Are Kegs Tracked? A Deep Dive into the World of Keg Logistics
The short answer is a resounding yes, kegs are tracked! The beer industry, from massive breweries to craft microbreweries, relies heavily on tracking systems to manage their keg inventory, reduce losses, and ensure the safe and timely delivery of their liquid gold. The methods employed range from simple manual systems to cutting-edge smart tag technology, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Let’s uncork the details of keg tracking.
Why is Keg Tracking So Important?
Think of kegs as the reusable bottles of the beer world. They’re a significant investment for breweries, and losing them can quickly impact the bottom line. Beyond the financial aspect, effective tracking is crucial for:
- Inventory Management: Knowing where your kegs are at all times allows for better planning of production and distribution.
- Loss Prevention: Keg loss due to theft, damage, or simply getting “lost” in the system is a major problem. Tracking helps minimize these losses.
- Quality Control: Monitoring the movement of kegs allows breweries to trace batches and address any quality issues that may arise.
- Customer Accountability: Knowing which customer has which keg allows for better management of deposits and returns.
- Regulatory Compliance: Some regions have regulations regarding keg ownership and tracking.
How are Kegs Tracked? The Methods Unveiled
The beer industry employs a diverse array of methods to keep tabs on their kegs. Here’s a breakdown of the most common:
Manual Systems and Bar Codes
These are the traditional methods, often involving spreadsheets, paper records, and barcode scanners. While relatively inexpensive to implement initially, they are labor-intensive, prone to errors, and offer limited real-time visibility. The major downside is the difficulty in identifying who specifically is responsible for a keg at any given time.
Keg Scales
A more precise way to measure a keg for inventory is by using a keg scale. These can be purchased from most scale manufacturers or online (just make sure to buy one that can take at least 300 pounds). Most bartenders have a system in place that helps them translate weight to number of beers.
2D Matrix Codes and Serial Numbers
Virtually every keg now comes equipped with a custom laser-etched 2D matrix code as well as serial numbers for efficient keg tracking and compatibility with all major keg tracking software.
RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) Technology
RFID tags offer a significant upgrade over barcodes. These tags contain a microchip that transmits a unique identifier via radio waves. RFID allows for remote tracking of kegs without needing a direct line of sight, making it easier to track large quantities in warehouses or delivery trucks. However, RFID tags can be more expensive than barcodes and require specialized readers.
Smart Tags and IoT (Internet of Things)
The cutting edge of keg tracking involves smart tags equipped with GPS, cellular connectivity, and various sensors. These tags can report real-time location, temperature, and even impact events (indicating potential damage). This data is transmitted to a central platform, providing breweries with unparalleled visibility and control over their keg fleet. While this technology offers the most comprehensive tracking, it also comes with a higher upfront cost.
The Keg Scale
This is a low-tech but effective method for gauging the amount of beer remaining in a keg. By weighing the keg and comparing it to its full weight, bartenders can estimate how many pints are left. While not a true tracking system, it aids in inventory management at the point of sale.
The Future of Keg Tracking
As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more sophisticated keg tracking solutions to emerge. This includes the increased use of AI and machine learning to analyze tracking data, predict potential losses, and optimize distribution routes. Imagine a system that can automatically detect if a keg is being transported outside of its designated delivery zone or if its temperature is fluctuating dangerously. The future of keg tracking is all about proactive management and data-driven decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Keg Tracking
1. Do kegs have serial numbers?
Yes, every keg comes with a serial number, often laser-etched alongside a 2D matrix code. This allows for individual keg identification and tracking within a brewery’s inventory system.
2. How do breweries track kegs today?
Most breweries today use a combination of methods, including barcode scanning, RFID tags, and increasingly, smart tags with GPS tracking. The specific approach depends on the brewery’s size, budget, and the complexity of their distribution network.
3. How do you keep track of kegs manually?
Manual tracking typically involves maintaining spreadsheets or paper logs to record keg movements. This includes noting when kegs are sent to distributors, retailers, and when they are returned. It is important to manually record the keg’s serial number to match it to a specific transaction.
4. What happens if you don’t return a keg?
If you don’t return a keg, you will forfeit your deposit. The deposit system is designed to incentivize the return of kegs, ensuring that they are not lost or scrapped.
5. Are empty beer kegs worth anything?
Yes, empty beer kegs have value as scrap metal. A typical stainless steel keg might be worth around $24 based on scrap metal prices. However, it is important to remember that the kegs belong to the brewery and should be returned to claim your deposit.
6. Why are beer kegs so expensive?
Kegs are expensive due to the high cost of materials (typically stainless steel), the manufacturing process, and the need for them to be durable enough to withstand repeated use and transportation.
7. Do unopened beer kegs need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration is preferable for unopened kegs to maximize their shelf life. While not strictly necessary, storing them in a cool environment like a basement or closet is recommended.
8. How long does a keg last without being tapped?
A keg will remain fresh if dispensed with CO2 while maintaining the proper temperature and pressure:
- For non-pasteurized draft beer, about 45-60 days.
- For pasteurized draft beer, about 90-120 days. NOTE: When dispensing keg beer with a party pump (air), any draft beer will remain fresh for no more than 8-12 hours.
9. Do beer kegs get reused?
Yes, beer kegs are almost always reused. Breweries clean, sanitize, and refill them multiple times throughout their lifespan.
10. What do bars do with empty kegs?
Bars store empty kegs until the distributor picks them up and returns them to the brewery. The brewery then cleans and refills them.
11. Is it cheaper to buy a keg of beer or cases of beer?
Generally, buying beer by the keg is cheaper than purchasing the equivalent amount in bottles or cans. You pay 50% less than if you purchased bottled beer.
12. How fast do you have to drink a keg after tapping it?
If you tap a keg using a CO2 system, it can remain fresh for several weeks, depending on whether the beer is pasteurized or not. However, if you use a party pump (air pump), you should consume the keg within 8-12 hours.
13. How does a keg checker work?
The Keg Check works on a “torque-wrench” principle – the heavier the keg (more beer) means the more effort or ‘force’ is needed to tilt the keg off the floor using the leverage of the Keg Check. The scale on the handle can be calibrated to measure either a standard 13.2 gallon keg or a 15.5 gallon keg.
14. Should you roll beer kegs?
If there are no hand trucks available, the next safest option is to “tilt and roll”. The keg can be tilted slightly on one side and slowly rolled to where it needs to go. The goal is to minimize lifting and only use it as a last resort.
15. How do breweries clean kegs?
Cleaning kegs in breweries has traditionally been accomplished by using hot water and alkaline liquid cleaning solutions comprised of sodium and or potassium hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) utilize extremely high (12-14) pH to hydrolyze (break down) soil to remove it.
The Bottom Line
Effective keg tracking is essential for breweries to maintain profitability, ensure product quality, and comply with regulations. From simple manual systems to sophisticated smart tag technology, the methods employed are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the beer industry. Just as the Games Learning Society fosters innovation in education and game design, so too does the beer industry embrace innovation in logistics and supply chain management. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the intersection of games, learning, and technology.