Scotch whisky producer goes for Tropos multi-dimensional ERP

East Kilbride-based Burn Stewart Distillers, one of the few remaining independent Scotch whisky producers, is to implement £400,000 worth of SSI’s Tropos enterprise (ERP) software, having wrested its 50 concurrent users deal away from the incumbent Weir Systems and Max International, now part of SSA Global Technologies. Burn Stewart owns two distilleries, including Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, and produces single malt brands such as Tobermory and Ledaig. “SSI’s ability to deliver a one-system solution to all our business needs was crucial in our decision,” says Tom Gorrie, Burn Stewart’s head of systems and logistics. “No other vendor was able to demonstrate the combination of standard manufacturing functionality and the specialist cask management, bulk stock and Customs and Excise reporting expertise that is crucial in the whisky industry. All the other vendors we talked to needed separate products to handle the two sides of the business.” He expects Tropos to integrate bulk stock processing with the downstream side of Burn Stewart’s business – bottling and distribution – leading to what should be major improvements in efficiency. “In the whisky industry it’s crucial to have sophisticated tools to manage your inventory and your demand together,” says Gorrie. “We expect to be able to make improvements in planning and performance management as a result of our investment in TROPOS.”