What records does a distillery need to protect for TTB?▼
Distilled spirits plants operate under 27 CFR Part 19, which requires detailed records of production, storage, processing, transfers in bond and removals, and those records support your monthly operations reports and excise tax returns. For aging programs, that means barrel-level data spanning years. We don’t decide what your reports should show; your compliance lead or accountant does. We make sure the systems holding that data are backed up, version-controlled and restorable, so a hardware failure doesn’t leave gaps in records you’re required to keep.
Our barrel inventory is in a spreadsheet. Is that okay?▼
It can work, but it’s fragile. A single spreadsheet on one laptop has no version history, can be overwritten by accident and disappears with the laptop. At minimum, we move it to managed storage with version history and daily backups so you can roll back mistakes and survive a lost device. Many distilleries eventually move to distillery software that ties barrel records to production and reporting. Either way, we test restores before reporting deadlines so you know the data is really there.
How do we stop bots from buying our allocated releases?▼
No single setting stops every bot, but several layers make a big difference. Most e-commerce platforms support virtual queues, purchase limits per customer, account requirements, CAPTCHA-style checks and bot detection apps. Some distilleries switch to raffles or member lotteries for the most sought-after bottles. We help configure those tools, coordinate with your platform provider and test before launch. What you can legally sell online and ship depends on your state, so your compliance lead should confirm the release format.
Are our warehouse cameras really a security risk?▼
They often are. Many camera recorders ship with default passwords and remote access features that expose them to the internet, where automated scanners find them quickly. A compromised recorder can be used to watch your warehouse, delete footage or attack other devices on the same network. We change credentials, update firmware, move cameras to their own network segment and set up secure remote viewing through an app or VPN instead of open ports. Your footage stays private and available.
Can you set up our tasting room and bottle shop?▼
Yes. We install business-grade Wi-Fi with separate networks for POS, guests, office and cameras, add cellular failover so payments keep working during internet outages, and set up individual staff logins on the POS. Card data stays inside your processor’s encrypted terminals to keep PCI DSS scope small. We coordinate with your POS provider for the software side and help with event setups like private tastings or barrel picks that need extra handhelds or temporary connectivity.
What happens if ransomware locks our office computer?▼
Endpoint protection should stop or isolate most attacks early, and automated monitoring watches your systems around the clock. If something gets through, our team responds during business hours, with after-hours emergency response for active incidents. We cut the machine off, figure out how it happened and restore barrel records, production data and accounting files from backups that ransomware can’t reach. Decisions about notifying anyone outside the company belong with you and your counsel.
Do you provide Distilleries IT Services in Houston and nearby areas?▼
Yes. LayerLogix is based in the Greater Houston area and delivers distilleries IT services to businesses across Houston and the surrounding communities, including The Woodlands, Spring, Katy, Sugar Land, Conroe, Cypress, and Pearland. For most Houston-area clients we can be on-site the same day when something needs hands-on attention, and our help desk is available during business hours, with after-hours emergency support. Call 713-571-2390 to check coverage for your specific address.
What does Distilleries IT Services cost for a Houston business?▼
Pricing depends on your size and what you need, so we do not publish a one-size-fits-all number — but Houston businesses generally pay a flat, predictable monthly fee rather than surprise hourly bills. We start with a free, no-obligation assessment of your current setup, then give you a clear quote in plain English with no hidden costs. That way you know exactly what you are getting and what it costs before you commit.