Craft breweries, better known as microbreweries, have undergone considerable growth in recent decades. However, despite this growing success, craft breweries face a number of challenges. For a start, their small size can make large-scale production difficult. Beyond that, logistics and distribution also raise considerable challenges. In addition, competition in the beverage market is fierce. Confronted with such concerns, one solution is becoming increasingly apparent: the adoption of automated optimization technology.
Key technologies for craft breweries
Automated brewing systems
Automated systems use advanced software to monitor all aspects of the brewing process, from grain crushing to fermentation. As a result, they enable brewers to accurately program specific recipes, monitor conditions in real time, and make instant adjustments if necessary. This significantly reduces the time and effort needed to manage the brewing process. Thanks to this, brewers can focus on other aspects of their business, such as marketing, for example.
The systems also ensure greater precision in controlling temperatures, resting times, and fermentation rates, thereby ensuring consistent quality from one batch to the next!
Enterprise resource planning software (ERP)
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software is a must for craft breweries keen to optimize their day-to-day operations. These systems centralize all company data and processes in a single platform.
The result is easier management of inventory, sales, finance, and human resources. Broadly speaking, this software provides a real-time overview of all operations at the brewery. For example, a brewer can monitor raw material stock levels, current sales, expenses, and revenues. The aim is clear: make smarter decisions and plan more effectively.
But that’s not all! ERP systems can automate many administrative tasks, such as invoicing and accounting. This reduces the risk of errors and mental workload.
AEDDIX and Bierol used advanced digital technologies leveraging IoT and AI to control and monitor the fermentation process. Robust IoT hardware and intelligent software created an award-winning beer, showcasing how innovation can enrich traditional craftsmanship and deliver competitive advantage.
Emerging technologies to serve microbreweries
Nevertheless, bear in mind that these technologies also have a lot to offer brewers, and especially craft brewers! For example, AI-based algorithms can analyze production data in real-time to forecast raw material requirements, optimize recipes, and even anticipate equipment breakdowns before they happen.
This is particularly true of IntelligentX. After discussing the way multinational breweries were using data to guide their advertising decisions, IntelligentX founders Hew Leith and Rob McInerney felt that a better way to use data was to improve the beer itself. IntelligentX holds the distinction of creating the world’s first beer powered by AI algorithms and machine learning to fine-tune its recipe.
IntelligentX has created four different beer varieties: Black AI, Golden AI, Pale AI, and Amber AI. They ask customers to follow the URL link provided on the bottles to give feedback via the Facebook Messenger app about the beer they’re trying. By answering a series of 10 questions, some 80% of customers who followed the link provided the company with over 100,000 data points. This data served as the baseline for a specialized algorithm aimed at progressively improving the brewery’s various beers.
As for the Blockchain, it can deliver much better traceability as well as full traceability of ingredients. Breweries can then use this technology to prove the origin of ingredients and production conditions, thus boosting consumer confidence!
The challenges of technological integration
Initial costs and benefits
One of the main challenges that craft breweries encounter when considering the adoption of new technologies is the initial cost. Indeed, the technologies presented above represent significant investments. For many small breweries, finding the necessary funds for these investments can be a major obstacle.
However, the key is to consider these costs as an investment rather than an expense. The fact is, these technologies can generate considerable savings over the long term. To assess the return on investment (ROI), a microbrewery needs to analyze the potential gains in terms of productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction!
Staff training and adaptation
The tntegration of new technologies is not limited to installing equipment or software; it also requires adequate staff training.
Brewers and employees need to learn how to use these new technologies. This training can be costly and time-consuming, but it is essential if the benefits of the technological investment are to be maximized.
Employees can be reluctant when it comes to adopting new ways of working, especially if they are used to traditional processes. To overcome this, it is crucial to involve staff from the outset of the technology integration project, and to emphasize the benefits it offers!
Systems maintenance and upgrades
Implementing technology is one thing, but maintaining it is just as important!
Automated systems and management software require frequent updates to correct bugs, improve functionality, and meet changing business needs. As a result, breweries need to set aside a budget and resources for the ongoing maintenance of their technologies.
Pierre Bussières is Editor of Uber Optimized, Director of Sales with Uber Flix Studio and Editor in Chief of Hoppy History. He writes on alcohol markets, Search Engine Optimization, and podcast technologies.
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