Quick Overview
- 1#1: Ekos - Comprehensive cloud-based brewery management platform handling production, inventory, sales, accounting, and regulatory compliance.
- 2#2: Beer30 - Sales automation, CRM, and operations platform tailored for craft breweries to streamline wholesale distribution and customer management.
- 3#3: ProBrew - NetSuite-integrated ERP system designed for craft beverage producers to manage inventory, production, sales, and financials.
- 4#4: vObe - Integrated ERP software for breweries that automates production planning, inventory tracking, sales orders, and reporting.
- 5#5: Brewer's Workbench - Cloud inventory and production management tool for craft breweries to track ingredients, batches, and packaging.
- 6#6: BrewPlanner - Production planning and scheduling software that optimizes brewery operations, forecasts demand, and manages resources.
- 7#7: Brewfather - All-in-one brewing app for recipe design, fermentation tracking, inventory management, and batch logging.
- 8#8: Vicinity Software - Manufacturing execution system for recipe-based production in breweries, handling formulas, scaling, and quality control.
- 9#9: BeerSmith - Recipe formulation and brewing management software with tools for design, scaling, and print-ready worksheets.
- 10#10: Toast - Cloud POS and restaurant management system optimized for brewery taprooms with menu management and sales analytics.
Tools were ranked based on functionality, user experience, reliability, and value, prioritizing those that effectively address core operational needs while offering scalability to adapt to evolving business demands.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right craft brewery software is critical for smooth operations, and this comparison table explores tools like Ekos, Beer30, ProBrew, vObe, Brewer's Workbench, and more to highlight their strengths. Readers will gain insight into features, usability, and compatibility with diverse brewing workflows, helping them select the best fit for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ekos Comprehensive cloud-based brewery management platform handling production, inventory, sales, accounting, and regulatory compliance. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Beer30 Sales automation, CRM, and operations platform tailored for craft breweries to streamline wholesale distribution and customer management. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | ProBrew NetSuite-integrated ERP system designed for craft beverage producers to manage inventory, production, sales, and financials. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | vObe Integrated ERP software for breweries that automates production planning, inventory tracking, sales orders, and reporting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Brewer's Workbench Cloud inventory and production management tool for craft breweries to track ingredients, batches, and packaging. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | BrewPlanner Production planning and scheduling software that optimizes brewery operations, forecasts demand, and manages resources. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | Brewfather All-in-one brewing app for recipe design, fermentation tracking, inventory management, and batch logging. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 8 | Vicinity Software Manufacturing execution system for recipe-based production in breweries, handling formulas, scaling, and quality control. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | BeerSmith Recipe formulation and brewing management software with tools for design, scaling, and print-ready worksheets. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 7.3/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 10 | Toast Cloud POS and restaurant management system optimized for brewery taprooms with menu management and sales analytics. | other | 6.8/10 | 6.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based brewery management platform handling production, inventory, sales, accounting, and regulatory compliance.
Sales automation, CRM, and operations platform tailored for craft breweries to streamline wholesale distribution and customer management.
NetSuite-integrated ERP system designed for craft beverage producers to manage inventory, production, sales, and financials.
Integrated ERP software for breweries that automates production planning, inventory tracking, sales orders, and reporting.
Cloud inventory and production management tool for craft breweries to track ingredients, batches, and packaging.
Production planning and scheduling software that optimizes brewery operations, forecasts demand, and manages resources.
All-in-one brewing app for recipe design, fermentation tracking, inventory management, and batch logging.
Manufacturing execution system for recipe-based production in breweries, handling formulas, scaling, and quality control.
Recipe formulation and brewing management software with tools for design, scaling, and print-ready worksheets.
Cloud POS and restaurant management system optimized for brewery taprooms with menu management and sales analytics.
Ekos
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based brewery management platform handling production, inventory, sales, accounting, and regulatory compliance.
Advanced lot-level traceability and fermentation monitoring with automated alerts for precise quality control and regulatory compliance.
Ekos is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform built specifically for craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries, streamlining operations from raw material inventory to finished goods sales. It integrates production planning, scheduling, recipe management, accounting, CRM, and compliance reporting into a single intuitive system. With mobile apps for floor staff and real-time analytics, Ekos enables breweries to scale efficiently while maintaining traceability and profitability.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covering inventory, production, sales, and accounting
- Real-time data and mobile accessibility for shop floor efficiency
- Strong integrations with POS, QuickBooks, and lab equipment
- Robust compliance tools for TTB reporting and lot traceability
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small nano-breweries
- Initial onboarding and data migration takes time
- Some advanced customizations require developer support
Best For
Growing mid-sized craft breweries needing a scalable, end-to-end management solution to optimize operations and compliance.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on production volume (barrels/month), typically $500-$2,000+/month with annual contracts and implementation fees.
Beer30
specializedSales automation, CRM, and operations platform tailored for craft breweries to streamline wholesale distribution and customer management.
Intelligent fermentation planner that predicts timelines, tracks batches in real-time, and alerts for issues
Beer30 is a cloud-based brewery management software tailored for craft breweries, offering tools for recipe formulation, inventory tracking, production scheduling, and sales management. It integrates POS systems, handles TTB compliance reporting, and provides real-time analytics for operational efficiency. Ideal for streamlining the entire brewery workflow from brewhouse to taproom.
