced version of our platform that builds on the powerful features of DRAMS 4 into a redesigned user interface. Built with the needs of modern distillers in mind, DRAMS 5 delivers enhanced flexibility and efficiency, allowing customers to seamlessly manage their bulk barrel inventory with ease and precision.
Why DRAMS 5?
Built on over 50 years of industry expertise and customer-driven innovation, DRAMS 5 offers unmatched flexibility, streamlined workflows, and powerful insights to help distilleries operate more efficiently.
While DRAMS 5 introduces a redesigned user interface and new features, we have remained committed to preserving the core features and functionality that made DRAMS 4 a success. We understand the importance of continuity in the distillery management process, which is why every new enhancement in DRAMS 5 has been carefully developed to complement and improve upon the established system. Through continuous customer feedback and rigorous testing, we ensure that the integrity of DRAMS 4 is maintained while evolving the platform to meet the future needs of our customers. This balance allows distilleries to transition seamlessly to DRAMS 5 without sacrificing the reliability and performance they’ve come to trust.
Key Features & Benefits of DRAMS 5
✅ Modern, Intuitive User Interface
DRAMS 5 has been designed with usability at its core, offering a streamlined interface that makes navigation, data entry, and reporting faster and easier. The system provides an improved user experience by:
- Simplifying navigation to quickly access key information.
- Enhancing data entry efficiency for greater productivity.
- Offering customizable reports and dashboards to match user preferences.
✅ Enhanced Data & Workflow Management
DRAMS 5 introduces:
- More flexible transaction entry with improved bulk-processing capabilities.
- Advanced workflow, further reducing manual processes, improving inventory movement tracking and optimising operational performance.
- Integrated operations dashboards, providing real-time insights into inventory.
✅ Future-Proof Scalability
Built on modern web architecture, DRAMS 5 is designed to grow with your business, ensuring long-term value and easy adaptation to industry changes.
The Journey to DRAMS 5: 2021–2025
The development of DRAMS 5 has been a multi-year effort, shaped by continuous feedback from our global customer network.
📍 2021: Initial planning and requirements gathering, incorporating industry insights.
📍 2022: Prototype development, focusing on a modern web-based structure.
📍 2023: Full-scale development, migrating core functionalities and enhancing security.
📍 2024: Customer workshops and beta testing, refining the platform based on real-world usage.
📍 2025: Official launch in Q2, with customers beginning their migration to DRAMS 5.
Don’t Miss Out – Get in Touch Today!
Whether you’re an existing customer looking to transition seamlessly or a new customer in search of a powerful, scalable solution, why not explore how DRAMS 5 can enhance your business?
Contact us today to learn more about migration options, schedule a demo, or speak with our team about how DRAMS 5 can optimise your inventory management processes.
The future of inventory management is here. Are you ready?
