Process Manufacturing Software Integration with Dynamics GP Gives Brewery Unparalleled Flexibility

Allagash Brewing Company, an award-winning independent craft brewery based in Portland, Maine, has been crafting a wide variety of high-quality beers since 1995. With a broad distribution network spanning 18 states and Washington, D.C., efficient production processes are essential to keep pace with product demand. As a result, since 2013, the brewery has relied on VicinityBrew software to enhance its operational efficiency.

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The Challenge: Managing Complex Brewing Processes with Dynamics GP

Allagash Brewing Company produces a diverse range of beers including Belgian-style wheat beer, as well as wild, sour, barrel-aged, and spontaneously fermented beers, each requiring unique fermentation processes and ingredients.

The complexity of managing various brewing models, batch tracking, and quality control made it necessary to find a software solution that offered the flexibility needed for their product line. The solution would also need to integrate with software across different departments, including production, finance, supply chain, and quality control.

The Solution: VicinityBrew

VicinityBrew seamlessly integrates with Allagash’s choice of ERP: Microsoft Dynamics GP. While this facilitates smooth data flow from production to finance, VicinityBrew brought much more to the table. Since it also offers integration via web services, it became a scalable and adaptable system that Allagash could tailor to their specific needs.

Here are a few of the benefits they’ve enjoyed:

• Customized Batching System: Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions, VicinityBrew offers a framework that allows Allagash to design processes suited to each of their unique brewing methods.
• Seamless Data Sharing: Teams across the organization, including quality control and production users that don’t have access to Dynamics GP, can access a single source of batch information, and even post transactions directly in VicinityBrew.
• Streamlined Workflow: Integration with a handheld barcode data collection tool (Panatrack) allows brewers to post real-time transactions, such as grain silo receiving, directly into GP.
• Automated Data Capture: Before implementing web services, brewers recorded raw material and batch data on paper, which was later keyed in manually. Now, VicinityBrew’s web services pull real-time data from the production SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, eliminating manual entry errors and improving efficiency.

Enhanced Flexibility with the Product Structure Copy Tool for Dynamics GP

Another of Allagash’s favorite VicinityBrew features is the Product Structure Copy Tool, which simplifies the process of creating new products from existing recipes. This tool enables Allagash to adjust and adapt recipes quickly, making it easier to experiment with new brews while maintaining production efficiency.

Improved Financial Planning and Cost Control with Dynamics GP

Allagash leverages VicinityBrew’s financial planning tools to project costs based on different production scenarios. Key financial benefits include:

• Batch-Level Costing: The software allows precise cost tracking for each batch, helping the brewery manage inventory and project costs effectively.
• Lot Tracking and Component Identification: Allagash can isolate batches containing ingredients from specific raw material lots, ensuring traceability and quality control.
• Seamless Integration with Dynamics GP: Using GP as its general ledger and inventory management system, Allagash benefits from real-time cost projections and streamlined financial operations.

Ongoing Success and Collaboration

One of the main reasons Allagash continues to rely on VicinityBrew is the company’s commitment to continuous improvement. The developers actively engage with users through group meetings and discussions on feature enhancements. Many of the software’s capabilities have evolved directly from Allagash’s feedback, further enhancing the brewery’s operational flexibility.

The Best Brewery Software for Dynamics ERPs

By integrating VicinityBrew with Microsoft Dynamics GP, Allagash Brewing Company has gained unparalleled flexibility in managing its brewing operations. From streamlining batch processing and improving data accuracy to enhancing financial planning, the software empowers the brewery to maintain high-quality production while adapting to new challenges.

Are you looking for a batch and process manufacturing solution that gives you the flexibility to adapt to your unique processes while integrating with your financial software, such as Dynamics GP or Dynamics 365 Business Central?

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By Vicinity Software | www.vicinitysoftware.com

This article originally published on ERP Software Blog https://erpsoftwareblog.com/2025/02/process-manufacturing-software-integration-with-dynamics-gp-gives-brewery-unparalleled-flexibility/