Inventory Source

Explore the integration of Inventory Source with Advanced Shipment Tracking (AST) PRO for WooCommerce. This integration connects your WooCommerce store with your Inventory Source account, streamlining order management, label generation, and tracking number synchronization.

Overview of Inventory Source Integration

Inventory Source WooCommerce integration automates the transfer of processing orders from your store to Inventory Source, ensuring efficient label generation and tracking management.

The Problem Addressed

When using Inventory Source to create a shipping label:

• Order Notes Update: Inventory Source updates the WooCommerce order notes API with the Shipping Carrier, Tracking Number, and a tracking link.
• Order Status Update: It changes the WooCommerce order status to Completed (Shipped).
• Lack of Shipment Tracking API Utilization: Inventory Source doesn’t use the Shipment Tracking API provided by AST, meaning tracking info isn’t automatically added to the Shipment Tracking Order Meta. Consequently, the shipping confirmation email lacks the shipment tracking widget.

Inventory Source Tracking Integration Solution

The Inventory Source Tracking Integration with AST PRO addresses these challenges by:

• Automating Tracking Retrieval: Automatically extracting tracking information from the order notes and updating it in AST’s shipment tracking order meta.
• Enhancing Fulfillment Workflow: Streamlining the order fulfillment process by reducing repetitive work and potential for errors.

Enabling Inventory Source Tracking Integration

To activate the Inventory Source integration:

1. Navigate: In your WordPress admin, go to WooCommerce > Shipment Tracking > Integrations.
2. Locate and Enable: Search for the Inventory Source integration and enable it.
3. AutoComplete Option: Choose to enable the ‘AutoComplete shipped orders’ option. With this, AST will automatically update the order status to ‘Shipped’. For manual control, keep this option disabled.

Post-Integration Workflow

Once enabled, every time you generate a shipping label in Inventory Source for a WooCommerce-originated order, the shipment tracking details will be automatically updated in AST’s shipment tracking order meta.

Handling Carrier Name Discrepancies

• Name Mismatch Issue: Inventory Source might use different carrier names than those listed in AST’s shipping carriers.
• Solution: Use the ‘Map Shipping Carriers’ option to reconcile the names received from Inventory Source with the standardized names in AST’s shipping providers list, ensuring the inclusion of a tracking link in the shipping confirmation email.

Best Practices and Notes

• Carrier List Sync: Regularly update your carrier list in AST for precise mapping and tracking.
• Integration Checks: Routinely ensure the integration’s functionality, particularly after plugin updates.
• Customer Awareness: Clearly communicate the availability of tracking features and encourage customers to use them for improved service satisfaction.

By following this guide and enabling the Inventory Source integration with AST PRO, you can significantly enhance your order fulfillment process, ensuring that tracking information is accurately and efficiently applied and communicated.