A method of categorizing inventory into three groups (A, B, and C) based on value and sales volume. Group A items are high-value, fast-moving products; Group B are mid-range; Group C are low-value or slow-moving items.
Allocation
Allocation
The process of distributing products to different locations or departments based on sales trends or needs, ensuring stock is properly spread out.
Audit
Audit
A physical count of inventory to ensure that the stock levels in your system match what is on your shelves, helping to maintain accuracy and compliance.
Automatic reordering
Automatic reordering
A system where inventory management software automatically places an order with suppliers when stock falls below a preset level (e.g., PAR or reorder point).
B
B
Backlog
Backlog
Orders that have been placed but not yet fulfilled due to stock shortages or delays in the supply chain.
Backorder
Backorder
When a product is ordered from a supplier but is currently out of stock. It will be delivered when the supplier restocks.
Batch number
Batch number
A unique identifier assigned to a specific group of cannabis products produced or processed at the same time, often required for compliance and traceability.
Blockout dates
Blockout dates
Any days or seasonal periods that should be omitted from inventory analysis that would otherwise skew results for determining activities associated with customer demand and reordering.
Buffer stock
Buffer stock
Extra inventory kept on hand to prevent stockouts in case of unexpected demand spikes or supply chain delays, also known as safety stock.
Bulk ordering
Bulk ordering
Purchasing large quantities of products at once, often to take advantage of discounts or to prepare for high-demand periods.
C
C
Cannabis tracking system
Cannabis tracking system
A system like METRC or Biotrack used to track cannabis products from seed to sale, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
Carrying costs
Carrying costs
The total cost of holding inventory, including storage, insurance, depreciation, and opportunity costs. These costs increase with overstocked items.
Compliance
Compliance
Adhering to state and local laws regarding the handling, storage, and sale of cannabis products.
Cycle count
Cycle count
A method of counting a small portion of inventory regularly (instead of all at once) to keep stock levels accurate without interrupting dispensary operations.
D
D
Days on hand (DOH)
Days on hand (DOH)
The number of days you can sell your current inventory before running out, based on average sales rates.
Dead stock
Dead stock
Inventory that hasn’t sold and is unlikely to sell, taking up valuable storage space and increasing carrying costs.
Demand forecasting
Demand forecasting
The process of predicting customer demand for products based on historical sales data, trends, and seasonal factors.
Diversification
Diversification
Working with multiple vendors or carrying a wide range of products to reduce risk, avoid stockouts, and meet customer demand.
E
E
Economic order quantity (EOQ)
Economic order quantity (EOQ)
A formula used to determine the ideal order quantity that minimizes the costs of ordering and holding inventory. EOQ helps balance inventory levels efficiently.
Excess inventory
Excess inventory
Stock that exceeds demand, leading to overstock. Excess inventory ties up capital and may result in waste, especially for perishable goods like cannabis flower and edibles.
Expiration date
Expiration date
The last date a cannabis product is considered safe or effective to consume, especially important for perishable items like edibles and beverages.
F
F
First-in, first-out (FIFO)
First-in, first-out (FIFO)
An inventory management method where the oldest stock (first in) is sold first (first out) to promptly rotate older inventory off shelves.
First-to-expire, first-out (FEFO)
First-to-expire, first-out (FEFO)
A method of managing perishable goods like cannabis products where items that are closest to their expiration date are sold or used first to avoid spoilage.
G
G
H
H
Holding costs
Holding costs
The costs associated with storing and maintaining inventory, including warehousing, security, and insurance.
I
I
Inventory costs
Inventory costs
The total expenses involved in acquiring, storing, and managing products, including purchase price, shipping fees, warehousing, and handling.
Inventory levels
Inventory levels
The quantity of products currently in stock. Proper management of inventory levels ensures that you can meet customer demand without overstocking.
Inventory shrinkage
Inventory shrinkage
The loss of inventory due to theft, damage, or administrative errors, leading to discrepancies between actual stock and inventory records.
Inventory turnover
Inventory turnover
A ratio that measures how often inventory is sold and replaced over a given period. High turnover indicates efficient inventory management, while low turnover suggests overstock.
Item master
Item master
A database or list of all products in your inventory system, including details like SKU, price, supplier, and product category.
J
J
Just-in-time (JIT)
Just-in-time (JIT)
An inventory management strategy where products are ordered and received only as needed, reducing storage costs but requiring reliable suppliers.
K
K
L
L
Lead time
Lead time
The time it takes for a product to arrive after placing an order with a supplier. Longer lead times require higher inventory levels to prevent stockouts.
Lead time demand
Lead time demand
The amount of inventory you expect to sell during the lead time (the period between ordering and receiving stock). Helps determine how much to reorder.
