Optimizing Cannabis Inventory Intake: Best Practices for Compliance & Efficiency
An effective inventory intake strategy is critical for maintaining accurate product records, ensuring compliance with regulations, and optimizing operational efficiency.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Training
Establishing a clear Intake SOP is the first step. Every employee involved in product intake should be required to complete training to ensure uniformity in the process. This uniformity minimizes errors and ensures that all employees are on the same page.
Overall, an effective cannabis inventory intake strategy is essential for maintaining compliance, optimizing operational efficiency, and ensuring accurate inventory records. By following a well-defined process that encompasses receiving, documentation, quality control, proper storage, and compliance, retailers can operate efficiently in accordance with all laws and regulations.
Best Practices for Cannabis Inventory Intake
Receiving Inventory
Designated Area: Select a designated area for completing all intake processes for products that arrive at your retail store.
Compliance Manifests: Ensure all delivered products match the compliance manifests.
Label Verification: Verify all labeling to ensure it meets regulatory requirements.
Quantity Confirmation: Confirm the quantity received, including weight if applicable.
Damage Check: Ensure there is no damage to the packaging or the products.
Documentation
Record all essential information for product intake into the applicable POS or ERP system. This includes:
Product name
SKU
Batch/lot numbers
Expiration dates
Quantity received
Weight received
All information should be recorded in real time to ensure accuracy.
Quality Control
Establish a Quality Control SOP to ensure all necessary points are checked before accepting products into inventory. This includes:
Physical examination of products
Verification that all packaging and labeling are compliant
Weighing and Measuring
For flower deliveries, ensure all products are weighed at the time of intake on a state-certified and calibrated scale. Record these intake weights in the ERP or POS, and address any discrepancies with the supplier immediately.
Proper Tagging
All new inventory must be tagged properly with Metrc tags (or any other compliance system the state may be utilizing). Associated tag numbers for each unit of inventory should be scanned into the ERP or POS to ensure proper tracking down to the unit level. Proper tagging allows your inventory team to:
Efficiently scan for inventory counts
Expedite pick and pack processes
Storage
Ensure proper labeling on all containers to show product name, pricing, and any other required information. Use appropriate containers to store all inventory, for example:
Flower should be stored in opaque totes with tops to shield the flower from fluorescent lighting.
Ensure the item location is populated in the ERP/POS for every unit.
Compliance and Reporting
Ensure all intake records are properly kept and recorded in the event of a compliance audit. Accurate and detailed records are essential for meeting regulatory requirements and avoiding potential fines or penalties.
Conclusion
Implementing these best practices for cannabis inventory intake will help ensure that your operations remain compliant, efficient, and accurate. By maintaining a rigorous process for receiving, documenting, quality control, weighing, tagging, and storage, you can optimize your inventory management and support the overall success of your business.
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