Operating a cannabis retail business without digital tools is akin to navigating a complex maze blindfolded. In an industry characterized by stringent regulatory requirements, software platforms provide a firm foundation for profitability and scaling.
Software enhances operational efficiency. Inventory management systems prevent overstocking or shortages, while point-of-sale systems streamline transactions and provide real-time sales data, allowing businesses to make informed decisions, optimize stock levels, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Additionally, software facilitates effective financial management. Integrated accounting tools track expenses, revenue, and taxes, simplifying financial reporting and ensuring accuracy. This is crucial in an industry saddled with unique tax challenges due to federal prohibition.
Marketing and customer relationship management tools also play a pivotal role, helping businesses engage with consumers, personalize marketing efforts, and foster loyalty. In a competitive market, maintaining strong customer relationships is key to sustained growth.
To be effective and remain relevant, digital platforms must evolve more rapidly than the industry they serve. These five agile innovators are helping set the pace.
BLAZE®
BLAZE has re-engineered its point-of-sale (POS) system to enhance the user experience, reduce costs, and improve operational transparency. BLAZE Retail, a hardware-agnostic, web-based system, is now 20 percent faster and supports both Windows and iOS.
With features like integrated price-checking, seamless discount application, and intuitive customer notes, BLAZE Retail provides a one-stop solution offering efficiency and ease of use for both employees and customers.
Cova Software
Cova’s POS system stands out for its reliability, which is especially crucial for cannabis retailers.
With built-in failsafes, Cova ensures business continuity during internet outages by locally storing sales data. This dedication to uptime prevents costly disruptions, maintaining compliance and customer satisfaction, especially during high-traffic periods like 4/20. Clients applaud Cova for its robust, always-on promise and commitment to customer-focused growth.
Flētly
Flētly (pronounced “fleetly”) offers a suite of tools to help dispensaries and delivery services manage and dispatch customer orders.
From aggregating orders across multiple platforms to driver assignment, ID verification, order adjustments, compliance tracking, progress messaging, and manifest generation, the company’s automated system adds efficiency meant to help companies scale. An integrated analytics platform provides insight into operations, customers, and marketing.
PROTEUS420
PROTEUS420 is revolutionizing cannabis consumption lounges with a groundbreaking update to its seed-to-sale platform.
The software simplifies lounge operations by streamlining order fulfillment, payment methods, and THC consumption tracking. Customers receive wristbands to track their orders and limits, ensuring compliance with state laws. This innovation offers lounge operators flexibility, improved data capture, and enhanced marketing opportunities, making management more efficient and customer-friendly.
Surfside
Surfside’s Commerce Media platform offers retailers and brands new revenue opportunities by transforming e-commerce websites into advertising networks.
Retailers can monetize their sites through ad placements, while brands gain increased product visibility and precise consumer targeting on a network that includes mainstream destinations. The platform-agnostic solution leverages first-party data for personalized ads, potentially increasing engagement and returns for dispensaries and product brands alike.