Lookback period
Lookback period
A specific time period (e.g., 7 days, 30 days) used to analyze past sales trends and predict future inventory needs.
M
M
METRC
METRC
Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance, a system used in many states to track cannabis products from cultivation to sale for regulatory purposes.
Minimum order quantity (MOQ)
Minimum order quantity (MOQ)
The smallest amount of product a supplier requires to fulfill an order.
N
N
O
O
Obsolete stock
Obsolete stock
Inventory that is outdated or no longer in demand. Obsolete products can result in lost revenue and increased carrying costs.
On-hand inventory
On-hand inventory
The amount of product physically available in your dispensary at a given time.
Order frequency
Order frequency
How often you place orders with suppliers. Finding the right balance between frequent small orders and less frequent large orders can help control inventory levels and reduce costs.
Ordering costs
Ordering costs
Ordering costs are expenses associated with ordering inventory, such as transportation and labor costs for loading, unloading or overseeing delivery.
Overstock
Overstock
When more inventory is held than necessary, often leading to wasted product and tied-up capital.
P
P
PAR Levels (Periodic Automatic Replenishment)
PAR Levels (Periodic Automatic Replenishment)
The minimum amount of stock that should be kept on hand to meet customer demand. Once inventory falls below this level, it’s time to reorder.
Perishability
Perishability
The likelihood of a product, especially flower, edibles, or beverages, to lose freshness or expire over time, requiring careful stock management.
Procurement
Procurement
The process of sourcing, negotiating, and acquiring the products needed for inventory, including selecting suppliers and managing purchase orders.
Purchase Order (PO)
Purchase Order (PO)
A document sent to a vendor specifying the products and quantities being ordered for restocking inventory.
Q
Q
R
R
Recall
Recall
The process of removing a product from the shelves, often due to quality or safety concerns. Cannabis retailers must follow state protocols for recalls and notify customers if necessary.
Reorder point
Reorder point
The inventory level at which a new order should be placed to avoid running out of stock before the new supply arrives. Calculated based on sales velocity and lead time.
Replenishment
Replenishment
The process of restocking inventory that has been sold or used, ensuring you have the right amount of products available to meet demand.
Retail price
Retail price
The price at which a product is sold to customers, which is usually higher than the wholesale price paid by the retailer to cover costs and make a profit.
Rotating stock
Rotating stock
Moving newer inventory to the back and older inventory to the front to ensure older products sell first, preventing expiration.
S
S
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)
A unique code or identifier assigned to each product in your inventory, used to track and manage stock.
Seasonality
Seasonality
Fluctuations in demand for certain products based on the time of year. For example, demand for edibles might increase around holidays where discretion at gatherings is a higher priority for consumers.
Shortage costs
Shortage costs
Shortage costs occur when the inventory held in stock is less than what is needed to satisfy current customer demand. The costs that occur during an inventory shortage might include loss of potential profits and expensive shipping rates for expedited purchasing.
Shrinkage
Shrinkage
The loss of inventory due to theft, damage, or errors. It reduces the amount of sellable stock and impacts profitability.
Stockout
Stockout
When a product is out of stock, potentially leading to lost sales and dissatisfied customers.
Strain
Strain
A specific variety of the cannabis plant, with unique effects, flavors, and potencies. Cannabis retailers often manage inventory by strain.
Supply chain
Supply chain
The entire process of producing, transporting, and selling products, from the cannabis grower to the dispensary shelves.
T
T
Turnaround time
Turnaround time
The amount of time it takes to receive inventory from a supplier after placing an order. This affects how you plan and manage stock levels.
Turnover rate
Turnover rate
The rate at which inventory is sold and replaced over a specific time period. Higher turnover typically indicates efficient stock management.
U
U
V
V
Vendor
Vendor
A supplier or distributor from whom a cannabis retailer purchases products. Maintaining good relationships with vendors ensures consistent stock availability and favorable pricing.
Vendor management
Vendor management
The process of working with and evaluating suppliers to ensure reliable product delivery, quality, and pricing.
W
W
Warehouse/stockroom management
Warehouse/stockroom management
The process of overseeing the storage and movement of inventory within a warehouse or stockroom, ensuring efficient use of space and easy access to products.
Wholesale
Wholesale
Purchasing cannabis products in bulk from growers or manufacturers, often at a discounted price, for resale at a dispensary.
Wholesale price
Wholesale price
The price a retailer pays to purchase products in bulk from a supplier or manufacturer. Wholesale prices are lower than retail prices, allowing retailers to make a profit when they sell the products.
Wholesaler
Wholesaler
The intermediary bulk seller of cannabis products occupying the space in between retailers and growers or manufacturers.