HenHouse Brewing Co. relies on Crafted ERP to drive success and deepen collaboration
Customer
Following an extensive search for ERP software, HenHouse engaged Doozy Solutions in 2018 to implement Crafted ERP to streamline daily operations and improve production visibility. Since then, the brewery has refined inventory management across multiple locations, improved cross-functional communication and collaboration, and gained a profound understanding of cost and profitability — all while more than doubling production.
About Henhouse
California-based HenHouse is part of the second generation of Sonoma County breweries. Started as a nano brewery in 2013, HenHouse rapidly grew to produce 8,000+ barrels a year and opened three locations (Santa Rosa, Fairfax and Petaluma) where “the beers are fresh, the food is amazing and the vibe is immaculate.” The dedication to ensuring product quality and freshness has been a hallmark of the brewery. HenHouse both self-distributes and uses wholesalers to deliver refrigerated beer to more than 700 retail stores, bars and restaurants in the greater Bay Area. The brewery is now a top attraction for visitors across the region and country.
Challenges
As HenHouse expanded to multiple locations, spreadsheets didn’t allow for the visibility into real-time, detailed information necessary to run its operations smoothly. Decisions were made from inaccurate data.
In addition, using spreadsheets created an atmosphere of blame. With no single source of truth to work from, it was difficult to know who or what was correct at any given time. Subjectivity and hearsay were paramount.
Without an ERP system, the brewery had little to no insight into cost-drivers. There was no clarity around what product was needed and what the cost implications would be. Furthermore, it couldn’t design a revenue flow to support its distribution process, which created significant data gaps in terms of sales, customer service and inventory movement.
It was clear an ERP system was needed in order to drive success and deepen collaboration. It was also clear that Crafted ERP was the premier offering on the market — and the only choice that made sense for HenHouse in its current state and where it wanted the business to go in the future.
It’s weird to talk about an ERP system as a way to help the team get along better, But it’s super true. everybody is much happier not having the infinite spreadsheet sprawl that made us stressed out and mad at each other.
Collin McDonnell | CEO & Co-founder
HenHouse Brewing Company
Solutions
Cross-functional Collaboration
With a multi-location brewery, integration creates much greater efficiencies — from inventory levels to production operations and from the retail tap environment to wholesale distribution. Crafted ERP delivered immediate and substantial ROI by bringing sales management and forecasting into one system.
“It’s stressful to run a complicated manufacturing business. There’s a lot of opportunity for team members to think someone isn’t doing their job or something isn’t being done the way it should be. That is eliminated with Crafted ERP as a central repository of truth,” says Collin McDonnell, HenHouse co-founder and CEO.
Inventory & Warehouse Management
Using Crafted drives economies of scale, while allowing for efficient inventory movement between locations. “If we had to store everything exactly where it needed to be for use, we just wouldn’t have enough space,” explains Collin.
The brewery’s ERP needs were very specific to lot traceability for only the freshest raw materials, lot expiration control of raw materials, and adequate warehouse management with appropriate forms and reports generated for its self-distribution activities. With Crafted, HenHouse gained a new level of control over — and visibility into — its inventory and supply chain.
Keeping the CPA happy 😉
Regulatory and tax compliance comes standard with Crafted ERP, including three-part confirmation on transactions and excise tax compliance.
“We have our annual budget by department and location fully integrated in Crafted so we can get monthly reporting on how we’re doing,” says Collin. “This is a significant tool as it shows us where we’re doing well and where we need improvement.”
Cost-driver Knowledge = Profit
Crafted provides access to very specific details around the cost of making beer. But Collin says “actually understanding what drives cost in beer empowers us to make decisions and investments around that info. And to create more profitable beer in the long term.” Now that’s worth cluckin’ about.
Breweries are all unique snowflakes. No two are alike. Being able to build a customized platform with Crafted that is directly relevant to the way our brewery works has been hugely beneficial to us.
Collin McDonnell | CEO & Co-Founder
Henhouse Brewing Company
Working With Doozy Solutions
As a direct result of implementing Crafted ERP, HenHouse has continued to expedite its growth, tripling production in just six months — without adding any administrative or accounting headcount.
Following the successful implementation, Doozy Solutions has been maintained as an ongoing advisor and support partner. With respect to the future, HenHouse is confident it chose the correct ERP software and has their sights on additional feature applications to continue their brand’s expansion and competitive advantage.
