If tackling multi-category production wasn’t enough, imagine having two main production hubs separated by 2,500 miles of the Pacific Ocean. Add to that challenge an aging data infrastructure and lack of end-to-end visibility and you’ll begin to get an idea of why Craft ‘Ohana needed a critical upgrade to a more modern, flexible and integrated beverage production software solution. After surveying the market, the team chose Crafted ERP BevX to support its business-line and market expansion, multi-state and multi-category manufacturing and unification of operations across its many entities.
Craft ‘Ohana, which means family in Hawaiian, was formed in 2022 when Maui Brewing Company acquired San Diego-based Modern Times Beer + Coffee. Under its umbrella – representing Maui Brewing, Modern Times, Kupu Spirits and Maui Hard Seltzer – the company today boasts a diverse range of products including beer, RTDs, spirits, seltzers, hard teas and coffee.
Recently, Craft ‘Ohana President and Chief Operating Officer Scott Metzger spilled the (coffee) beans on their journey to Crafted ERP BevX and how it has helped them unify and improve operations. Watch the story below, or keep reading to learn more.
The Quest for Scalable, Cloud-based Beverage Production Software
Prior to Crafted, Craft ‘Ohana used a competing brewery management solution that presented several challenges impacting their day-to-day operations and capacity for future growth. The limitations and aging data infrastructure hindered the team’s ability to make timely data-driven decisions.
Craft ‘Ohana began its search for a more comprehensive, scalable solution that would match the company’s dynamic culture. The team prioritized scalability and access to real-time data and sought out beverage production software that met the needs of its complex and highly-regulated business.
Metzger shared, “We evaluated many ERP solutions, but what really drew us to Crafted was that the team had experience building solutions for businesses and industries like ours, powered by NetSuite, which has the credibility of being reliable and scalable.”
Ultimately, Craft ‘Ohana chose Crafted ERP BevX because of its:
- Reputation and longevity as a market leader with automatic updates and support
- Cloud-based and scalable platform able to handle growth and change
- Configurable and adaptable solution that can manage multiple bev-alc types
- Comprehensive and integrated features and modules that cover all aspects of the business
- Dedicated and supportive team of industry experts guiding and assisting throughout the implementation and beyond
“One key thing to consider when evaluating a new system, especially such a critical, core system like an ERP, is the future. It’s important to envision what you want. Invest in a system that’s not just going to work for you now but also in five or ten years,” stated Metzger.
Closing the Gap Between Multi-category Production
The implementation process kicked off in 2023 with Doozy Solutions, the team behind Crafted ERP, leading the charge. The team configured a solution that included both brewery and distillery production and compliance modules to ensure that Craft ‘Ohana had the infrastructure necessary to take the company to the next level.
During the implementation, Craft ‘Ohana discovered many features that improved visibility and tracked critical customer service measures. It experienced key outcomes such as:
- Inventory management and tracking across multiple locations and warehouses
- Recipe management and quality control
for different bev-alc types and batches - Batch costing and profitability analysis for different products and categories
- Tax reporting and TTB compliance for different states and the federal government
“Crafted gives us a clearer line of sight into our data so that we can identify future areas for operational improvement,” explained Metzger. “As we grow and unlock many of the tools built right into NetSuite + Crafted, we are constantly gaining new insights into our business.”
Real-time Insights for Data-Driven Decisions
Crafted has significantly enhanced Craft ‘Ohana’s business understanding by providing timely insights into inefficiencies and root causes. It has streamlined the process of uncovering issues, allowing for more efficient and effective operations.
“Crafted makes that process more efficient and gives us a greater degree of visibility into the data to help us plan, execute and analyze operations,” said Metzger. “Those three things coming together allow us to streamline our approach to execution and continuously improve, leading to a more cohesive approach to managing diverse product lines.”
Earning Their Place
Craft ‘Ohana has become a bev-alc force, with a loyal and growing customer base and a strong and distinctive brand identity. “Our diverse product portfolio provides multiple entry points to begin customer relationships as many of these customers span multiple categories,” shared Metzger.
In an interview with Brewbound, Metzger shared that part of Craft ‘Ohana’s success is due to its ability to earn its place with consumers: “‘Earning our place’ means creating a value proposition for wholesalers, retailers and drinkers. For Maui Brewing, this involves leveraging its lifestyle brand’s broad appeal, while Modern Times focuses on innovative approaches in a crowded market.”
At this stage of growth, that means leaning into marketing and investing in its brands in new ways. Craft ‘Ohana knows that its approach to building brand awareness must grow and change alongside the business – and that Crafted ERP BevX will always be there to supply the customer data and insights to inform marketing decisions.
Sailing into Success
Since implementation, Craft ‘Ohana’s team has reacted positively and transitioned smoothly to the new beverage production software. They received ample training and support from the Doozy team and adapted quickly.
“There is always a learning curve with such a critical piece of software, and change management is difficult,” Metzger acknowledged. “With that said, our team went through a lot of training and took to the new system immediately.”
Thanks to BevX, Craft ‘Ohana has seen significant improvements and benefits in their business, including:
- Increased efficiency and time savings
- Improved visibility and accuracy of data across all brands and products
- Enhanced data-driven decision-making and strategic planning
- Streamlined and automated operations and workflows
- Reduced costs and complexity of maintaining and integrating multiple systems
Craft ‘Ohana’s Epic Voyage Thrives with BevX
Along with Maui Brewing Founder Garrett Marrero, Metzger and the rest of the team continue to innovate and explore new opportunities and possibilities in the bev-alc industry. They’re confident that BevX will support them throughout their journey and help them achieve their goals and vision.
“As we grow with Crafted ERP BevX and unlock many of the tools built right into NetSuite, we are constantly gaining new insights into our business,” said Metzger. “The Doozy team is great to work with and supportive of viewing your data infrastructure as the backbone of operational success, which is key in a manufacturing environment like ours.”
Are You Ready to Become a Crafted ERP BevX Customer?
If Craft ‘Ohana’s success story has you buzzing, it’s time to join the #CraftedCommunity!
BevX is the ultimate solution, built on NetSuite, for beverage producers who want to expand into new categories and markets. Manage multiple bev-alc types on a single, fully integrated system to unify all departments of your brand portfolio, eliminate silos and drive efficiency improvements.
Crafted ERP BevX helps you:
- Grow and diversify your product portfolio and reach new customers
- Customize any or all back-office and production capabilities related to beer, wine, cider, spirits, RTDs and more
- Streamline and automate processes to operate more efficiently
- Access and analyze all your data in one place, with real-time visibility and accuracy
- Stay ahead of the curve and adapt to market demands and taste trends.
An infinitely scalable, end-to-end solution for beverage producers managing multiple licenses, product lines and entities, Crafted ERP BevX is the best investment you can make to expand your boozy business.
If you’re looking to grow your bev-alc production – and your brand, you need Crafted ERP BevX. Your journey starts with a click – contact us!
