The Future of Cannabis Labeling in One Word: Efficiency

The Future of Cannabis Labeling in One Word: Efficiency

BY: NICK RECHT / DATE: 11/10/2022 / TOPICS: ERVA MEDICINAL, ENTERPRISE LABEL MANAGEMENT, REGULATORY COMPLIANCE, LABEL DESIGN, PRINT AUTOMATION

The future of cannabis labeling centers around the efficiencies companies can create to overcome the business challenges of today: timely manual processes prone to human error, disjointed data sources, state-by-state packaging and labeling requirements until cannabis is federally regulated, and inflexible systems hindering expansion.

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As cannabis companies are maturing and investing in technology, we’re getting more questions about ways to streamline labeling operations and future-proof labeling environments. Plus, as we see headlines about companies paying $100,000 for mislabeled cannabis products due to human error, finding ways to automate and ensure label quality is critical to the health of the industry.

Below are a few of the common questions we receive around cannabis labeling efficiency and how TEKLYNX can help provide efficient solutions to overcome labeling pain points today and set vertically integrated cannabis companies up for future success.

Can you help speed up data collection and labeling processes?

Yes. Any data you’re collecting by hand or manually entering to print labels or report to regulatory authorities can be collected much more efficiently with automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) or barcode labeling technology.

Here are five tips to save your team time:

1. Consolidate hundreds of label files into a handful of smart label templates with dynamic barcodes and variable data to display all the information needed, including high-resolution artwork and universal symbols, for printing variations of cannabis labels on demand.
   
   
2. Use PortWatch to quickly collect data from a scanner or scale and add it to your labels automatically. No manual data entry means no human errors.
   
   Example: Pull weight accurately onto labels, whether you need to weigh the product you’re harvesting or capture the net weight of the contents of a manufactured product.
   
   
3. Add label printing forms to help your team print the right label at the right time with the right data, reducing the risk of labeling errors and the time to reprint labels. Easily input data at print time into a wide variety of field options (text, incrementing numbers, sliders, date pickers, etc.) or combine forms with local or cloud database connections by setting up a table lookup, which uses a Key Field in your database to select a record for print.
   
   Example: Key in a unique product ID associated with the Mellow Melon THC Gummies. The table lookup uses the unique product ID to automatically pull in all the correct data for the gummies product label, and accurate labels are printed.
   
   
4. Automate label printing with SENTINEL to save time and prevent labeling errors by eliminating unnecessary manual processes.
   
   Example: Just click "print" from your cannabis ERP or business system – this drops a flat file (.txt, .csv, .xml, etc.) into a SENTINEL watch folder. SENTINEL reads the file and automatically prints accurate labels.
   
   
5. Streamline labeling with the Label Mill 4012TT-PAS, a tabletop print-and-apply labeling system by Chicago Coding Systems (CCS), which leverages CODESOFT software and Zebra printers. The Label Mill 4012TT-PAS is ideal for cannabis processing sites due to its ability to label a wide range of product sizes in round or flat configurations to work for various packaging needs.

Can you connect to Metrc?

Yes. TEKLYNX barcode labeling software integrates with Metrc, a seed-to-sale traceability and compliance management solution used by regulatory bodies for the oversight of the cannabis industry. Metrc’s open application programming interface (API) was designed to interface with cannabis systems to minimize manual inputting and uploading tasks. TEKLYNX software removes the potential for error when gathering data that needs to be reported from seed to sale as Metrc requires it.

Printing custom labels is an important part of cannabis operations. Metrc-sourced tags may not provide enough identifiable information for internal processes and certain states have additional labeling requirements. TEKLYNX can help fill the gap.

Can you make me compliant with state-by-state labeling requirements?

While implementing TEKLYNX software will not miraculously make you compliant, the combination of our state-specific cannabis label templates, powerful software features that enforce labeling accuracy, and the published cannabis labeling requirements for your state will make it very easy to get you there.

Until cannabis is federally regulated, companies have to meet state-specific labeling requirements, which can feel overwhelming. We know you already have a lot to figure out, so we took the first step in designing compliant cannabis labels off your plate. State-specific cannabis label templates are available in CODESOFT label design software, so you can easily pull in data and print cannabis labels quickly.

Familiarize yourself with your state’s cannabis packaging and labeling requirements for labeling dos and don’ts and lean on your barcode label design software provider to help you along the way. TEKLYNX knows success needs support, so we work around the clock to help the world’s greatest brands work better. Regardless of whether you are considering TEKLYNX for the first time or you have been a long-time customer, we are here for you.

“I am so thankful for your company! Brittany was great – solved our issue, was kind, and patient! Calling TEKLYNX is like having direct access to the Wizard of Oz. I love it!” – Emily M., Lucas Greenhouse

Can you help manage labeling across multiple locations?

For cannabis companies with many locations or plans to expand, a small IT staff, or desire to minimize associated IT effort and resources, managing labeling can become a handful. Network licensing and browser-based label printing are two ways to consolidate labeling if your environment expands across multiple facilities.

Network licensing allow you to manage labeling software users at multiple locations from one central IT office. If your locations are all on the same network, you can use one network license for all locations. If your locations are not on the same network, you can still leverage separate network licenses to manage the software for multiple users at each location.

Browser-based label printing can significantly simplify labeling across all your locations. Local software installations are eliminated, and authorized users log into a webpage to print labels from anywhere. A browser-based label printing system makes labeling at multiple locations easy by centrally managing seed-to-sale labeling and integrating with your company’s existing cannabis ERP or other business system. Smart label templates are built to pull in data directly from these systems, standardizing the labels and eliminating errors from manual data entry.

Pro tip: Suppliers can also be given access to the secure browser-based label printing interface, allowing them to print the most up-to-date version of a required label.

Look ahead to cannabis labeling efficiency with TEKLYNX

Whatever cannabis labeling regulation or labeling process challenge your business faces, TEKLYNX solutions help growers, processors, packagers, and retailers efficiently create, print, and manage compliant cannabis barcode labels for plants, lab samples, glass jars, vape cartridges, pre-roll tubes, and more.

Get in touch with TEKLYNX and we’ll connect you with one of our many experts to assess your current barcode labeling environment and needs in just 15 minutes – it’s free and with zero commitment. Let’s find ways to make your life easier with the help of barcode labeling technology.

Request a free assessment