Best Brewery Scheduling Software for Teams
Running a brewery means juggling a thousand moving parts at once. From production and inventory to taproom shifts and event planning, I’ve learned that staying organized is just as critical as brewing a clean, crisp lager. Once our team began to grow, keeping everything straight with whiteboards, spreadsheets, and text threads just didn’t cut it anymore. I knew we needed a better system.
I started researching tools specifically built for breweries or adaptable enough to manage the unique needs of a brewing operation. Scheduling in our world isn’t limited to shifts—it also includes brew days, cellar tasks, packaging runs, quality control, and events. And because multiple departments rely on timing each other’s work, we needed a platform that made collaboration seamless.
This search led me to test a range of solutions, and eventually, I narrowed it down to the best brewery scheduling software for teams. I’m sharing what I learned in this guide, in hopes of saving you some trial and error. Whether you’re running a five-person nano-brewery or a larger operation with multiple departments, the right scheduling tool can improve communication, reduce mistakes, and help you run a more efficient operation.
Why Traditional Scheduling Methods Fall Short
When I first started, a dry erase board in the brewhouse was the go-to method. We wrote up the brew calendar, fermentation timeline, and key dates for deliveries and events. It worked—until it didn’t. People forgot to check it, things got erased by accident, and worst of all, no one had access to it unless they were physically standing in front of it.
Google Sheets was the next evolution, and while that gave us remote access, it lacked automation and didn’t handle shift scheduling well. Brew days would shift, and it became a pain to update. Worst of all, it didn’t integrate with the tools we were already using, so everyone was still bouncing between messages, texts, and notes.
When I realized we were spending more time managing the schedule than managing the beer, I knew it was time to look into the best brewery scheduling software for teams—tools built for the complexity of craft beer production and hospitality operations.
What to Look For in Brewery Scheduling Tools
Before I settled on a platform, I made a list of the features we couldn’t live without. You might find this list useful as you evaluate your options:
- Brew Calendar Integration: We needed a clear overview of what was brewing, fermenting, and packaging—and when.
- Shift Scheduling: Our taproom, production, and events teams needed different kinds of schedules, often with overlap.
- Task Assignments: It had to support cellar task lists, clean-in-place reminders, and packaging prep.
- Notifications and Mobile Access: Everyone needed to get reminders and changes on their phones.
- Collaborative Features: If someone called out or a tank needed to be moved, we wanted to adjust quickly.
- User Permissions: Not everyone needed access to every schedule, and the ability to customize that was key.
- Integration: Whether it was syncing with inventory or POS systems, integration made life easier.
Once I had that checklist, I tested a few platforms and talked to other brewers to see what they were using. What follows are my top recommendations and reviews, based on what has worked for my team and others in the brewing community.
Ollie Ops
One of the more brewery-specific tools on the market, Ollie Ops is designed for production management from grain to glass. The platform helps with brew scheduling, tank management, packaging runs, and even integrates sales orders to plan production volume.
What I liked most was its visual production calendar, which allowed me to drag and drop brew days and automatically update cellar tasks. When a brew was delayed, I could shift everything downstream and notify the crew instantly. It also helped us standardize workflows so that no task got forgotten during busy weeks.
Ollie Ops is ideal for breweries producing at least once or twice a week and who need clarity between the brew team and sales. For taproom staff or event managers, though, it’s less focused on shift scheduling.
Key Features
- Drag-and-drop brew calendar
- Cellar task automation
- Real-time tank status tracking
- Production and sales order syncing
Pros
- Designed specifically for brewers
- Easy to learn and visually intuitive
- Keeps production and sales aligned
Cons
- Less flexible for taproom or retail staff
- Pricing can scale quickly as your team grows
Sling
Sling was the first general-purpose tool we adopted that really made an impact. Originally built for retail and hospitality, it’s surprisingly adaptable to brewery operations. I used Sling to schedule taproom staff, coordinate deliveries, and even assign event shifts. It includes time tracking, messaging, and location-based scheduling, which proved useful when our team worked from two different buildings.
Sling’s strength is in people scheduling, not brewing tasks, but for managing front-of-house and part-time staff, it’s one of the best brewery scheduling software for teams who wear multiple hats.
