Why ERPs are a Bad Investment
For Small and Midsized Companies
For many small and mid-sized cannabis businesses, implementing an ERP can feel like more trouble than it’s worth. The high costs, complicated setup, and burden of double data entry create a cycle of frustration and inefficiency. Instead of saving time and money, companies often end up paying software providers substantial fees for a service that feels like it's serving the software vendor more than the business.
In the best-case scenario, an ERP integrates with existing systems, streamlines accounting, minimizes double data entry, and offers more robust reporting features than METRC. However, the worst case is all too common: an overwhelming bill, more manual reconciliations, fragmented data that doesn’t sync properly, and yet another clunky user interface that barely improves on METRC’s limited reports.
For most cannabis businesses, an ERP is overkill — especially for single-state operators or single license holders.
Companies that are aiming for acquisition or planning to outsource manufacturing should consider the long-term flexibility of their tech stack. When larger businesses or contract manufacturers acquire or partner with smaller companies, they typically want everything streamlined into their own ERP system. Installing a separate ERP beforehand not only adds unnecessary cost and complexity but can also create headaches during the transition.
While companies are mandated to use METRC, its limited capabilities mean that something more is needed. However, going all-in on an ERP isn’t practical unless you’re a multi-state operation with the infrastructure to support it.
Smaller companies need a better solution that doesn’t require a full-blown ERP but still offers operational insights, streamlined workflows, and simplified compliance tracking.
Enter High Cloud. Cannabis companies need something more powerful than just METRC or spreadsheets, but an expensive ERP isn’t always the answer.
High Cloud bridges the gap, giving businesses the essential tools and data insights they need without the overwhelming cost and complexity of a full ERP.
High Cloud offers the perfect middle ground: a streamlined solution that’s easy to implement, adaptable, and primed for scaling up or merging seamlessly with a larger enterprise’s system when the time comes.
For small and mid-sized operators, High Cloud offers the flexibility, insights, and operational efficiency to grow sustainably—without the ERP headache.
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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.
For more information on how you can save money and avoid implementing an ERP, go to www.highcloudinsights.com.
