Running a winery is as much about operational precision as it is about passion. Yet many wineries, especially those growing quickly or managing legacy systems, fall into avoidable traps when it comes to their business processes and technology. In this blog, we explore five of the most common mistakes wineries make with their systems and how to avoid them.
1. Relying on disconnected systems
Many wineries rely on a patchwork of spreadsheets, standalone apps, and manual processes. This might work in the short-term, but as the business grows, inconsistency leads to duplication, errors, and delays in decision-making.
Fix: Invest in an integrated winery ERP system like Bevica that connects your vineyard, production, inventory, sales, and compliance data in one place. This ensures consistency and improves operational efficiency.
2. Overlooking compliance complexity
From HMRC regulations to sustainability certifications, compliance is non-negotiable. Yet many wineries use manual tracking or outdated systems that increase risk.
Fix: Automate compliance reporting and audit trails to reduce risk and free up time for more strategic work. Modern ERP systems offer built-in compliance features tailored to the wine industry.
3. Lack of real-time visibility
Without up-to-date data, it’s hard to respond to demand shifts, manage stock levels, or plan production efficiently.
Fix: Use dashboards and reporting tools that give you real-time insights across your operations. This enables proactive decision-making and better resource allocation.
4. Underestimating the cost of inefficiency
Manual processes and workarounds may seem harmless, but they add up, costing time, money, and missed opportunities.
Fix: Map out your current processes and identify where automation or integration could save time and reduce errors. Consider a review of your business processes; you may uncover hidden business inefficiencies.
Some wineries delay system upgrades due to perceived cost or disruption, butt he longer you wait, the harder it becomes to scale.
Fix: Start with a business process workshop to assess where you are and what improvements will deliver the most value. Digital transformation doesn’t have to be disruptive – it can be phased and strategic.
“Implementing Bevica has enabled a step-change in our financial processes, providing us with better visibility of company performance, and allowing us to drive more in-depth financial analysis to support decision making across the business. As a wine producer, Bevica’s drinks industry-specific features are invaluable.” – James Fernandez, Financial Controller, Chapel Down
Ready to Avoid These Mistakes?
Bevica is currently offering a free, no-strings-attached Business Process Workshop tailored specifically for wineries (valued at £1,500). You’ll meet one-on-one with a drinks industry expert who’s worked in the trade and understands your challenges.
Together, you’ll review your current systems, spot inefficiencies, align your systems and plan for scalable growth. After the session, you’ll receive a personalised blueprint with practical recommendations; yours to keep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why should I upgrade my winery systems?
Upgrading your systems improves efficiency, reduces errors, and provides better visibility across your operations. It also helps you stay compliant and competitive in a fast-changing market.
What is a winery ERP system?
A winery ERP system is an integrated software solution that manages all aspects of your winery operations – from production and inventory to sales, and compliance.
How long does it take to implement a new system?
Implementation timelines vary depending on the size and complexity of your winery, but many clients see results within a few months. We offer phased rollouts to minimise disruption.
Will I need to retrain my staff?
Yes, but we provide comprehensive training and support to ensure a smooth transition. Most users find the new systems more intuitive and efficient.
What if I already have some systems in place?
We can integrate with your existing tools or help you migrate to a more unified platform. Our goal is to enhance what’s working and replace what’s not.
