Quick Overview
- 1#1: Ekos - Comprehensive cloud-based ERP system for breweries handling production planning, inventory management, sales, and regulatory compliance.
- 2#2: OrchestratedBEER - All-in-one platform streamlining brewery operations including production scheduling, inventory tracking, sales, and quality control.
- 3#3: Crafted ERP - Tailored ERP solution for craft breweries managing recipes, production, inventory, financials, and multi-location operations.
- 4#4: Brewman - Integrated management software for breweries covering production, packaging, sales orders, and delivery logistics.
- 5#5: BrewMaster - Professional software for recipe formulation, fermentation tracking, production scheduling, and quality assurance in breweries.
- 6#6: The5thTaste - Cloud platform for brewery management including inventory, production planning, sales, and customer relationship tools.
- 7#7: KegData - Specialized keg tracking and inventory management system for breweries and distributors with real-time visibility.
- 8#8: Brewfather - Advanced cloud-based brewing software for recipe design, batch tracking, fermentation monitoring, and inventory control.
- 9#9: Brewer's Friend - Cloud recipe and brewing management tool with inventory tracking, batch logging, and production scaling features.
- 10#10: BeerSmith - Recipe formulation and brewing software supporting professional batch tracking, equipment scaling, and data analysis.
These tools were chosen based on their comprehensive feature sets (including ERP, scheduling, and quality management), user-friendly interfaces, proven reliability, and value, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of craft, commercial, and multi-location breweries.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top professional brewing software tools, including Ekos, OrchestratedBEER, Crafted ERP, Brewman, BrewMaster, and more, highlighting key features and functionalities. Readers will gain clarity on how each platform aligns with different workflow needs—from small-scale setups to large operations—helping them identify the best fit for their brewing goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ekos Comprehensive cloud-based ERP system for breweries handling production planning, inventory management, sales, and regulatory compliance. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | OrchestratedBEER All-in-one platform streamlining brewery operations including production scheduling, inventory tracking, sales, and quality control. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Crafted ERP Tailored ERP solution for craft breweries managing recipes, production, inventory, financials, and multi-location operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Brewman Integrated management software for breweries covering production, packaging, sales orders, and delivery logistics. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | BrewMaster Professional software for recipe formulation, fermentation tracking, production scheduling, and quality assurance in breweries. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | The5thTaste Cloud platform for brewery management including inventory, production planning, sales, and customer relationship tools. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 7 | KegData Specialized keg tracking and inventory management system for breweries and distributors with real-time visibility. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Brewfather Advanced cloud-based brewing software for recipe design, batch tracking, fermentation monitoring, and inventory control. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | Brewer's Friend Cloud recipe and brewing management tool with inventory tracking, batch logging, and production scaling features. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | BeerSmith Recipe formulation and brewing software supporting professional batch tracking, equipment scaling, and data analysis. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based ERP system for breweries handling production planning, inventory management, sales, and regulatory compliance.
All-in-one platform streamlining brewery operations including production scheduling, inventory tracking, sales, and quality control.
Tailored ERP solution for craft breweries managing recipes, production, inventory, financials, and multi-location operations.
Integrated management software for breweries covering production, packaging, sales orders, and delivery logistics.
Professional software for recipe formulation, fermentation tracking, production scheduling, and quality assurance in breweries.
Cloud platform for brewery management including inventory, production planning, sales, and customer relationship tools.
Specialized keg tracking and inventory management system for breweries and distributors with real-time visibility.
Advanced cloud-based brewing software for recipe design, batch tracking, fermentation monitoring, and inventory control.
Cloud recipe and brewing management tool with inventory tracking, batch logging, and production scaling features.
Recipe formulation and brewing software supporting professional batch tracking, equipment scaling, and data analysis.
Ekos
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based ERP system for breweries handling production planning, inventory management, sales, and regulatory compliance.
AI-powered production planning and real-time tank management that dynamically schedules batches and prevents downtime
Ekos is a cloud-based brewery management platform tailored for professional craft breweries and distilleries, offering end-to-end solutions for production planning, inventory tracking, sales, and compliance. It integrates real-time data from fermentation tanks, scheduling, and ERP functions to streamline operations and support scaling. With mobile apps and advanced analytics, Ekos enables data-driven decisions to boost efficiency and profitability.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform covering production, inventory, sales, and TTB compliance
- Real-time fermentation monitoring and tank scheduling for optimized yields
- Scalable integrations with accounting, POS, and lab systems
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter very small startups
- Initial setup and data migration can be time-intensive
- Advanced customization requires support team involvement
Best For
Mid-sized to large professional breweries needing enterprise-level operational control and growth scalability.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing with tiers starting around $500/month for essentials, scaling to $2,000+/month for enterprise features based on production volume.
OrchestratedBEER
enterpriseAll-in-one platform streamlining brewery operations including production scheduling, inventory tracking, sales, and quality control.
