Traditionally, spreadsheets were king—and not the automated ones: the manual ones. The ones that someone had to spend hours and hours filling out, maintaining, updating, deciphering, and so much more.
Thankfully, those days are over. If you are tired of the headaches that traditional tools come with and are ready to adopt a modern cannabis POS system, here’s what to expect.
Unfortunately, traditional tools often don’t play well with modern ones. So when transferring data from one to the other, the first step is to simply take stock of what needs to be done. What does the new system need, and how does it need it?
For example, when it comes to migrating inventory data over, first figure out what data inputs the new system has for that. Then, take note of what data you already have that is ready to be transferred. Lastly, determine the transfer method.
Because we are dealing with traditional tools, the transfer method will often be a manual one. However, in some cases, by preparing an Excel file appropriately, for example, it can be downloaded and organized directly into the new POS system.
Once you've transferred all the data you had, you can then move on to setting up the new features that weren’t a part of your previous setup. These often include loyalty programs, employee permissions, and new payment methods.
Newer POS systems commonly come with a variety of automated marketing features, including targeted messages and special offers directed to customers.
Besides getting new features up and running, conduct thorough testing on the system to make sure that everything works as it should.
The good news is that your new POS system is heavily automated; the bad news is that it's new and therefore unfamiliar. Getting stuck in your old habits and sticking to the tools that your previous system performed is not worth it. Your new POS system is designed with transactions, tracking, and sales in mind.
Using the analytics it provides, for example, along with the tools it offers to utilize the analytics, will help boost sales. Loyalty programs may be a new or old feature to you, but when combined with customer analytics, they take on a whole new level of effectiveness.
Accepting cash payments as usual may be more comfortable, but utilizing cannabis-friendly cashless payment methods in addition to cash payments may just boost your sales.
The point being: use the new system as intended; don’t superimpose past habits from your previous system onto the new one.
If you’re overwhelmed or on the edge about adopting a new POS system, just know that the new systems are heavily automated, very accurate, and packed full of useful features. So, once the transfer is complete, you will have a lot more free time on your hands… and hopefully a lot more cash.
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