Key Features
- Employee shift scheduling
- In-app messaging
- Clock-in/clock-out functionality
- Mobile push notifications
Pros
- Simple interface for employees
- Great for managing shift workers
- Free tier available with strong core features
Cons
- No built-in production management
- Limited customization for brewing-specific tasks
Ekos
If you’re already using Ekos for inventory and production, you might not need another scheduling tool. Ekos combines scheduling, inventory, cost tracking, and compliance in one place. I found its scheduling features to be especially helpful for long-term planning. We mapped out our production for an entire quarter, and the software adjusted inventory estimates and purchase orders based on our schedule.
Ekos shines in medium-sized breweries with complex operations, where scheduling needs to tie directly into financials and logistics. It’s not the cheapest solution, but the depth is impressive.
Key Features
- Integrated production scheduling
- Real-time inventory forecasting
- Raw material planning
- Distributor communication tools
Pros
- Comprehensive system
- Designed for growing breweries
- Connects operations to financial insights
Cons
- Requires training and setup time
- Might be overkill for very small teams
When I Work
We tried When I Work during our first big staffing expansion. With more bartenders, servers, and event workers rotating shifts, we needed something better than a clipboard. This platform focuses on easy shift scheduling, time-off requests, and group messaging.
It allowed managers to approve or deny shift swaps, assign roles, and view who was on-site in real time. The drag-and-drop interface was a huge time saver, and it integrated well with our payroll software.
For breweries with a busy taproom and seasonal staff changes, it’s one of the best brewery scheduling software for teams on the hospitality side.
Key Features
- Taproom and front-of-house scheduling
- Shift swap and coverage management
- Automated reminders and alerts
- Time clock with geolocation
Pros
- Taproom-focused
- Fast setup and easy interface
- Affordable for small teams
Cons
- Doesn’t include brew process scheduling
- Limited integration with brewing software
Beer30 by The 5th Ingredient
If you want a scheduling platform that thinks like a brewer, Beer30 delivers. It tracks production batches, automates brew-day planning, schedules quality checks, and logs cleaning cycles. I especially liked the tank status board, which kept everyone aware of what was fermenting, cold crashing, or waiting to be kegged.
Beer30’s data-driven design makes it great for teams that want to analyze performance, calculate efficiency, and reduce waste. The scheduling aspect is deeply integrated into the full production picture, which helped us reduce errors and time waste.
Key Features
- Batch tracking with real-time scheduling
- Quality control scheduling
- Tank monitoring
- Compliance logging and reporting
Pros
- Production-focused with scheduling baked in
- Great for data-driven operations
- Responsive support team
Cons
- Not ideal for taproom or shift scheduling
- Premium pricing tier
Breww
We tested Breww during a stretch where we needed more control over order fulfillment and distributor logistics. What stood out to me was how well the production calendar synced with delivery deadlines and order prep. You can set tasks based on sales, which means the brew team knows exactly what’s needed and when.
Breww also supports stock levels, packaging planning, and compliance paperwork, all tied into your brew schedule. For breweries distributing to retailers, this platform helped us close the gap between production and delivery teams.
Key Features
- Production scheduling with sales integration
- Distribution and delivery tools
- Stock control across multiple sites
- Task management for brewers and cellar crew
Pros
- Full-featured and modern
- Ideal for distribution-focused breweries
- Excellent UI/UX
Cons
- Best for medium to large breweries
- Limited shift scheduling for hospitality
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Team
Every brewery operates differently. What worked for my team might need to be tweaked for yours. The best brewery scheduling software for teams depends on your priorities—whether it’s better visibility for the brewing crew, easier shift management for bartenders, or seamless collaboration between production and sales.
If you’re mostly focused on production, look toward Beer30, Ollie Ops, or Ekos. If your pain point is shift work in the taproom, Sling or When I Work might be a better fit. For all-in-one needs, platforms like Breww offer a great mix of features.
No matter which software you choose, the biggest win is getting your team aligned. Once we made the switch, I noticed fewer missed tasks, more on-time beer releases, and a better vibe among the crew. Everyone knew what was expected and when—and that clarity was invaluable.
Final Thoughts
Scheduling is more than assigning hours. In a brewery, it’s the backbone of every operation. It dictates when grain is milled, when yeast is pitched, when tanks are cleaned, and when customers are served. Getting it wrong can cost you time, money, and beer.
Investing in the best brewery scheduling software for teams made our operation smoother, more efficient, and better prepared for growth. It cut down on miscommunication, boosted morale, and helped us stay agile during our busiest months.
If you’re looking to improve your team’s coordination, streamline your production calendar, and make your brewery a more organized place to work, the right scheduling tool is one of the best decisions you can make.