Orchestration Engine for automated, real-time production planning that dynamically adjusts schedules to minimize waste and downtime
OrchestratedBEER is a cloud-based brewery management platform tailored for professional breweries, offering end-to-end tools for inventory tracking, recipe management, production scheduling, and sales fulfillment. It excels in regulatory compliance with automated TTB reporting and integrates with accounting systems like QuickBooks and POS providers. The software provides real-time analytics to optimize operations and scale production efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive production orchestration with AI-driven scheduling
- Seamless compliance tools for TTB and state reporting
- Robust integrations with ERP, POS, and lab equipment
Cons
- Initial setup and customization can be time-intensive
- Higher pricing tiers for advanced features
- Mobile app lacks full desktop functionality
Best For
Mid-sized to large professional breweries looking to automate complex production workflows and ensure regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Starts at $499/month for core features, with tiers up to $2,999+/month based on production volume; custom enterprise pricing available.
Crafted ERP
enterpriseTailored ERP solution for craft breweries managing recipes, production, inventory, financials, and multi-location operations.
Automated TTB reporting and compliance tools with direct integration to production data for effortless regulatory filings
Crafted ERP is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform tailored for craft beverage producers, including professional breweries, offering end-to-end management of production, inventory, sales, purchasing, and compliance. It provides brewery-specific tools like recipe formulation, batch tracking, fermentation scheduling, and automated TTB reporting to streamline operations. Designed for scalability, it integrates with accounting systems like QuickBooks and supports multi-location breweries seeking robust business management beyond basic brewing software.
Pros
- Comprehensive brewery-specific modules including batch tracking and TTB compliance
- Scalable ERP with real-time inventory and production insights
- Strong integrations with accounting and e-commerce tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-ERP users
- Custom pricing can be high for smaller breweries
- Mobile app lacks full desktop functionality
Best For
Mid-sized professional breweries with complex operations needing integrated ERP for production, compliance, and growth.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; modular subscriptions typically start at $500-$1,500/month depending on users, modules, and brewery size.
Brewman
enterpriseIntegrated management software for breweries covering production, packaging, sales orders, and delivery logistics.
Automated HMRC-compliant excise duty management and real-time reporting
Brewman (brewman.co.uk) is a comprehensive cloud-based brewery management software designed specifically for professional craft breweries, handling everything from recipe formulation and production scheduling to inventory tracking and sales fulfillment. It includes robust compliance tools tailored for UK regulations, such as HMRC excise duty reporting and TTB-style label approvals. The platform integrates CRM, accounting, and analytics to provide end-to-end operational oversight for scaling breweries.
Pros
- All-in-one brewery management covering production, inventory, and compliance
- Strong UK-specific features like automated duty calculations and reporting
- Customizable dashboards and integrations with accounting software
Cons
- Interface feels somewhat dated and requires training for full utilization
- Pricing lacks transparency with custom quotes needed
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Mid-sized UK craft breweries seeking integrated compliance and production management without multiple tools.
Pricing
Subscription-based with custom pricing starting at £150/month for basic plans, scaling to £500+/month for full enterprise features based on brewery size and modules.
BrewMaster
specializedProfessional software for recipe formulation, fermentation tracking, production scheduling, and quality assurance in breweries.
Advanced recipe formulation engine with automatic scaling, yeast propagation modeling, and efficiency adjustments
BrewMaster (brewmaster.eu) is a comprehensive desktop software suite tailored for professional brewers and small craft breweries, offering tools for recipe formulation, mash scheduling, fermentation tracking, and inventory management. It supports end-to-end brewing workflows, including quality control, packaging, and basic business reporting. The software excels in precise calculations for scaling recipes and optimizing brews based on real-world data.
Pros
- Extensive ingredient and equipment database with precise calculations
- Full brewing workflow from formulation to packaging and inventory
- Perpetual license with no recurring fees
Cons
- Windows-only, no native Mac or mobile support
- Dated interface with a noticeable learning curve
- Limited integrations with modern cloud-based systems
Best For
Small to medium craft breweries needing a robust, one-time-purchase desktop tool for detailed production planning and management.
Pricing
One-time purchase: €245 for Standard, €495 for Professional edition; free trial available.
The5thTaste
specializedCloud platform for brewery management including inventory, production planning, sales, and customer relationship tools.
Proprietary Umami Calculator that quantifies and balances glutamate equivalents across recipes
The5thTaste is a niche brewing software platform focused on advanced flavor profiling and umami integration for professional brewers. It enables users to model taste balances, calculate glutamate levels from ingredients like specialty malts and adjuncts, and predict sensory outcomes in recipes. Primarily geared toward innovative craft breweries, it complements standard recipe tools with scientific flavor analysis rather than full production management.
Pros
- Exceptional umami and flavor compound modeling
- Scientific data on ingredient taste contributions
- Exports data to popular recipe software like BeerSmith
Cons
- Lacks comprehensive brewing tools like inventory or batch tracking
- Steep learning curve for non-chemists
- Limited scalability for large production breweries
Best For
Innovative craft brewers seeking to pioneer umami-enhanced beer profiles.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month for basic access, $49/month pro with advanced modeling; annual discounts available.
KegData
specializedSpecialized keg tracking and inventory management system for breweries and distributors with real-time visibility.
