Multibrau:
Smart brewing technology for the digital future
From recipe to perfectly balanced seasoning
Multibrau – Digitalization driven by a passion for craftsmanship
Multibrau GmbH is an innovative company based in Bavaria that specializes in the intelligent automation and modernization of brewing equipment. With a small, highly qualified team, Multibrau implements around three large-scale projects each year – always with the aim of enabling breweries to implement modern process automation efficiently and individually.
Multibrau’s main business focuses on retrofitting existing plants and implementing new plants that do not require a central process control system. Individual control solutions are developed specifically for medium-sized breweries. Another focus is on the integration of energy optimizations, for example through the integration of refrigeration systems or photovoltaics, in order to make processes sustainable and efficient.
Intelligent brewing automation: From Excel recipe to perfectly controlled wort
Multibrau brings breweries up to date digitally – while leaving the master brewer in full control of the process at all times. The entire brewing process, from malting and mashing to fermentation and maturation, is precisely automated on the basis of digital recipe data.
Typically, these recipes are created and maintained by the master brewer himself in the form of structured Excel files. The control system then takes over the exact implementation: mash temperatures and rest times are automatically regulated, energy and heat are efficiently recovered during the wort process, and during fermentation, a finely tuned cooling control system ensures optimal conditions. The maturation process, which lasts several weeks, also takes place under controlled but flexible conditions – so that the master brewer can intervene at any time and refine his product. In this way, the brewer’s creative sovereignty remains untouched, while modern technology ensures reproducibility, energy efficiency, and process reliability.
Secure remote access with the mbNET.rokey series, including key switch
MB connect line – the perfect connection between people, machines, and malt
For Multibrau, one thing was clear from the outset: the remote access solution had to be fail-safe, intuitive, compliant with data protection regulations, and absolutely reliable. The decision was therefore clearly in favor of MB connect line – and has never been regretted.
Overview of components used:
Among other things, mbNET.rokey is used, an industrial remote access router with an integrated key switch that only allows controlled remote access once physical approval has been given. All routers, accesses, and users are managed via the central remote access portal mbCONNECT24, so that Multibrau always has an overview. Thanks to WEB2Go, the browser-based VNC viewer, the brewing control visualization can be accessed directly – even from mobile devices. Secure VPN access ensures encrypted, direct access to the Siemens control system and the entire plant. The key switch of the mbNET.rokey is particularly appreciated, as it allows the end customer to retain control over the connection. In addition, data logging and automated backups ensure that recipe and process data can be stored in an audit-proof manner at all times and evaluated as needed.
The routers are connected directly to Siemens controllers via Ethernet, giving them access to the entire control network of the brewing plant. Integration into the existing control landscapes results in a consistent solution – from the master brewer to the service technician.
“I’ve done remote access during halftime at the Allianz Arena – or from an alpine hut. It just works – securely, stably, and reliably.”
Matthias Ochsenbauer – Multibrau programmer
Added value for Multibrau & brewers – security, control, and customer proximity
The collaboration with MB connect line brings tangible benefits for Multibrau and the breweries in all project phases – from planning to ongoing operation. The preconfigured hardware ensures a smooth start right from the installation stage. The routers can be quickly integrated into existing networks and flexibly adapted to different infrastructures – whether via LTE or the in-house customer network. Even project-specific challenges such as IP conflicts (e.g., with the address 10.1.1.0) were solved promptly and reliably thanks to the dedicated support of MB connect line.
The strength of the solution becomes fully apparent during operation: the ability to remotely access ongoing brewing processes at any time gives the Multibrau team and the brewers on site maximum control and flexibility. Production downtime can often be avoided altogether thanks to the ability to respond immediately. Support requests can be processed without having to travel to the site – even at night or on weekends. Data backup is automated, but can also be triggered manually if necessary.
Time is a critical factor, especially in the event of a malfunction – a sensitive brew cannot tolerate delays. Here, the Multibrau team can intervene within minutes instead of losing hours traveling to the site. The MB connect line remote access solution enables fast, targeted assistance – not only ensuring secure production, but also genuine customer proximity and trust at all levels.
Integration of the mbNET.rokey into the customer’s existing control cabinet
From practice: Brewing with digital freedom
The practical benefits are not only appreciated by the technical managers, but above all by the local master brewers, who value the new flexibility in their daily work: “I can get an overview of what’s happening in the brewhouse from my couch, simply set an alarm on my cell phone, and still not miss the ideal time to intervene – even if I’m at a family celebration. I can even entertain customers in the beer garden while keeping an eye on my equipment.”
This newly gained digital freedom is not only perceived as an efficiency gain, but also as real added value for the trade. And the Multibrau team also benefits enormously: “I’ve done remote access during half-time at the Allianz Arena – or from an alpine hut. It just works – securely, stably, and reliably,” says Matthias Ochsenbauer, Multibrau programmer.
Technical outlook: Future-proof remote access taken to the next level
Multibrau plans to make wider use of the possibilities offered by the MB connect line remote access solution in the future. Among other things, it plans to use alarm functions via telephone or SMS to receive early warnings of critical process deviations and be able to react immediately. In addition, redundancy for system updates is to be increased so that monitoring and control of the systems can continue without restriction even during maintenance windows. Another development step is the deeper integration of smart devices, which will allow even more flexible and location-independent access to ongoing processes – whether from the office or on the go.
MB connect line + Multibrau = High-tech for genuine craftsmanship
With MB connect line, Multibrau has not only found a powerful remote access solution, but also a partner that makes a real difference with excellent support and technically sophisticated products. The combination of user-friendliness, reliability, IT security, and modular expandability is a perfect fit for the requirements of the brewing industry.
Mobile solution in suitcase form, for presenting the Multibrau software (customer can connect via mbNET) or as a quick replacement for defective equipment in emergencies
“With MB connect line, we have finally found a solution that delivers exactly what we need: maximum security, high flexibility, and excellent support. That gives us – and our customers – peace of mind.”
Herbert Meier – CEO Multibrau
Would you like to know how you too can modernize your machines and systems to make them future-proof and securely accessible remotely? Get in touch with us. Together, we will find the right solution – tailored to your preferences and suited to your processes.
