This article explains the automatic check GrowFlow performs on your Biotrack/Metrc credentials when you start a shift or open a Point of Sale (POS) register in a retail store using Biotrack/Metrc for state traceability. Note that support for this feature is contingent on your states use of user specific APIs
What is this Check?
To ensure your sales are reported accurately to your state traceability system under the correct user and to maintain compliance, GrowFlow verifies your User Specific API Credentials each time you begin a new shift. This check confirms that the credentials saved in your GrowFlow profile are valid and have the necessary permissions for the specific store location you are currently working in.
(For information on how to set up or manage your User Specific API Credentials in GrowFlow, please see this article.)
When Does This Check Happen?
This check occurs immediately after you click "Start Drawer" or take a similar action to begin operating the POS for a new shift.
Possible Scenarios You Might Encounter:
Based on the status of your credentials for the current store, you will see one of the following messages:
Scenario 1: Credentials Valid - Success!
Message: "Traceability is connected, sales will be reported under this user in your state system."
What it Means: Your specific API credentials are correctly set up in GrowFlow and are valid for this store location.
Action: The Start Drawer button will be enabled. You can proceed with your shift as normal. Sales reported during this shift will be attributed to your user account in the state system.
Scenario 2: Credentials Invalid - Blocked!
Message: "Sales may not be reported properly. There was an error validating traceability credentials for this store. Please review your credentials."
What it Means: GrowFlow could not validate your saved user API credentials. This could be due to an incorrect password/API key, or your user account may not have the required permissions for this specific store location in the state system itself.
Action: The Start Drawer button will be disabled. You cannot start your shift until this issue is resolved. See "Troubleshooting Steps" below.
Scenario 3: No Specific Credentials Set - Using Store Credentials
Message: "Traceability is connected. This user account has no specific traceability credentials. Biotrack sales will be reported with the store's credentials."
What it Means: You do not have User Specific Biotrack Credentials saved in your GrowFlow profile.
Action: The Start Drawer button will be enabled. You can proceed with your shift, but all sales reported the state system will use the general store's credentials, not your individual user account. You might still see a prompt suggesting you set up specific credentials if desired.
Troubleshooting Steps If You Are Blocked (Scenario 2)
If you see the error message and the "Start Drawer" button is disabled, follow these steps:
Check Your Credentials in GrowFlow:
Click the Account Dropdown (your name/icon, usually top right).
Select Manage Biotrack/Metrc Credentials.
Carefully re-enter your user specific credintials
Click Save Credentials and try starting the shift again.
Verify Biotrack Permissions:
Confirm with your Store Manager or Administrator that your personal Biotrack/Metrc user account has the necessary permissions (e.g., permission to report sales) for the specific store location you are trying to work in. You might have access to one store in Biotrack/Metrc but not another.
Temporary Workaround (Use ONLY if directed by management):
If you cannot resolve the issue immediately but need to start your shift, your manager may instruct you to unset your credentials temporarily.
Go to Manage Biotrack/Metrc Credentials and click Unset Credentials.
Important: Doing this will allow you to start your shift (you'll see Scenario 3), but your sales will NOT be reported under your name in Biotrack/Metrc. They will use the store's default credentials. You should still work with your manager to fix your specific credential issue for future shifts.
Why Does This Check Matter?
This validation step is crucial for ensuring that all sales are reported correctly and attributed properly within the Biotrack/Metrc system, helping your store stay compliant with state regulations.
Need More Help?
If you continue to have trouble starting your shift after following these steps, please contact our support using the chat bubble in your POS.