WooCommerce GLS plugin by Tehster

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

Overview of GLS Integration

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

The Problem Addressed

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

1. Order Notes Update: GLS 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 GLS 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.

GLS Tracking Integration Solution

Our GLS 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 GLS Tracking Integration

To activate the GLS integration:

1. Navigate: Go to your WordPress admin and select WooCommerce > Shipment Tracking > Integrations.
2. Locate and Enable: Find the GLS 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 GLS for an order, AST will automatically update the shipment tracking information into its tracking order metadata.

Handling Discrepancies in Carrier Names

• Name Mismatch Issue: GLS 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 GLS 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 GLS integration with AST, you can significantly streamline your order fulfillment process, ensuring tracking information is accurately and efficiently applied and communicated.