METRC training

METRC for Managers

Management-level METRC training: daily reconciliation, compliance oversight, reporting requirements, and audit preparation.

Daily Inventory Reconciliation

Managers must ensure METRC inventory matches physical stock daily to maintain compliance and prevent diversion.

  1. Morning Reconciliation: Review overnight transactions and compare METRC inventory to physical counts for high-value items.
  2. Staff Oversight: Train budtenders on proper reconciliation procedures and spot-check their work.
  3. Variance Analysis: Investigate discrepancies over 2%. Document root causes (theft, waste, errors) and corrective actions.
  4. Monthly Deep Dive: Conduct full inventory count monthly, reconcile with METRC, and report to OCP. 22 §105(3)
  5. Documentation: Maintain reconciliation logs for 7 years. Include date, staff involved, variances found, and resolutions.

Common Reconciliation Issues

  • Persistent Variances: Implement additional controls like double-counting or CCTV review.
  • Staff Errors: Retrain staff on scanning procedures and provide checklists.
  • System Sync Delays: Wait 15 minutes after peak hours for METRC to update, then reconcile.

Compliance Reporting & Monitoring

Regular reporting ensures ongoing compliance with Maine OCP requirements and identifies issues early.

  1. Weekly Compliance Check: Review METRC for expired products, recalled batches, and compliance flags.
  2. Monthly Reports: Submit inventory and sales reports to OCP via METRC dashboard.
  3. Incident Reporting: Report theft, loss, or diversion within 24 hours. Include investigation details. 22 §305(2)
  4. Corrective Actions: Document all compliance issues and resolutions. Retain records for 7 years.
  5. Audit Trail Review: Regularly audit METRC logs for unauthorized access or suspicious activity.

Reporting Challenges

  • Missing Data: Contact METRC support for historical data recovery. Document attempts.
  • Report Rejections: Review error messages, correct data, and resubmit within 48 hours.
  • OCP Escalation: For urgent compliance issues, call OCP at 207-287-4161.

Audit Preparation & Response

OCP audits require comprehensive METRC documentation and physical verification of inventory.

  1. Pre-Audit Checklist: Verify all transactions are entered, inventory reconciled, and records organized.
  2. Document Organization: Prepare METRC reports, variance logs, and staff training records.
  3. Mock Audits: Conduct quarterly internal audits using OCP checklist as guide.
  4. Audit Response: Cooperate fully with auditors. Provide requested documents promptly.
  5. Corrective Plans: Address audit findings within specified timelines. Document implementation. OCP Adult Use Program Rules §8

Audit Preparation Tips

  • Digital Backups: Maintain off-site backups of METRC data for audit verification.
  • Staff Readiness: Train all staff on audit procedures and their roles.
  • Timeline Management: Begin preparation 30 days before scheduled audit.

Staff Training & Oversight

Effective METRC training ensures staff compliance and reduces errors.

  1. New Hire Training: Complete METRC certification within first week. Include hands-on practice.
  2. Ongoing Training: Monthly refreshers on updates, error codes, and best practices.
  3. Performance Monitoring: Track staff METRC accuracy and provide coaching for improvement.
  4. Certification Maintenance: Ensure all staff complete annual METRC recertification.
  5. Incident Response Training: Train staff on reporting procedures for compliance issues.

Training Effectiveness

  • Knowledge Gaps: Use quizzes and simulations to identify areas needing reinforcement.
  • Resistance to Training: Explain compliance requirements and potential penalties for non-compliance.
  • Retention Issues: Provide job aids and quick-reference guides for daily use.

System Maintenance & Vendor Coordination

Proactive system management prevents downtime and ensures data integrity.

  1. Update Monitoring: Check METRC release notes weekly for new features and requirements.
  2. Hardware Maintenance: Ensure scanners, computers, and network equipment are functioning.
  3. Vendor Coordination: Maintain relationships with suppliers for timely tag replacement and support.
  4. Backup Procedures: Implement daily METRC data backups and test restoration quarterly.
  5. Incident Response: Have escalation procedures for system outages and data issues.

System Maintenance Issues

  • Update Disruptions: Test updates in staging environment before production deployment.
  • Hardware Failures: Maintain spare equipment and quick replacement procedures.
  • Vendor Delays: Build buffer inventory and have backup suppliers.

Accessibility & Print Features

This training page works with assistive technology and can be printed for offline reference or staff training.

Using with Assistive Technology

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For full accessibility guidelines, see Manager Guide Accessibility Section.