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Brewery & Distillery

nate time-consuming and error-prone spreadsheets. Technology Spotlight:
A sound data management system can help produc- Refractometers
ers with sales, distribution, production metrics and
demand analytics to better understand what and Based in Solon, Ohio, MISCO designs and com-
when to order. Cloud-based software is often pre- mercializes digital handheld and inline process
ferred by breweries and distilleries because the data refractometers for industries requiring quantitative
can be accessed from anywhere, regularly updated determination of fluid concentration and quality.
by a vendor and maintained by a professional IT MISCO has been in the refractometer field for four
team. Pieces of technology should work together decades and is the only U.S. manufacturer of digital
with existing task management apps, such as Trello, handheld refractometers. It is actively developing
and communication apps, like Slack, that your team new technologies to bring even greater usefulness
uses. of refractometry to its markets.

Another use of technology in the industry involves Mark Keck, Chief Commercial Officer for MISCO,
mobile apps to integrate different data points, such told Beverage Master Magazine that MISCO digital
as diagnostics, GPS, electronic logs and temperature handheld units are ideal for generating immediate
controls. Artificial intelligence data can develop new results anywhere in the operation. He said they can
flavors based on predictions of what consumers be programmed with up to five measurement scales
want. AI is also being used to improve quality con- from an extensive scale library to provide customers
trol through the use of sensors and cameras. with a device tailored to their exact testing require-
In today’s era of staffing shortages, technology can ments.
be utilized to train staff, retain the workforce and
recruit new talent when resources are strained. “This feature is especially useful for operations
Beverage-makers may also use technology to that produce a range of products, eliminating the
expand where they sell products to lessen their need for multiple units with a single readout capa-
dependence on traditional distribution channels. bility,” Keck said.

20 December - January 2022 BEVERAGE MASTER

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