Pros
- Comprehensive brewery-specific features like fermentation tracking and recipe scaling
- Strong integration with POS and accounting tools
- Responsive customer support with brewery industry expertise
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger operations
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Limited advanced API integrations compared to enterprise solutions
Best For
Small to medium craft breweries seeking an all-in-one platform to manage production, inventory, and sales without needing multiple tools.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month for nano breweries, scaling to $500+/month based on production volume and features.
ProBrew
enterpriseNetSuite-integrated ERP system designed for craft beverage producers to manage inventory, production, sales, and financials.
Advanced brewhouse scheduling optimizer that minimizes downtime and maximizes efficiency
ProBrew is a cloud-based brewery management software tailored for craft breweries, offering tools for recipe formulation, inventory tracking, production scheduling, and sales management. It supports fermentation monitoring, packaging operations, and compliance reporting to streamline daily workflows. The platform integrates with accounting systems and provides mobile access for on-the-go brewery oversight.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory and production planning with loss tracking
- Mobile app for real-time fermentation and tank monitoring
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks and POS systems
Cons
- Reporting customization is somewhat limited
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Mid-sized craft breweries seeking scalable operations management with robust production and inventory tools.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for Starter plan (up to 5,000 barrels/year), $299/month for Pro, with custom Enterprise pricing.
vObe
enterpriseIntegrated ERP software for breweries that automates production planning, inventory tracking, sales orders, and reporting.
Automated TTB compliance reporting with direct excise tax calculations and filings
vObe is a cloud-based ERP platform designed specifically for craft breweries, distilleries, and cideries, offering end-to-end management of production, inventory, sales, and compliance. It enables recipe formulation, batch tracking, scheduling, and real-time inventory control, while integrating with accounting tools like QuickBooks for financial accuracy. The software emphasizes scalability for growing operations and includes mobile accessibility for shop floor efficiency.
Pros
- Comprehensive production planning and recipe management with costing tools
- Strong compliance features including TTB reporting and excise tax handling
- Mobile app for real-time inventory scanning and floor operations
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for nano or very small breweries
- Steep learning curve for advanced modules
- Limited third-party integrations compared to larger ERP systems
Best For
Mid-sized craft breweries seeking a scalable, all-in-one platform for production and compliance without needing multiple tools.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $299/month for basic plans, scaling to $599+/month for pro tiers based on production volume; custom enterprise quotes available.
Brewer's Workbench
specializedCloud inventory and production management tool for craft breweries to track ingredients, batches, and packaging.
The interactive 'Workbench' dashboard for visual batch planning and scheduling
Brewer's Workbench is a cloud-based software platform tailored for craft breweries, providing end-to-end management of production planning, inventory, recipe formulation, fermentation tracking, packaging, sales, and regulatory compliance. It streamlines brewery operations with tools for batch scheduling, cost analysis, and TTB reporting, helping brewers optimize efficiency and profitability. The intuitive 'workbench' interface visually represents brewery workflows, making it accessible for teams without steep technical learning curves.
Pros
- Comprehensive brewery-specific tools covering production to compliance
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop scheduling
- Strong customer support and regular updates
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with production volume
- Limited integrations with some POS and e-commerce systems
- Mobile app lacks full desktop functionality
Best For
Small to mid-sized craft breweries (1-20 bbl) seeking an all-in-one operational hub without excessive complexity.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$300/month for small operations, scaling to $1,000+ based on production volume and users.
BrewPlanner
specializedProduction planning and scheduling software that optimizes brewery operations, forecasts demand, and manages resources.
Drag-and-drop Gantt chart scheduler that visualizes tank usage, fermentation timelines, and packaging runs in real-time
BrewPlanner is a cloud-based brewery management software tailored for craft breweries, focusing on production planning, inventory tracking, recipe management, and scheduling to optimize brewing operations. It provides tools for fermentation monitoring, packaging schedules, sales forecasting, and compliance reporting, helping breweries reduce waste and improve efficiency. The platform integrates with QuickBooks and offers a mobile app for on-the-go access, making it suitable for small to mid-sized operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling calendar for production planning
- Robust inventory and recipe management with real-time tracking
- Affordable pricing with seamless QuickBooks integration
Cons
- Limited built-in CRM and sales automation compared to competitors
- Reporting tools lack advanced customization options
- Fewer third-party integrations for larger-scale breweries
Best For
Small to medium-sized craft breweries focused on streamlining production scheduling and inventory without needing extensive sales features.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Starter plan (up to 5 users), $249/month for Pro (unlimited users, advanced forecasting), up to $499/month for Enterprise; annual discounts available.
Brewfather
specializedAll-in-one brewing app for recipe design, fermentation tracking, inventory management, and batch logging.
