Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Find answers to some of the commonly asked questions about DRAMS and our services below.
What is DRAMS?
DRAMS (Distillery Records & Management System) is a bulk stock control system used to record the stockholding of all spirit from its initial filling or receipt until removed from the system, either as a straight sale or into a blending or bottling operation.
DRAMS provides control over multi-location, multi-warehouse environments where stocks may belong to the holding company or to third parties. The system records all spirit movements in barrels or in bulk.
Can DRAMS be tailored to suit my specific needs?
Yes. DRAMS is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of our customers. If you have a specific requirement that is not currently catered for, we would be happy to help you address it. We have an experienced development team who will work with you to define your requirements and develop new functionality to meet the needs of your operation.
One of the benefits of being a member of the DRAMS family is that new functionality developed for one customer becomes available to the rest of the customer base as part of the DRAMS support package.
Does DRAMS interface to external systems?
Yes. DRAMS can import cask filling data from external cask filling systems, either in batch update or in real time as casks are filled. DRAMS can link to barcoding systems in order to track cask movements, store and check cask positions; and as part of a blending operation to validate casks as they are disgorged.
Can details of my stock be transferred from my old system into DRAMS?
Yes. This is a common requirement for new DRAMS customers. We have worked with a number of customers to develop data conversion processes to allow stock to be transferred from legacy systems into DRAMS. Data migration generally forms part of the DRAMS implementation process
Which types of spirit can DRAMS deal with?
DRAMS is designed to manage inventories of spirits which are required to undergo a period of maturation during the production process.
It is currently being used by our customers to manage stocks of Bourbon, Rum and Tequila, as well as Scotch whisky. We are more than happy to adapt DRAMS to suit other maturing spirits.
Can DRAMS help me satisfy government reporting requirements?
Yes. DRAMS has been designed in consultation with Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and meets the standards required for official approval. One of the key features of DRAMS is the production of auditable reports which satisfy the requirements of HMRC in the UK and the Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in the USA.
DRAMS also supports the automated upload of despatch data to the Excise Movement and Control System (EMCS), which processes information in respect of all movements of excise goods in duty suspension within the European Union (EU).
How do you ensure a smooth implementation?
Our experienced team has managed many DRAMS implementations of varying complexity over the past 40 years. Our knowledge, experience and excellent track record offer assurance of a smooth and professional implementation that delivers results on time and on budget.
Our implementation methodology incorporates key managed and controlled stages, including Project Start-Up, Implementation Support, and Operational Training. Our team works closely with our customers throughout the project to minimise risk and ensure that all key objectives are attained.
Can DRAMS manage stock belonging to multiple owners across multiple locations?
Yes. DRAMS keeps track of all stock owned by the holding company at any location, whether the location is owned by the holding company or a third party. DRAMS also tracks third party stock at locations owned by the holding company. DRAMS can produce warehouse storage rental invoices and provide details on accrued rent payable to, or by, the holding company.