Ian Macleod Distillers has introduced the Pisys Permit to Work digital platform across five operational sites, marking a significant step forward in its approach to handling high-risk work and safety compliance.
Pisys, a Scottish software firm specialising in adaptable cloud-based HSEQ systems, supports a wide range of industries including energy, healthcare, education and food manufacturing. Its Permit to Work product is recognised globally as a practical tool for structured risk management.
The distillery group, known for heritage brands such as Glengoyne, Rosebank, Edinburgh Gin, Tamdhu and Smokehead, manages a diverse estate of historic and modern production facilities. Regular repairs, upgrades and essential works often take place in hazardous environments requiring stringent safety oversight.
As the volume and complexity of work increased, the business sought to move away from its paper-driven system to a more robust, responsive digital alternative capable of meeting evolving operational needs.
Distilling operations require a high degree of control over risks. Preventing breach of containment – the uncontrolled release of potentially explosive vapours – remains a key management priority. Insurance checks, competence verification and safeguarding for visitors near operational areas are also mandatory within the permit process.
Every task must be supported by a suitable and sufficient risk assessment to ensure clear understanding of hazards and agreed controls across all personnel involved.
A pilot deployment of the Pisys system highlighted notable improvements in permit tracking, visibility and administrative efficiency. Following this successful trial, the platform has now been expanded across five locations with strong outcomes in both compliance management and workflow performance.
Reflecting on the rollout, Central Sites Maintenance Manager John Colquhoun stated: “We’ve seen significant benefits in a relatively short time, faster processing of permits and improved visibility of tasks have really made a difference to our operation. Particular highlights were the speed of set up by the Pisys team and the ease of configuring the system to create or amend permits. Managing isolations and contractors is also very easy and the whole system has the level of flexibility that Ian Macleod Distillers require for more efficient risk management, task planning and execution.”
