It’s been a while since we checked in on the Brew Crew. So, naturally, we had to get the gang back together.
Last time we met the Brew Crew, they were hard at work behind the scenes of a brewery, keeping temperatures in check, motors moving, bottles flowing, and the occasional brewing emergency.
But that was then. So, what have they been up to since?
We invited the whole crew back for a reunion, and this time, the Wolf Pack is asking the questions.
Grab a pretzel, pour yourself something cold, and let’s see where the Brew Crew is now.
The Wolf: Welcome Back, Brew Crew!
Wolf: “It’s great to have everyone back. Let’s start with the obvious question: What have you all been doing since we last saw you?”
Brewmaster HMI: “Monitoring. Lots and lots of monitoring.”
Some things never change.
The HMI is still the brewery’s window into the process, giving operators a clear view of temperatures, pressures, tank levels, trends, recipes, and overall equipment status.
Wolf: “So basically, you're still the one who knows everything?”
HMI: “I wouldn't say everything…”
Everyone looks at the HMI.
HMI: “…but yes.”
The VFD: Still Calling the Shots
Next up is the VFD.
When we last checked in, the Speed Master was busy controlling motors, pumps, conveyors, and other equipment throughout the brewing process.
Wolf: “How’s life been?”
VFD: “Fast-paced.”
Wolf: “Anything else?”
VFD: “I keep things moving.”
Fair enough.
From controlling pump speeds during wort circulation to helping manage conveyors during packaging, VFDs continue to play an important role in keeping brewery equipment running at the right speed.
The Temperature Controller: Still Keeping Its Cool
Then there’s the Temperature Controller.
This crew member has one job, and takes it very seriously.
Wolf: “How are things?”
Temperature Controller: “Stable.”
Wolf: “That's it?”
Temperature Controller: “Stable is good.”
And honestly, they're right.
Temperature control remains critical throughout brewing, from hot liquor tanks to fermentation. Keeping temperatures where they need to be helps keep the process consistent, and keeps the Brew Crew from having a collective meltdown.
The Motor Crew: Still Doing the Heavy Lifting
If the brewery were a band, the contactors, motor starters, and motors would probably be the roadies.
They don't always get the spotlight, but they're constantly doing the heavy lifting.
Pumps, compressors, agitators, conveyors, and other equipment all depend on motors, and motor starters and overload protection help get those motors started and protected.
Wolf: “Do you ever take a day off?”
Motor Crew: “What's a day off?”
Yeah. We figured.
The PLC: Still the Brain of the Operation
The PLC hasn't changed much either.
Still coordinating and remembering recipes.
Still keeping track of what's happening throughout the process.
Still wondering why everyone keeps asking it questions when it clearly has enough to do already.
Wolf: “What's your secret to staying organized?”
PLC: “Logic.”
Wolf: “That's it?”
PLC: “Yeah, pretty much.”
The PLC remains the brain behind a brewery's automated processes, coordinating equipment and helping keep everything moving from one stage to the next.
The Pressure Sensor: Handling the Pressure
Next in the hot seat is the Pressure Sensor.
Wolf: “You've had a lot on your plate.”
Pressure Sensor: “Yes, it's a lot of pressure.”
Wolf: “Right. Of course.”
During fermentation and carbonation, pressure needs to be monitored and managed. Pressure sensors help provide that information so operators and control systems know what's happening inside the process.
In other words, while everyone else is worrying about the beer, the Pressure Sensor is worrying about the pressure.
It's a tough job.
The Sensor Squad: Still Watching Everything
If there's one member of the Brew Crew who hasn't missed a thing, it's the Sensor Squad.
Bottle present?...Check.
Bottle in the right position?...Check.
Equipment where it should be?...Check.
Something unexpectedly blocking the process?...Definitely check.
Sensors help detect what's happening throughout the brewery and packaging process, giving the control system the information it needs to make decisions.
Wolf: “Do you ever stop watching?”
Sensors: “Never.”
Wolf: “Even when no one else is looking?”
Sensors: “Especially when no one is looking.”
The Stack Light: Still Sending Signals
The Stack Light has also been busy.
Green?
Everything's good.
Yellow?
Something deserves a closer look.
Red?
Someone should probably stop what they're doing and investigate.
The stack light is still one of the easiest ways to get a quick visual update on equipment status without having to dig through a screen or wander around the brewery looking for answers.
Wolf: “What's your favorite color?”
Stack Light: “Depends on the day.”
We're sensing a theme here.
The Industrial Ethernet Switch: Still Connecting Everyone
Then there's the Industrial Ethernet Switch.
Honestly, this might be the most connected member of the group.
The switch helps connect devices throughout the automation system so information can move where it needs to go.
Wolf: “Any interesting gossip since our last reunion?”
Ethernet Switch: “I know everything.”
Wolf: “Care to share?”
Ethernet Switch: “No.”
And just like that, the interview was over.
The Power Supply: Quietly Keeping Everyone Going
While some members of the Brew Crew get all the attention, the Power Supply has been quietly doing its job in the background.
Power supplies provide the DC power needed by many control components, sensors, and controllers.
They aren't flashy or loud, so they don't usually get invited to the front of the reunion.
But when they aren't doing their job?
Wolf: “How does it feel to be underappreciated?”
Power Supply: “I'm used to it.”
A true behind-the-scenes hero.
The E-Stop: Still Ready for Anything
And finally, we have the E-Stop.
Big. Red. Impossible to ignore.
Hopefully, the E-Stop doesn't have to make an appearance very often. But when something goes wrong and equipment needs to stop quickly, it's ready to step in.
Wolf: “Any big plans for the future?”
E-Stop: “Hopefully nothing exciting.”
Honestly?
That's exactly what we want to hear.
So, Where Are They Now?
After catching up with the Brew Crew, one thing became pretty clear:
They're still busy.
The equipment may change. Processes may evolve. Breweries may add new technology, expand production, or upgrade older automation systems. But the basic goal remains the same: keep the process controlled, connected, safe, and moving.
From the HMI keeping an eye on the process to the PLC coordinating the operation, the VFD controlling speed, sensors watching for changes, temperature and pressure devices monitoring critical conditions, and power and safety components supporting the system, the Brew Crew still has plenty of work to do.
And judging by how much everyone had to say at the reunion…
they aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
Have a brewing application that needs a little help?