Navigating Metrc Outages: Your Comprehensive Guide to Surviving System Downtime

If you've landed on this page, chances are you're searching for solutions to Metrc being slow or completely down.

You're not alone; system outages can be frustrating and disruptive to any business, especially those in the cannabis industry where compliance and tracking are key. Any operator that’s used Metrc knows that it regularly slows down and often even if the website is functioning, the underlying API to submit data to it slows down or fails entirely.

In this guide, we'll outline actionable steps you can take to manage and even prepare for Metrc outages so that you can continue operations with minimal interruptions.

Is Metrc Down?

Here are some signs that Metrc may be experiencing Issues:

• Endless Spinning Wheel: If you see Metrc's loading icon spinning infinitely, that’s a red flag.
• Error Messages: Constant 'Server Error' or 'Page Not Found' messages are another indication.
• Slow Data Entry: If it takes forever to input or access your data, chances are Metrc is struggling.
• User Reports: Often users will report issues on social media platforms or cannabis industry forums. Keeping an eye on these can provide a heads up.
• 3rd Party Reports: If you are using an integrated seed to sale or point of sale solution, the software vendor may alert you to an outage or slowdown. 

Proactive Measures to Take

Being prepared for a Metrc outage involves more than just wishful thinking. Here are some tailored strategies to ensure your cannabis operations don't skip a beat when faced with system downtime.

Contact Metrc Directly

Metrc Support Phone Number: 877-566-6506

Metrc Support Email Address: support@metrc.com

Paper-Based Contingency Plan

In today's digital age, it's easy to forget the power of good old pen and paper. Design a paper-based data capture system that your employees can easily switch to during an outage. This could include printed forms or templates that align with the data fields in Metrc. Having a tactile backup method helps keep your operations running smoothly.

Action Item: Create a manual capturing form today and make sure hard copies are easily accessible at all operational points within your facility.

Secondary Software Systems

Consider utilizing a supplementary software solution that can serve as an operational backup. This software should be capable of capturing all essential data until Metrc is available to sync. This not only maintains data integrity but also ensures that you don't lose valuable time in manual data entries later on.

Action Item: Evaluate and invest in software platforms that are Metrc-compliant and offer the ability to capture data and sync when Metrc’s API comes back up.

Staff Preparedness

The most effective system can be rendered useless without adequately trained personnel. Conduct periodic training sessions to ensure your staff knows the protocols for a Metrc outage. From accurately filling out manual forms to understanding the workflow during system failures, your team should be well-versed in the alternate processes.

Action Item: Schedule regular "Metrc outage drills" for staff to practice what they’ve been trained to do.

By incorporating these proactive measures into your contingency plans, you’ll minimize the operational disruptions that come with Metrc outages. And remember, preparation is the key to ensuring that your cannabis operations remain as smooth as possible, even during unforeseen technical difficulties.

Immediate Steps to Take During an Outage

1. Verify the Outage: Double-check whether the issue is on Metrc’s end or if it's a problem with your own internet connectivity.
2. Notify Your Team: Make sure all relevant departments are aware of the issue and can initiate their backup procedures.
3. Document Manually: Keep track of sales, inventory, and compliance-related data that you can later update when the system is back online.
4. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on Metrc’s official channels and industry forums for updates.

How to Resume Operations Post-Outage

1. Sync Data: Once Metrc is back up, upload all the data that was manually recorded during the outage.
2. Run a System Check: Before resuming normal operations, confirm all functionalities are working as they should.
3. Review the Incident: Take time to understand what went well and what needs improvement to be better prepared for future outages.

Conclusion

Though dealing with Metrc outages can be challenging, having a solid plan in place will ensure that you minimize disruptions. This guide offers a blueprint that can help you navigate these rough waters, keeping your cannabis operations as smooth as possible.

For more expert insights and solutions tailored to the cannabis industry, don't hesitate to reach out to us.