ShipStation

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of integrating ShipStation with AST PRO. The integration automates the fulfillment workflow, streamlining the process of adding tracking information and updating order statuses.

Overview of ShipStation Integration

ShipStation, through its dedicated plugin for WooCommerce, syncs processing orders to your ShipStation account. Upon creating a shipping label in ShipStation, it updates the WooCommerce API with the shipping carrier and tracking number.

The Problem Addressed

When a shipping label is created in ShipStation, two updates occur:

  1. Order Notes Update: ShipStation adds a note to the WooCommerce order notes API with the Shipping Carrier, Tracking Number, and a tracking link.
  2. Order Status Update: It changes the WooCommerce order status to Completed (Shipped).

However, since ShipStation doesn’t utilize the Shipment Tracking API added by AST to the WooCommerce REST API, the tracking information doesn’t automatically populate in the AST’s shipment tracking order meta. Consequently, the shipping confirmation email won’t include the AST tracking info widget.

ShipStation Tracking Integration Solution

Our ShipStation integration addresses this by automating the extraction and application of tracking information from the order note to the AST’s shipment tracking order meta. It changes the order status to ‘Shipped’ and triggers the shipment email with the tracking info widget.

Enabling ShipStation Tracking Integration

To activate the ShipStation integration:

  1. Navigate: Go to your WordPress admin and select WooCommerce > Shipment Tracking > Integrations.
  2. Locate and Enable: Find the ShipStation integration and enable it.
  3. AutoComplete Option: You have the choice to enable the ‘AutoComplete shipped orders’ option. With this activated, AST will automatically change the order status to ‘Shipped’. If you prefer manual control, leave this option disabled and update the order status from ‘Processing’ to ‘Shipped’ manually.

Post-Integration Workflow

Once enabled, every time you generate a shipping label with ShipStation for an order, AST will automatically update the shipment tracking information into its tracking order metadata.

Handling Discrepancies in Carrier Names

  • Name Mismatch Issue: ShipStation might use different names for shipping carriers than those listed in AST’s shipping carriers.
  • Solution: Utilize the ‘Map Shipping Carriers’ option to align the names received from ShipStation with the standardized names in AST. This ensures that the tracking link is included in the shipping confirmation email.

Best Practices and Notes

  • Regularly Sync Carriers: Keep your carrier list updated in AST to ensure smooth mapping and accurate tracking.
  • Check Integration Status: Periodically confirm the integration is functioning as expected, especially after updates to either plugin.
  • Customer Communication: Ensure customers are aware of the tracking features and encourage them to track their shipments for better service satisfaction.

By following this guide and utilizing the ShipStation integration with AST, you can significantly streamline your order fulfillment process, ensuring tracking information is accurately and efficiently applied and communicated.

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