Fulfillment process basics

It's helpful to have a fulfillment process in place, whether it's in-house or via integration with a fulfillment partner. Understanding your fulfillment process better will help you troubleshoot errors or problems with data in ShipCompliant, and give you better visibility into your order process so you can handle issues and stay informed about when shipping will be completed.

Integrating with a fulfillment partner

Seamless integrations with one of our fulfillment partners are the best option to speed the fulfillment process along. These integrations are typically automated, so you don't need to manage the fulfillment process manually by uploading tracking numbers yourself. Once tracking numbers are in your account, order data will automatically pull onto state reports and shipment status emails, whether that's through DEX or through your POS system. Tracking numbers, order status, and payment date are often needed for reporting, so integrations can help you effortlessly ensure this data is in your account and your reports are accurate. Read more about integrations and DEX.

When you set up an integration, you'll need to elect how data is pushed to your fulfillment service. Each partner will have a slightly different process, and you'll need to choose your preference for each partner you integrate with. Typically, the two options are to Share data or enable Auto-fulfillment.

1. In ShipCompliant, go to Settings and click Account Settings.
   
   
   
   
2. Click Fulfillment Settings on the left.
   
   
   
   
3. Select your preferences according to each partner's availability.
   1. Share: As orders come into ShipCompliant, they will become visible to your fulfillment service, who can log onto their account and see the data. They'll process your shipments, then add tracking information back into your account.
   2. Auto: Data sharing will be entirely automated via API. As order data flows into ShipCompliant, it will be pushed automatically to your fulfillment service, and when tracking information is added, this information will automatically push back into your account.
      

      These preferences typically apply only to daily orders; with many partners, you'll need to release club batch orders on the fulfillment management page manually. Read more on club orders here.

      
      
      
4. Select how frequently you'd like to receive fulfillment alerts at the top of the page.
   
   

In-house fulfillment

If you choose to handle fulfillment in-house, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the following process. This is the cycle your order data will follow, and some key steps along the way.


Step 1. Get your orders into ShipCompliant. You can import orders manually, or integrate with a front-end POS system to enable order data to automatically flow into your account. 

Step 2. Once orders are added to your account and you're ready to start the shipment process, you'll change their status to Sent to Fulfillment. This status will make order data visible to the fulfillment management side, but even if you're working completely in-house, it's best practice to keep your order statuses accurate for reporting and troubleshooting.

Step 3. Print your shipping label with whatever system you choose.

Step 4. Add your tracking numbers back into your ShipCompliant account. You can do this by bulk upload (usually recommended at the beginning of each month) or individually.

Step 5. ShipCompliant has connections with the common carriers (FedEx, UPS and GSL). From here, we'll sync with them and show you status updates on your orders, to ensure accuracy on reports and filings.