The Product Import Template adds products to your Product List.
We understand that transitioning to a new point-of-sale (POS) system can be challenging, but we're here to assist you every step of the way!
One critical aspect of data migration is ensuring that your product information is accurately imported into the Blaze Canada system.
In scenarios where your current POS system's exports may lack certain essential product details, we may request you to fill out additional columns in our product template.
Below is a detailed guide on how to complete the remaining columns in our product template to ensure a compliant product import.
Columns On the Template
The following is a breakdown of every column header found on the Product Import Template. Please carefully review each section so that you may gain a full understanding of the requirements fore each field.
SKU
SKUs are product identifier codes, often numbers, letters or a mix of both.
In ON, AB and BC, SKUs are found in provincial catalogues for all products. Provinces that do not have provincial catalogues such as SK and MB, must rely on product suppliers to provide SKUs when possible.
SKUs are required for the product import process to the Blaze dashboard.
If it is the case that your product catalogue does not have SKUs or similar missing data, please inform your onboarding specialist so that other considerations can be made.
Parent Name
The Parent Name relates to products on Blaze using the Variant product style, often compared to files in a folder on your computer.
The Parent Name is the title of the folder.
For example, you may have three (3) variants of Pure Sunfarms' Pink Kush - 1g, 3.5g and 7g. Using the variant style in this case, the parent name (or folder) can be called "Pure Sunfarms - Pink Kush" and the Name (more on this column below) can be "Pink Kush - 1g", "Pink Kush - 3.5g" and "Pink Kush - 7g"
In this example:
Parent Name: "Pure Sunfarms - Pink Kush"
Name: "Pink Kush 1g Dried Flower"
On the Product Import Template, it will look like this:
This allows for all three variants to be contained within the same product folder or "Parent Product" in the Blaze Product List.
If there are NO parent names on the import template, products will be created in Standalone.
Name
In the variant style, the Name column relates to the name of the product variant, not the parent product name (explained above).
If you've decided to create products in Standalone mode, you will only use the Name field.
In this case, you will enter in the entire chosen naming convention.
In this example:
Parent Name: n/a
Name: Pure Sunfarms - Pink Kush 1g Dried Flower
On the Product Template, it will look like this:
In this case, each product version is self contained on the Product List
Category
You will have the choice of whether or not to use the same category naming conventions as your current POS provider.
In most cases, it is simplest to maintain your current category naming convention for an easy migration. You can otherwise discuss new category naming conventions with your Onboarding Specialist. In either case, the category names on the product template must match the category names on the Blaze dashboard.
Sub-Categories can be added by using a "-" (hyphen) as a separator between the main category and sub-category name.
Once the categories are filled out appropriately, your onboarding specialist will create the initial product categories in your dashboard.
Brand
This column is for the names of Brands or Licensed Producers for cannabis products such as Pure Sunfarms, Spinach or Fraser Valley Weed Co.
You can also add the appropriate accessory brand names such as Red Eye Glass, Raw or Puffco.
Image URL
This is where you will add a URL link to a web-hosted image.
Image URLs are available on the OCS (Ontario) product catalogue only.
Catalogues in provinces such as BC, AB, MB and SK do not contain product images.
If you're unable to provide web-hosted images, you will be required to add images manually to each product in the Product List.
Wholesale Cost
The per unit wholesale cost paid for the product.
Retail Price
The price the customer will pay for the product, not including discounts.
Deposit Fee
The deposit fee is primarily for beverages. This is the fee per unit charged for the can, typically $0.10 per unit.
Description
You may input your product description in this field.
If the product catalogue from your current POS provider contains descriptions, they can be copied into the Blaze Product Template.
You may discuss with your Onboarding Specialist the possibility of pulling available product descriptions from certain product catalogues.
Barcode
The Barcode column is for the barcode/UPC/GTIN of the product.
The most common style is the single barcode. Ensure to input every number that appears beneath the code.
In this example, the barcode should be input to the product template as 012345678901:
You will also find GS1 stacked barcodes on cannabis products. These barcodes contain expiry and lot number data along with the typical UPC/GTIN number.
In this example, the stacked barcode will need to be input in its entirety as 011234560000181719042010ABC123, omitting the parentheses:
Net Product Weight
Net Product Weight is the actual weight of the whole product unit.
That is the physical weight of one unit of the product, including packaging.
Cannabis Weight
The Cannabis Weight column is for the "dried cannabis equivalent" value of a single unit of product.
This is a requirement for all cannabis products. This value is directly related to the 30g limit calculated at the POS.
This information will be found on the product packaging, if not already present in your current product catalogue.
Cannabis Volume
The cannabis volume column is similar to the cannabis weight column but would be used for liquid items. You do not have to fill out both columns, and it is okay to enter the cannabis weight column.
Show Min Max THC CBD
The Show Min Max THC CBD column requires an entry of either TRUE or FALSE.
If TRUE, THC and CBD will be shown as a range of values
i.e. 20-25% THC.
If FALSE, THC and CBD will be shown as exact values
i.e. 23.5% THC.
Using a range of THC and CBD values helps avoid having to manually update product cannabinoid values over time.
Exact values will need to be updated as new batches of product come into your store.
THC
If the Show Min Max THC CBD column is TRUE, input the exact THC value for the product.
CBD
If the Show Min Max THC CBD column is TRUE, input the exact CBD value for the product.
Min THC
If the Show Min Max THC CBD column is FALSE, input the minimum THC value.
Max THC
If the Show Min Max THC CBD column is FALSE, input the maximum THC value.
Min CBD
If the Show Min Max THC CBD column is FALSE, input the minimum CBD value.
Max CBD
If the Show Min Max THC CBD column is FALSE, input the maximum CBD value.
THC/CBD Unit
THC/CBD unit refers to the unit of measurement used for the product. This will be different between product types.
Available units of measure - please ensure to use the formatting below:
- mg
- mg/unit
- ml
- mg/g
- mg/mL
Track Lots
The Track Lots column requires an entry of either TRUE or FALSE.
If TRUE, lot tracking for the product will be turned ON and you will be required to maintain the lot numbers for the product.
If FALSE, lot tracking for the product will be turned OFF. You will not be required to maintain the lot numbers for the product.
Lot Tracking is only required in Alberta.
In any other province, it is unnecessary and not suggested to track lots for products.
Tags
The tags column allows you to group or track certain items between different categories.
For example, you may want to add a tag for new arrivals or for staff picks. Tags must be separated with a comma if you want to add more than one per product.
If you're using Blaze ECOM, tags will be available as additional filters and can be featured. Ask your Onboarding Specialist for more information on this feature!
Strain Type
The Strain Type column is related to the genetic variety of the cannabis product.
In this field, input one of the following types:
- Sativa
- Sativa Dominant
- Hybrid
- Indica
- Indica Dominant
- CBD
- Balanced
You did it! Now send the completed file to your onboarding coach for review and import into the BLAZE Canada system