Everything You Need to Know About METRC API Documentation
The Costs of METRC
METRC stands for Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance. Seems like an obvious name when you realize that you need it to report your inventory and run a legal cannabis business.
METRC requires manual input of information for reporting to the state. You have to maintain it properly and monitor your inventory as carefully as possible.
Since cannabis is a heavily-regulated industry, you may wind up with an audit if there are any discrepancies in your reporting.
You can be cited, fined, or lose your license to sell, grow, store, transport, or distribute cannabis.
This is why you need a program that helps reconcile, keep track, and create value out of your METRC data.
This is where the METRC API key comes into play.
The Value of METRC API
When you use a program that integrates via METRC AP, you are creating new protocols to help with the inventory management process in METRC and more.
Programs with an API push protocol will send tracking information to the state at regular intervals. You also can send the information through the system when you are ready.
Software that uses API keys can also help clients track all their shipments through METRC’s traceability code. This is especially important if a large shipment comes in that has different product types.
That batch can remain under one tag number provided in METRC. The program that uses the METRC API key can break up the shipment into a variety of different categories.
These programs can help remove duplicate content, compress data, and save time.
Using API, METRC can also integrate with the POS system. Dispensaries can track both received and sold products.
Do not assume programs that using a METRC API key will solve all compliance problems. These programs offer a return on the costly investment in maintaining compliance data.
You can imagine how frustrating it would be to download software that insecurely handles your METRC API key. You do not want the state to see red flags the moment it receives your data.
METRC API Documentation
METRC API Documentation provides you a clear pathway to getting your METRC data onto another program. You connect to additional software using a METRC API key.
There are two different kinds of API keys: the vendor key and user key. The vendor key is representative of the whole company whereas the user key is for certain permissions within it.
Software that requires METRC API documentation will likely rely on the vendor key as it is tied specifically to the company or facility.
When you’re ready to access your METRC API documentation for software, follow these steps:
- Make sure the platform you’re giving your key to is secure and trustworthy
- Go into your user profile on METRC
- Generate the API key
- Copy the string
- Paste in the appropriate field on the software
- Enable permissions in METRC if the software requires
This is much faster than trying to manually input data from METRC. But you still have to be conscious of security with any platform with which you choose to integrate.
Once connected, additional software interfaces with METRC, working with inventory data to help you manage your business while remaining compliant.
Using your METRC API key within external programs, you’ll have the freedom to check your inventory information in a new digital setting before it is sent to the state.
This will probably be better than trying to read through unconnected data points in METRC.
Saving Time & Money with Software
If software for your inventory does not use METRC API documentation protocols, you would need to input all data manually. Why do this again after already putting it into METRC itself?
Trying to enter all this information manually is frustrating and time-consuming. This ultimately requires spending a lot more money.
You could easily make errors while manually inputting values because it is very difficult to stare at a random string of numbers and codes hoping to get it all right the first time.
Using your METRC API key, you can rely on external software for accurately measuring inventory. It is far simpler for programs with the key to make sense of METRC’s database.
The Process for Manual Data Entry into METRC
Before you’re ready to use your METRC API documentation, you must manually enter your data into METRC. This process begins with the intake of the product.
This is the point where cannabis businesses must record all their inventory. Every product must be added to METRC’s database.
Once the product is entered into the system, every batch is given a batch number. That batch number follows the batch until it is broken up either for sale or processing.
For example, a company that sells batches of raw cannabis will have to create a unique batch number that goes into METRC’s system.
When that batch is used by a manufacturer or distributor, they must account for the products they have created. If raw cannabis is sold, the system will note the sale.
Once your inventory is entered correctly in METRC, you can use your API key to connect the data to external software for better business management.
Changing the Cost of Compliance
Staying compliant is hard. You could be fined or lose your license. Keeping up with compliance data maintenance is a huge spend!
Any red flags in your inventory numbers will raise the eyebrows of regulators, likely resulting in a visit from an official that’s ready to audit or fine.
Even if you can explain away your mistakes, it is terrifying to have state regulators visit your business. This why cannabis businesses need support from METRC API systems.
Integrating with additional software returns investment into compliance back to licensed business owners while helping them follow state guidelines.
