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RailsConf 2018: Ales on Rails: Making a Smarter Brewery with Ruby by Ben Shippee Rails is a great framework to empower people to work smarter, not harder. I'll be sharing the evolution of technology in a Pittsburgh brewery, from a simple MVP to a production application. This talk will explore how Ruby and Rails was leveraged to help manage brewery data, control aspects of the taproom environment, and automate the tedious parts of the job to a few clicks.
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In his presentation at RailsConf 2018, titled **"Ales on Rails: Making a Smarter Brewery with Ruby,"** Ben Shippee, the Tech Director of Brew Gentleman, discusses the evolution of technology in a Pittsburgh-based brewery. He illustrates how the use of Ruby on Rails has transformed Brew Gentleman's operational efficiency, allowing them to manage brewery data effectively, enhance the taproom experience, and automate various processes. Shippee presents a timeline of projects undertaken over the past three and a half years, focusing on several key elements: - **Brewery Introduction:** Shippee introduces Brew Gentleman, a craft brewery situated in Braddock, Pennsylvania, founded by Carnegie Mellon graduates in 2014. The brewery stands out for its high-quality beer and dedication to improving the historic area with meaningful experiences. - **Core Values and Philosophy:** The brewery's operations are guided by principles inspired by Japanese philosophy, particularly the concept of **Kaizen** (continuous improvement). This intrinsic drive for enhancement fuels their technology projects. - **Digital Menu Board:** Shippee discusses the implementation of a digital menu board that replaced a cumbersome manual process. Initially, beers were displayed using an iPod running an Illustrator file, which posed significant bottlenecks. With Rails, staff members can now update beer offerings in real time, ensuring customers always see up-to-date options. - **System Integration and Automation:** The system integrates multiple components, including a beer database for management and active admin dashboards for simple updates to the beer menu. This adaptability allows anyone on the bar staff to manage the offerings seamlessly, removing prior bottlenecks and inefficiencies. - **Hackathons and Innovations:** Shippee shares experiences from hackathons—events where brewery staff collaborated on tech projects. One outcome was an automated reservation system for special bottle releases that allows customers to avoid long lines and pick up their orders at scheduled times. - **Continued Development:** The presentation notes a transition from Angular to React for frontend development, derived from the need for a more user-friendly interface. The results include a refined taproom and improved interaction for staff managing beer on tap and customer experience. - **Future Optimizations:** The brewery is exploring further technological advancements, including inventory management and a mobile app that will enhance customer interaction with brewery services. In conclusion, Shippee emphasizes Brew Gentleman's commitment to leveraging technology to simplify processes, enhance customer satisfaction, and operate efficiently. The key takeaway is that through innovative use of technology and a focus on continuous improvement, Brew Gentleman has managed to thrive in a competitive craft beer landscape, demonstrating the power of Rails to reshape business operations.
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