It is possible to import text files with names, addresses and other shipping information into most shipping software applications. Importing the data saves you time by eliminating the need to type the information or copy and paste it from the Order Manager one record at a time.
The Order Manager can be configured to export shipping information (not tracking information) to a text file each time the program approves an order, whether it is approved automatically or manually. As you know, the Order Manager supports up to 30 shipping methods. You can export order shipping information to the same text file regardless of shipping method or to different text files according to the shipping method (some programs do not accept more than one shipping method in the same text file). You can also specify to which text file the program should send data when no shipping method is present (and it is not a POS order).
**Important**: Each time an order is approved, the program adds the order shipping information to the designated text file. You must delete the text file after it has been imported into your shipping program, otherwise, the Order Manager will continue to append shipping information to the text file and duplicate data will be imported into your shipping program.
The text file or files can be in either the tab-delimited (.txt) or comma-separated (.csv) format. You can use a standard set of fields or create "shipping export templates" with your own fields and use a different template for each shipping method. For information on creating shipping export templates, see Shipping Export Templates.
Conversely, the Order Manager can import tracking numbers, pick-up dates and actual shipping charges from text files exported from your shipping program. For more information, see Import Tracking Numbers from a Comma-delimited (.csv) Text File.
Go to the Main Menu>Maintenance Menu>Shipping & Fulfillment tab>Shipping Setup button. (Note: The Shipping Method Setup screen is also available from the Shipping tab of the Store Setup Wizard, for versions 5.612 and lower.)
Click the Add button in the Shipping Methods section.
Enter a name for the new shipping method. Click OK.
The Shipping Method Setup screen opens:
Click on the Shipper's name for this method drop down list and select the appropriate option. The list includes USPS, UPS and Fedex shipping methods. If the method you wish to use is not included, enter your own name for the method in this field. Note: If you select a standard shipping method from the list, the program fills in the Carrier and Shipper's Code (if any) automatically.
Click on the Export Template (blank for default) drop down list to select a shipping export template for this shipping method. If you do not select a template but you enter a Shipping Export File the program uses the default template. For USPS shipping methods, enter the name of the Shipping Export Template in the Dazzle Layout field.
Enter the full path and file name of the text file to which you wish to export order shipping formation for this shipping method. Click the Browse to locate the file if necessary.
Click OK.
Go to the Main Menu>Maintenance Menu>Shipping & Fulfillment tab>Shipping Setup which will launch the Store Setup Wizard. Navigate to the third page of the Shipping section, entitled Select and Name Shipping Methods.
Choose the shipping vendor by clicking the appropriately named button next to the Show shipping Methods for: section of the screen.
Scroll through the list of shipping methods and locate the one(s) for which shipping data will be exported.
Check the Use This Method box.
Enter the name of the shipping method (as it is to be defined within the Order Manager) in the Your Name field. This value should match the name(s) of shipping methods that are used at the shopping cart(s).
Enter the name of the Export Template that is to be used in the field of the same name, or in the DAZzle Layout field, if a USPS shipping method is being used.
The following screenshots display the shipping methods screens for USPS (via DAZzle) and UPS. Notice the field labeled DAZzle Layout in the USPS screen is in the same location as the Export Template field for all other shipping vendors.
DAZzle Shipping Methods Screen
UPS Shipping Methods Screen
Enter the full path and file name of the text file to which shipping information for this shipping method will be exported in the Export File field .
Click the Save and Exit button to retain the settings and exit the Store Setup Wizard.
**Important**: Each time an order is approved, the program adds the order shipping information to the designated text file. You must delete the text file after it has been imported into your shipping program, otherwise, the Order Manager will continue to append shipping information to the text file and duplicate data will be imported into your shipping program.
Shipping Method
OrderNumber
Weight
Name
Company
Address1
Address2
City
State
ZipCode
Country
Phone
See Also
Importing Tracking Numbers from a CSV or Text File
Modified 11/24/09
Updated 1/4/10