The Data Dilemma
Why Cannabis Companies Struggle with Data Tracking
In the cannabis industry, data tracking is an overlooked necessity. Small companies operate under the assumption that their visibility is broad enough given their size, while larger companies may shy away from data tracking due to its complexity. Unfortunately, this lack of rigorous data management hinders growth and operational efficiency across the board.
Limited Visibility in Operations
It’s rare to find a cannabis company that has comprehensive visibility into every detail of its operations. While daily involvement can provide a general understanding of business activities, this anecdotal knowledge is insufficient. Without numerical proof and detailed insights, companies are left to make decisions based on gut feelings rather than hard data.
Challenges for Small Companies
Many small cannabis companies rely on spreadsheets for data management. While spreadsheets can be useful tools for organizing information, they require a skilled person to transform raw data into actionable insights. The inherent flexibility of spreadsheets can also be a double-edged sword; without the structure of more robust data management systems, it’s easy for data to become disorganized or misinterpreted. Moreover, spreadsheets do not automatically summarize data or generate visualizations, which can complicate the analysis process.
Barriers for Larger Companies
On the other hand, larger cannabis companies face their own set of challenges when it comes to data tracking. The complexity of operations and the sheer volume of data can make it daunting to implement effective tracking systems. As a result, many large companies avoid rigorous data management, opting instead for a less detailed approach that can lead to missed opportunities and inefficiencies.
Fragmented Systems and Data Silos
Another major challenge facing cannabis businesses is the fragmentation of data across different systems. Inventory, sales, compliance, and financials are often tracked in separate platforms that don’t communicate with one another. This creates data silos, where information is trapped within specific departments or tools, making it difficult to see the bigger picture.
Operators often find themselves manually pulling reports from various systems and trying to reconcile them in spreadsheets—a time-consuming process prone to errors. Without a unified view of their data, it becomes nearly impossible for leadership to make timely, strategic decisions. The result is slower growth, misaligned teams, and missed opportunities.
The Importance of Comprehensive Data Tracking
Regardless of size, cannabis companies need to recognize the value of data tracking. Comprehensive data management enables businesses to make informed decisions, optimize processes, and enhance overall performance. For small companies, investing in more sophisticated data tracking solutions can help turn raw data into meaningful insights, while larger companies must find ways to streamline their data management practices.
High Cloud: Designed for Cannabis Operators
That’s where High Cloud comes in. Built specifically for the cannabis industry, High Cloud Insights is a Chrome extension that makes METRC easier to use and more insightful. It layers advanced reporting and visualizations directly on top of your existing METRC interface—so you can stop fighting spreadsheets and start making confident, data-backed decisions.
The cannabis industry is at a crossroads when it comes to data tracking. By overcoming the barriers to effective data management with High Cloud, companies can gain the insights they need to thrive in a competitive market. Embracing a data-driven approach is essential for long-term success and growth in this rapidly evolving industry.
Learn More
For additional insights into the most critical data points to track in your operations, check out our other articles. Embracing a data-driven approach will not only enhance efficiency but also position your cannabis processing and extraction operations for long-term success.
