In the world of specialty coffee, balancing technological efficiency with artisanal craft presents a constant challenge for today's roasters. Join us as we explore this delicate equilibrium with Robert Ouma, an experienced roaster who has successfully integrated modern software solutions while maintaining the human touch that defines exceptional coffee.

Could you walk us through your roasting operations, including machines you’re currently using?

We run two different roasting machines. Our sample roaster is a Giesen WPG1, and for production, we use a W15A 15 kg machine. We serve both B2B and direct-to-consumer markets, with our primary focus on specialty coffee.

Our operation is actually a combination café and roastery — it’s essentially two businesses in one. This setup creates a great synergy between our production and service sides.

How would you describe your roasting philosophy and profiling approach?

Our profiling approach is pretty flexible because we often tailor it to customer preferences. Some clients have specific expectations for their coffee, so we adapt accordingly. I wouldn't say we have rigid profiles that we stick to religiously, but we generally aim to highlight the unique characteristics of each origin and focus on how the coffee will ultimately be used.

What roasting software have you used in the past, and how were your experiences?

We’ve used both Cropster and the Giesen Profiler. I would say they were too expensive for our relatively small operation while offering many features we rarely used. Features like inventory management and QC tracking seemed excessive when our focus was primarily on taste.

As for free alternatives like Artisan, it presented different challenges: requiring significant computer space and featuring a not-so-intuitive profile comparison process that made file management difficult if not saved in the correct locations. Essentially, premium software was overbuilt and overpriced for our needs, while free options created workflow inefficiencies.

How did you discover Firescope, and what were your first impressions?

I first came across Firescope while I was in Qatar. My initial impression was that it brilliantly combined the best elements of both Cropster and Artisan interfaces. It felt like getting two software solutions in one, but with much more intuitive functionality. I found it incredibly promising right from the start.

What aspects of Firescope's interface do you find most user-friendly?

The flexibility is outstanding, and the graph presentation is clean and uncluttered. You don't need to dig through multiple settings menus just to smooth out graphs or adjust display parameters. Everything is intuitive compared to the alternatives we've used.

I honestly appreciate every feature of Firescope, but the graph comparison functionality really stands out. It provides comprehensive details all on a single page. There's no jumping between different screens to compare profiles—everything appears in one place, which makes analysis substantially more efficient.

How has implementing Firescope affected your production process?

Our production workflow hasn’t changed dramatically, but we’ve seen substantial cost savings since making the switch. Managing expenses is critical in our operation, and cutting software costs has freed up resources we can direct toward other priorities. The software meets our core needs without the financial burden of the premium options we used previously.

What advice would you give to other roasters about using software for consistency?

Whenever this topic comes up, I stress that it's essential to verify your consistency through quality software. At the end of the day, it's all about continuous improvement. Even if you're confident in your skills, you need objective data to confirm how reliable your process truly is.

The only effective way to track that is by maintaining detailed records—reference points you can return to. Having that reliable documentation is always the best approach for any serious roaster.

Was there any hesitation in trying a new roasting software?

Like with any new technology, there were definitely some mixed feelings when considering a switch. You always wonder, "What if this throws off our established workflow?"

But as professionals, there's also that excitement about discovering something that could take our operation to the next level. I was genuinely eager to explore something new because continuous improvement is part of our culture here. Every innovation in our field represents an opportunity to learn and grow our craft.

As roasting technology continues to evolve, it's clear that the most successful operations aren't those with the most sophisticated tools, but those that thoughtfully select platforms enhancing their roast without overwhelming it. Ouma's journey reminds us that in specialty coffee, technology should always remain the servant of taste, not its master. Try Firescope to see what differences it can bring to your coffee.

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