Eliminate the need for additional development, training, and multiple interfaces with an ultra-fast deployment.
There has been a seismic shift in shipping technology in the last decade. What was once a fragmented ecosystem of standalone solutions has given way to an interconnected web of platforms and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). API-driven shipping platforms now bring significant business advantages, allowing for flexibility, scalability, and real-time optimization based on to-the-minute data. The beauty of an API-driven shipping solution like Shipstore is that it serves as the connective tissue between various systems, enabling real-time data exchange and dynamic decision-making.
How long will the integration take?
With competitive providers, integrating shipping software into your existing WMS or other systems can take months. Add to that the time it takes to train staff to use an additional interface with the existing systems, and you’ve burned an entire quarter (or more!) getting the new software up and running.
Not so with Shipstore. Not only can we seamlessly integrate our shipping software with your existing WMS, ERP, OMS, database, or other legacy system, but we can do it in a matter of days.
Shipstore began as a custom development shop almost 25 years ago, so our roots run deep when it comes to building tailored integrations for incumbent systems. Not only do we have the experience, we also lead the market in terms of ease and speed of integration. Most deployments only take a week or two. In fact, we recently worked with an international ecommerce fulfillment company to integrate Shipstore into the existing WMS in just two days.
Shipstore can run invisibly in the background to floor-level shippers, so they can continue to utilize the existing systems with no need to train on a new UI, again eliminating deployment time. Let’s look more closely at the advantages in that.
What are the benefits of having an admin-only interface?
While many customers use the Shipstore UI on the floor, it’s also possible to streamline the floor-level shipper’s experience to a single interface – the existing WMS, ERP,
OMS, or database — and to limit rule changes to the admin level.
In this scenario, the floor-level shipper creates labels in the original system, which calls Shipstore’s API in the background. Shipstore receives order information from the WMS, ERP, OMS, database or otherwise and runs the rules, logic, and rateshops associated with that profile. After determining the appropriate carrier/service, the label prints and the information passes back to the original system in real time. The shipper never has to leave the system or toggle between multiple interfaces.
The key differentiator here is that admins can still access the Shipstore UI to adjust logic, business rules, and rateshops. They then push any changes to production, which are implemented on the floor moments later.
Integration capabilities to look for in shipping software solutions
When evaluating shipping software for your high-volume operation, integration capabilities should be at the top of your priority list. A truly effective solution should offer speed, flexibility, and control. When evaluating options, here’s what you should expect from your provider:
- Swift implementation (ideally within a few weeks)
- API structure similar to carrier APIs for seamless connectivity
- Admin access to a back-end “Control Panel” for management
- Ability to make real-time changes to shipping rules and logic without IT involvement
- Capability to push updates to production quickly and easily
Look for experience and expertise
Seek out providers with a proven track record in the shipping industry. Those with extensive experience in custom development are often best equipped to handle the complexities of integration. This expertise should be evident in their platform design, particularly in how it caters to the needs of high-volume shippers who require both speed and precision.
Ask about flexible deployment options
Top-tier shipping software should offer multiple integration paths, all leveraging an API-driven platform to ensure real-time, dynamic technology that performs even in high-volume environments.
Consider the UI experience
For companies seeking a full-featured solution, look for a user interface (UI) that offers:
- Ability to pull order information from your existing systems (WMS, ERP, OMS, etc.)
- Real-time application of custom logic, business rules, and rate shopping
- Automated label generation with optimal carrier and service selections
- Instant data synchronization with your systems
This approach should offer real-time updates and eliminate the need for end-of-day batch processing, keeping your data current at all times.
Minimize disruption by employing invisible integration
For businesses preferring to maintain their existing workflow, seek out solutions that can operate invisibly in the background:
- Direct API integration with your current system
- Allows floor-level employees to continue using familiar interfaces
- Processes shipping decisions behind the scenes
- Returns optimal shipping choices to your system instantly
This approach minimizes disruption and training needs while still leveraging powerful optimization capabilities.
Embracing the integration advantage
As the industry continues to evolve, the ability to seamlessly integrate shipping intelligence into every aspect of operations will separate the leaders from the followers. The question is not whether to integrate, but how quickly and effectively you can do so.
With over a decade of experience in custom development for the shipping industry, Shipstore has honed its skills in creating robust, flexible integrations. This expertise is baked into our shipping software platform, designed from the ground up to cater to high-volume shippers who demand both speed and precision.
In the competitive world of shipping and logistics, the ability to quickly adapt and optimize can set you apart from the competition. Shipstore’s focus on easy integration means you can harness the power of advanced shipping software without the typical headaches of implementation. And, by leveraging our extensive carrier network, you’ll benefit from optimal pricing on all shipment types, while our logic-based carrier selection optimizes multi-carrier and multi-mode shipments. This comprehensive approach enables you to efficiently manage shipping volume across both parcel and LTL.
Read more:
case study
A fulfillment company saved 15% on shipping with a 2-day WMS integration.
When a California-based fulfillment company faced potential losses due to rising carrier rates and tight delivery deadlines, Shipstore stepped in to build a custom API integration with their existing WMS in just two days.