Shipping Partners Integration

General Feature Information

Feature Name: Shipping Partners Integration

Feature Overview:
With OTO, you can seamlessly integrate with over 200 local and international shipping partners through a single, unified dashboard.

OTO provides the ability of the shipping partners you contract with to ship, track and manage your orders from shipment creation to your customers doorstep, have full visibility and control throughout the entire delivery journey, automate shipping processes, optimize tracking updates and improve your customer experience with real-time notifications and status updates.

How to Use the Feature

Step-by-Step Instructions

To Access “Shipping Partners”:

1. Navigate to Integrations > Shipping Partners in the side menu.

2. Select your shipping partner

Connecting a Shipping Partner:

1. After selecting your partner, a settings page will open with settings parameters based on the shipping partner. Fill in these fields with the information you receive from your shipping partner.

2. Click on the Test Connection button to test the accuracy of the configuration information.

3. After receiving the success notification, click on the next step button.

Configuring Connection Settings:

1. A form will appear requesting the following information:

• Connection Name: Assign a unique name for this integration

• Service Type: The service type of the shipping partner. (Same Day Delivery, Express, Cold Delivery etc.)

• Active: On/Off

• Return Available: You can enable return shipments if the delivery company provides that service. (Consignee back to your warehouse)

• Do not send SMS: If you activate this option, OTO will not send tracking SMS for shipments from this company to the end customer.

2. Click on the Advanced Settings text in the pop-up/close form. You can make some additional configurations here.

• Volumetric Weight Rate: Volumetric weight calculation is done with the entered volumetric weight rate. (Height * Width * Length / Rate Selected)

• Brand Name: You can set your shipping partners to be used for specific brands.

To Manage An Already Connected Shipping Partner:

1. Switch to the Connected tab under Shipping Partners.

2. View all active Shipping Partners with their connection details.

3. Perform the following actions:

   • Edit: Modify the connection and configuration details.

   • Delete: Remove the shipping partner integration by clicking the Delete button.

Prerequisites:

• Ensure you have administrative privileges to access and modify Shipping Partner integrations.

• Obtain the necessary credentials from your shipping partner.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

1. Common Issues and Solutions:

Issue: Connection fails to activate after filling details

Solution: Check your configuration details with the shipping partner.

2. FAQs

Q: Can I connect multiple shipping partners?

A: OTO grants shipping integration rights based on the package you are using. To see the number of shipping companies you can connect based on your current package:

Free Package: 1 shipping partner

Starter Package: 3 shipping partners

Scale Package: Unlimited

Q: What information is required to integrate a shipping company?

A: The required information varies by shipping company. For instance, Aramex may require account credentials, API keys, or other specific details. Ensure all mandatory fields are completed.

Q: What should I do if the 'Test Connection' fails?

A: Double-check the entered details for accuracy, including API keys, account credentials, and other configuration fields. If the issue persists, consult OTO’s support team or the respective shipping company.

Q: What is a Webhook URL, and when should I use it?

A: A Webhook URL allows shipping companies to send real-time status updates to your OTO account. You should share this URL with the shipping company if they require it for integration.

Q: What is volumetric weight, and how do I configure it?

A: Volumetric weight is a calculation used by some shipping companies to determine shipping costs based on the package's dimensions. You can set the volumetric weight rate in the advanced settings if required by your shipping partner.

Q: What should I do if my shipping partner does not appear in the list?

A: Check if the partner is supported by OTO. If not, contact OTO’s support team for assistance or inquire about future integrations.

Q: What is the purpose of the Advanced Settings?

A:The Advanced Settings allow you to customize options like the Volumetric Weight Rate for accurate shipping calculations and assign specific shipping partners to different brands.

Q: What do I do if I don’t have the necessary credentials from my shipping partner?

A:You must obtain the necessary credentials from your shipping partner before configuring their integration. These credentials are required to complete the setup.

Q: Can I use the Shipping Partners Integration for both local and international shipments?

A: Yes, the Shipping Partners Integration supports over 200 local and international shipping partners, allowing you to manage both local and international deliveries from the same platform.

Q: How does the real-time tracking and notification feature work?

A: Once integrated, OTO provides real-time tracking updates and notifications about the shipment status. Customers will receive updates on the delivery progress, improving the overall customer experience.

Q: Can I enable returns for shipments?

A: Yes, you can enable return shipments if your shipping partner supports this service. Simply toggle the Return Available option in the integration settings.

Q: How do I assign specific shipping partners to different brands?

A: You can set up brand-specific shipping partners by entering the Brand Name field in the configuration. This allows you to tailor shipping options to particular brands within your system.

Q: What should I do if my shipping partner is not listed?

A:If your shipping partner is not available in the list of pre-configured options, you can reach out to OTO support to inquire about adding the partner to the platform.

Q: Can I customize the shipping notifications sent to customers?

A: The default notifications are automated, but you may be able to customize certain aspects of the notifications, depending on the configuration settings and the capabilities of your chosen shipping partner.

Q: How do I manage shipment delays or issues with the shipping partner?

A: Any shipment delays or issues should be handled directly with the shipping partner. OTO provides tracking visibility and notifications, but the resolution of any delivery problems falls under the partner’s responsibilities.