Up-and-coming breweries are being buoyed by an impressive array of technologies at the moment, and the best thing about what’s possible, thanks to this trend, is that cost does not have to be a limiting factor.

For startups looking to steam ahead this year, taking a gander at the following systems and solutions will certainly be sensible, so let’s crack open a cold can of insight into the tech-savvy side of the brewing industry.

Automated brewing systems

Automated brewing systems, once the domain of large breweries have now become accessible to startups. These systems allow precise control over the brewing process, reducing human error and ensuring consistency in each batch.

You can program recipes directly into the system, which handles everything from mashing to fermentation with minimal intervention. Imagine your brew day becoming more efficient and predictable — automation can make that happen, and this market is already worth US$1.152 billion as a result.

IoT integration

Integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) into brewing operations provides real-time monitoring and control over various stages of production. Sensors placed in fermenters, storage tanks, and even delivery trucks collect data continuously.

Also Read: Digital transformation for nonprofits: 3 strategies for success

This data flows to a central dashboard where you can monitor temperatures, pressures, and humidity levels from anywhere — your office, your smartphone, your laptop at home, and so forth.

Why settle for occasional manual checks when IoT offers constant vigilance? Not only does this improve product quality by catching deviations early, but it also helps in predictive maintenance.

Given that one report found that packaging line downtime in this industry is leaving craft brewers only bottling their product for 54 per cent of a given shift — with stoppages occurring every 12 minutes on average — there’s clearly a need to adopt this IoT-led approach.

Digital supply chain management

Managing a brewery’s supply chain can be daunting without the right tools. Digital supply chain management systems streamline procurement, inventory tracking, and vendor coordination. So, with a solution like Ollie, you’re improving brewery operations by using a centralised interface for managing orders, monitoring stock levels, and ensuring timely deliveries.

Using these systems, you gain transparency into your operations. For example, real-time updates on raw material availability prevent production delays. Moreover, these tools help forecast demand more accurately by analysing sales data patterns (reducing overstock and wastage).

Advanced analytics

Advanced analytics transform raw data into actionable insights, guiding decisions across brewing operations. With powerful algorithms and machine learning models, you can predict customer preferences, optimise brewing schedules, and enhance marketing strategies.

For instance, analysing sales trends helps pinpoint popular beer styles or seasonal demand spikes. This information allows for better inventory management and targeted promotions. Additionally, predictive maintenance algorithms monitor equipment health to prevent unexpected downtime, which, as discussed, can be commonplace — with 82 per cent of firms running into this type of snafu regularly.

Also Read: Securing the future: Navigating the digital transformation in BFSI amid cybersecurity challenges

Blockchain for authenticity tracking

Blockchain technology ensures transparency and authenticity in the brewing process. By recording every step – from sourcing raw materials to the final product — in an immutable ledger, you offer customers verifiable proof of your brew’s quality.

Think about how this enhances trust. Consumers can scan a QR code on your bottle to see its entire production history, from farm to brewery. This not only deters counterfeiting but also highlights your commitment to quality and sustainability. It’s something that big players like AB InBev have been using for a few years, and carries over to the craft startup scene as well.

Smart inventory solutions

Smart inventory solutions leverage AI and machine learning to manage stock levels more effectively. These systems predict when you’ll run low on essential ingredients, automate reorder processes, and even optimise storage conditions.

Consider the efficiency gained by knowing exactly how much malt or hops you need based on upcoming production schedules. No more guesswork or last-minute rush orders. Moreover, smart sensors in your storage facilities ensure optimal conditions for ingredient preservation (maintaining quality).

Final thoughts

From automation and IoT integration to seriously slick supply chain oversight, analytical insights, a bevvy of blockchain-based benefits, and, of course, smart inventory management, technology truly is empowering brewing startups in 2024. This might not give incumbent brands cause for concern, but it does also mean that there’s room for more companies to enter the market without the usual teething pains preventing their growth.

—

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

Join our e27 Telegram group, FB community, or like the e27 Facebook page.

Image credit: Canva

The post Tech taps into beer: 5 ways breweries are winning with digital transformation appeared first on e27.