The eternal business question – Should we have one system or multiple best-in-class systems with interfaces, API’s and reconciliations coming out our ears?! Obviously here at MasterDistiller we’re a little biased and opt for a full suite ERP system, Odoo, customised to be industry specific with MasterDistiller’s expertise and software.
So why do we think that? Well let’s dive into why an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is a game-changer and we believe an essential tool for modern whisky distilleries.
Unlocking the Power of ERP
Running a distillery business isn’t just about creating exceptional whisky. It’s about juggling production, inventory, sales, regulatory compliance, brand building, cashflow management and much more. An ERP system acts like the master distiller of your business processes (sorry we couldn’t help it 😊), blending all these elements into a single, understandable and transparent business operation.
Keep Track of Every Drop
Gone are the days of scrambling through 10 year old (+ !) spreadsheets or distiller’s log book paper notes to manage your inventory or your production process. MasterDistiller gives you real-time visibility into your stock levels by cask type, age, spirit type etc. etc. helping you keep track of every cask, bottle, and batch all the way back to the farm the barley’s come in from. This means fewer stockouts, better forecasting, and engaged, informed and happy customers.
Example: Our client Isle of Raasay Distillery use Lot numbers on bottles to track the individual bottle in customer’s hands back to all the details of the casked history of the liquid as well as the production process that it went through – from the bottle in your hand to whether the lyne arm cooling jacket was on that day or not, powerful transparency to help build your brand.
Streamline Spirit Production
Imagine having a tool that schedules your production runs, tracks ingredient usage, and ensures quality control-all in one place. That’s what MasterDistiller & Odoo can do for you. It helps you streamline your production process and maintain the highest quality standards for your spirit.
Enhance Customer Experience
Customers are at the heart of any distillery or business. With an ERP system, you can improve customer service by managing orders efficiently, tracking shipments accurately, and ensuring timely deliveries. Odoo’s open-source nature allows a vast array of apps integrated in to it that help you manage every aspect of the business. We also offer customers 3PL integrations to ease the logistics burden of getting that precious spirit in to a customer’s hands.
Making HMRC Reporting seamless
Navigating the regulatory landscape of the spirits industry can be tricky. MasterDistiller provides standard W1 and W21 outputs to ease the burden and allows W5(/D) referencing to be input against bottling runs to streamline the preparation and auditing of duty payments.
An EMCS integration also helps reduce time spent on manual data entry of EMCS receipts and removals of duty controlled liquid stock.
Boost Your Bottom Line
Ultimately, an ERP system helps you save time and money. By automating routine tasks, reducing errors, and providing valuable insights into every aspect of your operations, it allows you to focus on what you do best—crafting exceptional whisky and customer experiences.
Conclusion
In the increasingly competitive space of whisky globally an ERP system is no longer the preserve of multi-nationals with huge budgets, it’s no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity to keep agile, manage cash flow effectively, provide consumer transparency, improve customer engagement and stay ahead of the curve. So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to consider investing in an ERP system tailored to the unique needs of the whisky industry.
MasterDistiller – Designed by the Industry, for the Industry
Want to transform your distillery operations? Learn more about how our ERP solutions can help you achieve efficiency and growth.
