Frequently asked questions.

Barrel Scout is an RFID and barcode tracking system designed specifically for the spirits industry. It combines cloud software, mobile apps, RFID scanning hardware, and purpose-built barrel tags to give you real-time visibility into every barrel in your operation — from the day it's filled to the day it ships.

Quick Start is our free 30-day trial package. We ship you a handheld RFID reader, 50 barrel tags, and configure a live software instance for your operation. Our team provides up to 3 onboarding sessions to help you get started. There's no software cost — just a refundable deposit on the hardware, which you can return at no charge if you decide not to continue.

Barrel Scout works with both barcodes and RFID. Our barrel tags include both technologies, so you can start with barcode scanning using any device camera and upgrade to RFID when you're ready. RFID enables bulk scanning (hundreds of tags in seconds), long-range reading (up to 20 feet), and barrel locate mode — all without needing line of sight.

No. You can start immediately using the mobile app on your existing iOS or Android device to scan barcodes with the camera. For RFID scanning, we provide handheld readers. Fixed readers for forklift mounting are available as an optional add-on for fully automated tracking.

Yes. Barrel Scout works as a standalone system or alongside your existing warehouse, ERP, or inventory software. You can export data to Excel and CSV at any time, and we provide a RESTful API for direct system integration.

Barrel Scout tags are battery-free and designed to last the life of the barrel — 10+ years in warehouse conditions. They are engineered specifically for the temperature, humidity, and handling conditions of barrel warehouses.

Most operations are up and running within days. Our cloud-hosted software requires no on-site installation. We configure your warehouse layout, import your existing data, and train your team. You can start scanning barrels immediately.

Yes. Barrel Scout supports multiple buildings and warehouses from a single account. You can track barrel movements between locations, including inter-warehouse transfers that automatically create linked shipment and delivery records.

Pricing is per barrel per year. For distilleries, it's based on the number of barrels tracked in your inventory. For non-distilling producers (NDPs), it's based on barrels consumed (dumped, shipped, or used) annually. Volume discounts apply at every level. Visit our pricing page for full details.

Every Quick Start trial includes onboarding sessions with our team. After your trial, we provide ongoing support via email and phone. We also offer remote monitoring for fixed RFID readers and can provide on-site support as needed.

Barrel Scout scales from 10 barrels to over 100,000. The same software works for small craft distilleries and large-scale warehouse operations.

Yes. Barrel Scout is cloud-hosted with industry-standard security practices. Each customer's data is isolated, and all access requires authentication. API access uses token-based authentication, and we maintain a full audit trail of all system activity.