From Overlap to Optimization: Refining Technology Use in Cannabis Operations
By cannabis consultant Tyler Stratford for Slingr Labs
From lighting controls to security systems to inventory/track and trace systems, technology likely plays a prominent role in your cannabis operation. Most technology, however, was not designed with you in mind. Aside from security, which should be unique to each cannabis operation, the technological tools you use are meant only to fulfill the basic needs of cannabis workers.
The best systems allow you to work in them how you want to while giving you the flexibility to make those systems multifunctional. Your operation requires specific needs not guaranteed to be supported by cookie-cutter software. It is unique, from the layout to the flow of clients, products, and cash through your operation.
I have noticed this in every cannabis operation that I have worked with or seen. Primarily, using multiple technologies will inevitably lead to overlapping features (even in the best procedures). As an operator, learning each system and upkeep daily use costs time and money, negatively affecting your business growth. Any technology that requires too much time to maintain or is a drain on your internal resources should be reviewed and potentially dropped altogether.
In many cases, operators become fixated on a particular feature of new technology, neglecting to consider the broader functionality that may overlap with existing systems. This can lead to unnecessary purchases and redundant capabilities, as the desired functionality may already be available within their existing technology stack.
Selecting the right tools for cannabis operations is all about choosing quality over quantity.
Many POS companies offer integrated menu management and customer rewards systems, although these features may be relatively basic compared to other solutions. While POS systems often provide basic menu management and customer rewards functionality, dedicated cannabis menu integration companies offer a wider range of features and deeper expertise in their respective domains.
Most often, cannabis operators will become bloated with too many components of overlapping technology to get the best of each service to use in their operation. The implementation and ongoing use of technology can incur significant expenses, including subscription fees and employee training costs. Therefore, selecting software and technology that closely aligns with your specific needs can be crucial to optimize costs and minimize operational complexity.
In some cases, it is best to have an operations expert assess which technological assets you are using and which are a waste of resources. Consultants can assist in evaluating and optimizing software subscriptions, integrations, and technology to ensure they align with business needs. This includes identifying and implementing new solutions, phasing out outdated technologies, and facilitating transitions to ensure smooth adoption.
Crafting precision: SOPs and agile tech will streamline your cannabis operations
The optimization process is not completed until you have a detail-oriented SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) document outlining the use and purpose of each asset. Without proper SOPs and training, you cannot be sure that everyone in your operation is on the same page.
Prioritize essential technology and eliminate unnecessary complexities. Low-code systems like Slingr Labs offer increased agility and adaptability to address unique client needs, outpacing traditional development approaches. An excellent example is Slingr’s LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), which a cannabis testing lab can use to help organize samples, batches, results, and reporting. For cannabis testing labs in particular, it is incredibly important to utilize technology. Labs can truly make or break some markets because of how many operators they support, they need reputable LIMS to ensure compliance and integrity of data.
In the past, the easiest solution for producers and testers in cannabis has been to use an Excel spreadsheet or pen and paper to record weights, batches, plants, yields, and nutrients. It is a necessity for Labs, in particular, to step out of the “pen and paper” past and into the “low-code LIMS” future. Especially at this time in cannabis, we need to ensure we are not bloating our operations with useless or unneeded technologies and reducing our profit margins overall.
Balancing innovation and practicality in cannabis operations
Cannabis operators encounter a constant influx of technology vendors promoting the latest cannabis-specific solutions, often leading to an accumulation of redundant or unnecessary systems within their operations. This can become cumbersome and cost you a lot of time and money. If you still need to, look hard at your current operating systems.
For indispensable technologies, establish comprehensive SOP to outline their proper utilization and provide comprehensive training. Regularly evaluate the necessity and efficiency of all technologies. Consider eliminating or streamlining redundant or time-consuming systems to optimize costs.
Tyler Stratford is a seasoned cannabis consultant of nearly 13 years. His career started in construction, where he developed a practical, hands-on approach to property development, which he later applied to cannabis startup operations. Tyler's military service as an Army infantryman honed his leadership and adaptability, skills he carried into his roles in the cannabis sector, where he progressed from cultivation to compliance/regulatory and operational expertise, and eventually to consulting with Canna Advisors, winning nearly 100 licenses for clients. His ability to navigate regulatory environments and leverage technology has been pivotal in successfully launching and operating multiple cannabis businesses.