Visual Brewery Planner for intuitive tank scheduling, batch progression, and fermentation charge management
Brewfather is a cloud-based brewing management platform tailored for homebrewers and small to medium craft breweries, providing end-to-end tools for recipe formulation, batch tracking, inventory management, fermentation monitoring, and packaging schedules. It features a visual brewery planner for tank assignments, mobile app access for real-time updates, and integrations with hardware like Grainfather controllers and scales. The software emphasizes data-driven insights, collaboration, and scalability for growing operations without the complexity of enterprise systems.
Pros
- Comprehensive workflow from recipe creation to sales tracking
- Affordable pricing with a robust free tier for testing
- Strong mobile app and hardware integrations for real-time monitoring
Cons
- Interface can feel overwhelming for complete beginners
- Advanced reporting and ERP integrations limited compared to enterprise tools
- Scalability challenges for very large multi-site breweries
Best For
Small to medium craft breweries or scaling homebrew operations needing an intuitive, cost-effective all-in-one brewing platform.
Pricing
Free for basic homebrewing; Pro at $9.99/month; Business plans from $99/month based on production volume; custom Enterprise options.
Vicinity Software
enterpriseManufacturing execution system for recipe-based production in breweries, handling formulas, scaling, and quality control.
Universal Lot Traceability with forward/backward chain tracking for ultimate compliance and efficiency
Vicinity Software is a cloud-based ERP platform designed for process manufacturers like craft breweries, offering tools for recipe management, batch production scheduling, and inventory control. It provides real-time tracking of raw materials, finished goods, and lot traceability to ensure compliance and quality. The system integrates with accounting software such as QuickBooks and supports scaling from small operations to larger facilities.
Pros
- Comprehensive production scheduling and batch tracking
- Strong lot traceability for compliance and recalls
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks and Xero
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-ERP users
- Pricing lacks upfront transparency (quote-based)
- Less specialized for breweries compared to niche tools like Ekos
Best For
Mid-sized craft breweries with complex multi-product lines needing robust manufacturing ERP.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; typically starts at $495/month for core modules, scaling with users, production volume, and add-ons.
BeerSmith
specializedRecipe formulation and brewing management software with tools for design, scaling, and print-ready worksheets.
Advanced brewing engine with customizable equipment profiles and automatic recipe scaling for precise batch sizing
BeerSmith is a popular brewing software focused on recipe formulation, equipment profiling, mash and fermentation calculations, and batch tracking, primarily targeted at homebrewers but adaptable for small craft breweries. It offers inventory management, brewing schedules, and cloud syncing via BeerSmith Cloud, with support for scaling recipes from pilot batches to production. While strong in technical brewing tools, it falls short as a complete craft brewery management solution lacking advanced ERP features like sales, compliance, or large-scale production planning.
Pros
- Exceptional recipe design and scaling capabilities with precise calculations
- User-friendly interface across desktop, web, and mobile platforms
- Affordable one-time purchase model with large recipe database and community support
Cons
- Limited scalability for mid-to-large craft breweries without full inventory or sales integration
- Advanced cloud collaboration and mobile features require separate subscription
- Lacks robust reporting, compliance tools, and enterprise-level brewery management
Best For
Nano-breweries, brewpubs, or small craft operations emphasizing recipe development and small-batch planning over comprehensive business management.
Pricing
Desktop license $59 one-time; BeerSmith Cloud $4.99/month or $49.99/year; mobile apps $19.99 one-time each.
Toast
otherCloud POS and restaurant management system optimized for brewery taprooms with menu management and sales analytics.
Pay-at-Table technology for quick, contactless taproom payments
Toast is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system primarily designed for restaurants and hospitality venues, offering robust tools for order management, payments, and customer engagement that can support craft brewery taprooms. While it excels in front-of-house operations like sales tracking and online ordering, it lacks specialized features for core brewery functions such as recipe formulation, fermentation monitoring, or production scheduling. It's best positioned as a supplementary tool for breweries focused on retail and taproom efficiency rather than full-scale brewing operations.
Pros
- Intuitive POS interface ideal for busy taprooms
- Strong online ordering and delivery integrations
- Comprehensive reporting for sales and inventory basics
Cons
- No dedicated brewing production or recipe management tools
- High upfront hardware costs and subscription fees
- Limited scalability for multi-location brewery operations beyond sales
Best For
Small to mid-sized craft breweries with high-traffic taprooms prioritizing seamless customer sales over production management.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $165/month per location for Growth plan, plus one-time hardware costs ($500-$2000+) and transaction fees.
Conclusion
Craft brewery software options vary widely, with the top tools addressing distinct operational needs. Leading the pack is Ekos, a comprehensive cloud-based platform that seamlessly handles production, inventory, sales, accounting, and regulatory compliance, making it a versatile choice for diverse brewing operations. Both Beer30 and ProBrew stand out as strong alternatives—Beer30 excels in streamlining wholesale distribution and customer management, while ProBrew offers robust NetSuite integration for enterprise-level ERP needs. Ultimately, the best tool depends on specific brewery priorities, but all top-ranked options elevate operational efficiency.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your brewery operations—start with Ekos, the top choice for its all-encompassing capabilities, or explore Beer30 or ProBrew if your needs lean toward distribution or ERP integration respectively, to find the perfect fit for your business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison