Who can enter the counting room? Are all your keys ready for the next shift? There are a lot of vexing issues in securing a retail business.

As the second U.S. state to legalize adult-use marijuana, Washington has plenty of time to perfect its safety regulations. Surprisingly, however, the state has no rules on who controls the keys to vital facilities.

Business owners must have surveillance cameras, a product tracking system, and, of course, IDs for all employees and visitors — but the state provides no guidance on key controls.

This is one area where visionary entrepreneurs will have an advantage. Tracking physical keys provides access control and better accountability for those responsible for a company’s most important assets.

As the vulnerability becomes more apparent, Solutions are emerging This can help ease the burden on business owners and provide accountability for their employees.

Tim Purpura, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing Morse Watcher Said the main concern for cannabis retail owners is compliance. Morse Watchmans has been providing security solutions since 1882. The company is now leading the way in key management for the cannabis industry.

The next big issue for retailers is accountability. “Managing employee liability, cash and the product supply chain are more challenges that impact profits,” Purpura said.

Automation, GPS and other forms of tracking technology are a step forward.

“Adding electronic key controls and asset management lockers to a security program protects assets and provides access controls only to authorized employees so that cannabis businesses can achieve optimal security, compliance and profitability,” Purpura said.

For larger facilities, key management is critical. Electronic key control cabinets are a cutting-edge option for monitoring access to storage rooms, growing areas and especially cash rooms.

Purpura shares how their KeyWatcher Touch control cabinet acts as a tracking device throughout the facility.

“Our KeyAnywhere feature allows authorized users to return keys to any KeyWatcher Touch enclosure in the field,” Purpura said.

“This is handy for larger facilities with multiple cabinets throughout the facility. The KeyFind feature shows the user where a particular key is, and tells the user who has it, when and where to return it.”

Their system also allows users to set up alerts to remind employees to return keys at the end of their shift, as well as alerts for keys not returned.

Automated systems can give you peace of mind when non-compliance can mean hefty fines or even jail time.

These systems simplify tracking and allow owners to generate periodic or recurring audit reports. This is another step in ensuring employees are held accountable for safety directives.

These solutions are also available for transport fleets.

Aside from regulations, no one is more willing to protect their business and freedom than business owners.

Staying ahead of regulations and creating systems of compliance and transparency will only lead to more efficient operations.??? Purpura said it best, “Operational efficiency is the ‘key’ to profitability.”