Advanced analytics dashboard for production forecasting and yield optimization
KegData is a cloud-based ERP platform designed specifically for craft breweries, offering comprehensive tools for inventory management, production scheduling, recipe formulation, and sales tracking. It provides real-time visibility into ingredients, fermentation progress, and packaging, while automating compliance reporting for TTB and state regulations. The software integrates with accounting systems like QuickBooks and POS solutions to streamline financial and operational workflows for professional brewing operations.
Pros
- Robust real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations
- Strong compliance and regulatory reporting automation
- Seamless integrations with accounting and e-commerce tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex features
- Interface can feel cluttered on smaller screens
- Custom pricing lacks transparency for smaller operations
Best For
Mid-sized craft breweries with growing production needs that require scalable ERP functionality.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on brewery size and modules, typically starting at $400/month for basic plans.
Brewfather
specializedAdvanced cloud-based brewing software for recipe design, batch tracking, fermentation monitoring, and inventory control.
Real-time fermentation tracking with Bluetooth sensor integrations like Tilt for precise, hands-off monitoring.
Brewfather is a cloud-based brewing management platform tailored for homebrewers and small to medium professional operations, offering recipe formulation, batch tracking, inventory management, and fermentation monitoring. It supports scaling recipes for production volumes, detailed mash profiles, and integration with hardware like Grainfather controllers and Tilt hydrometers. Users can log every step of the brewing process, generate reports, and plan production schedules collaboratively.
Pros
- Robust recipe scaling and formulation tools suitable for production brewing
- Excellent hardware integrations for automated data logging
- Cloud accessibility with real-time collaboration for teams
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for complex features like inventory forecasting
- Limited advanced analytics and ERP integrations for large-scale pros
- Some premium features required for full batch tracking
Best For
Small professional breweries or scaling homebrew operations needing affordable, feature-rich process management.
Pricing
Freemium: free basic plan with unlimited recipes; Premium $4.99/month (or $49.99/year) for unlimited batches and advanced tools; Team plans for multi-user access.
Brewer's Friend
specializedCloud recipe and brewing management tool with inventory tracking, batch logging, and production scaling features.
Integrated brew day scheduler with automated timers, checklists, and push notifications
Brewer's Friend is a cloud-based brewing software platform designed for recipe formulation, brew day tracking, inventory management, and data analysis, catering primarily to homebrewers and small-scale craft operations. It features an extensive ingredient database, advanced calculators for mashing, water chemistry, and fermentation, along with mobile apps for on-the-go access. While versatile for hobbyists, its tools support professional workflows like batch logging and efficiency metrics, though it lacks enterprise-level scalability.
Pros
- Vast ingredient database and community-shared recipes accelerate formulation
- Cloud syncing and mobile app enable real-time brew day tracking with timers
- Advanced calculators for water profiling and mash efficiency optimize results
Cons
- Limited scalability for large-volume professional production tracking
- Key pro features like custom reports locked behind premium paywall
- Interface can feel cluttered and dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Ideal for nano-breweries and serious homebrewers needing affordable, accessible tools for small-batch recipe management and brew logging.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Premium Gold at $39.99/year ($3.33/month) or $4.99/month for advanced features.
BeerSmith
specializedRecipe formulation and brewing software supporting professional batch tracking, equipment scaling, and data analysis.
Highly customizable brewhouse profiles that automatically scale recipes to any equipment size with efficiency adjustments
BeerSmith is a desktop-based brewing software primarily designed for recipe formulation, batch tracking, and equipment profiling, supporting methods like all-grain, BIAB, and extract brewing. It includes tools for mash scheduling, water chemistry adjustments, yeast calculators, and inventory management, with export options like BeerXML for sharing recipes. While versatile for homebrewers, its capabilities for professional use are limited to small-scale operations without advanced ERP or production scaling features.
Pros
- Vast ingredient and style database with thousands of recipes
- Precise calculators for efficiency, priming, and carbonation
- One-time purchase model with strong customization for equipment
Cons
- Lacks robust cloud collaboration or real-time production tracking
- No native integration with brewery management systems or PLCs
- Mobile app is companion-only, not fully standalone
Best For
Nano-brewers and small craft operations needing affordable recipe design and batch logging without enterprise-scale requirements.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $59.95 for BeerSmith 3 desktop (Windows/Mac), with optional mobile apps at $19.99 each.
Conclusion
The top three tools—Ekos, OrchestratedBEER, and Crafted ERP—lead the pack, with Ekos standing out as a comprehensive cloud-based ERP, OrchestratedBEER streamlining operations, and Crafted ERP tailoring solutions for craft breweries. Each offers unique strengths, ensuring there’s a standout fit for every brewery’s needs, whether focused on production, inventory, sales, or compliance.
Don’t miss the chance to enhance your brewery’s efficiency: start with Ekos, the top-ranked tool for seamless management. For distinct priorities, explore OrchestratedBEER or Crafted ERP—both deliver exceptional value. Elevate your brewing process today with a solution that matches your goals.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
