Mistakes we’ve seen with Automation in the Cannabis Industry

Mistakes we’ve seen with Automation in the Cannabis Industry

Automation in the cannabis industry is transforming the way growers, manufacturers, and dispensaries operate. As the industry continues to expand rapidly, automation has become increasingly necessary to keep up with demand, stay competitive and increase efficiency. However, automation is not a one-size-fits-all solution and it comes with its own unique set of challenges. We wanted to explore some common mistakes made with automation and provide tips for business leaders to avoid them.

Over the years we have set up and operated numerous Cannabis facilities, assisted in full scale equipment analysis for all industry sectors, and supported our clients with feedback on multiple types of automated systems that can assist with efficiency and costs. Unfortunately we have witnessed an incredible amount of mistakes in choosing and implementing automated equipment. From trimming robots, to fast curing boxes, to edible depositors, the repercussions have not only been costly, but devastating to the business and eaten up time and resources that could have been put to way better use.   

Failing to Plan for Proper Automation Integration

One of the biggest mistakes made with automation in the cannabis industry is failing to plan for integration and implementation. Automation is a complex system that requires careful planning, testing, and training to ensure the automation you are looking to implement works effectively with your existing systems, the scale and phase of your business, and your staff. Without proper planning, businesses can face costly delays, downtime, safety risks, and bring in equipment that was never intended to operate the way that is intended.

Before implementing automation, conduct a thorough needs assessment to determine what processes can and should be automated, what systems need to be upgraded to support automation, and what are the short and long term benefits both in labor and scale that the specific automation can bring. Having a machine that can produce 1000 pre rolls a minute when you don’t have access to the amount of biomass to feed the machine, or the outlet to sell that amount really does no one any good. 

Simply speaking with your staff in the department the automation will be implemented in or asking advice from other more experienced operators is a step most people overlook. I don’t know how many vaporizer cartridge fillers we have seen purchased, while capping the cartridges in some cases was the real bottleneck of their production and workflow. Without understanding the entire process, decision makers purchased equipment that only made one part of the process more efficient. 

Choosing the Wrong Automation Technology

Choosing the wrong automation technology is another common mistake. Not all automation technologies are created equal, and not all will fit the needs of every business. Installing the wrong technology can result in a costly disaster that wastes time and money. No matter what sales staff, owners of companies, or fancy booths at conventions want to make you believe, we advise you to never be the first monkey in space. Rarely if ever have we seen “cutting edge” or the newest to market in automation technology work for anyone. There are more large and costly paper weights taking up space in this industry’s facilities than any other. We have seen rooms filled with empty promises and well sold pipe dreams. 

Research and test out different automation technologies to determine what system is the best fit for your business. If being loaned/renting high price equipment or visiting a facility where a piece of automation technology is already being implemented by someone else is not on the table, ask the manufacturer for a list of companies who are already using their equipment. 

Do your best to contact people who use the equipment regularly to see about the pros and cons of the system (every automated solution has them). Make sure it works the way it was sold to you, and don’t buy something because of a relationship with an owner or an investor (or as we call them “high level sales people”) of that technology. Find a consultant or an experienced person in that specific automation technology who can guide you through the selection process, set up an introduction to the vendor,  and provide ongoing support.

Over-relying on Automation

While automation technology can have numerous benefits, over-relying on it can be detrimental to business operations. Don’t assume that just because you have automaton technology in place, you don’t need highly trained staff or leaders in place to oversee the manufacturing sector.  Over-reliance can lead to lack of flexibility, inability to find solutions when equipment goes down, and neglect of important manual operations that are too complex for a piece of equipment to perform. Attention is needed for consistency and/or quality control, and there is rarely a form of automation that is “set it, and forget it”.

Ensure that automation is used in balance with human expertise and manual operations. Reserve critical thinking tasks for human staff and use automation to streamline and improve routine tasks. Establish protocols for when automation fails, so staff can quickly transition back to manual processes if needed.

Our Take away:

Automation technology has greatly revolutionized the industry, but it comes with its own unique set of challenges. Plan properly for integration, use resources and time tested equipment while choosing automation technology, and don’t over rely on automation. With proper planning, careful selection of technology, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation, businesses can successfully implement and benefit from automation technology. By avoiding these mistakes, businesses can increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve overall profitability.