In the case that you are processing lower-volume shipments or SmartParcel simply doesn't fit your business needs, Extensiv offers a flat file integration with carrier software (i.e., UPS World Ship, FedEx Ship Manager, Endicia Professional, or Stamps.com desktop) that allows you to generate shipping labels.

This article reviews the process of using a flat file carrier integration to print shipping labels and transfer tracking information and shipping costs back to 3PL Warehouse Manager.

Step 1: Export carrier flat files

When using a flat file carrier integration, you must first download a file containing the order and package information a carrier needs to generate shipping labels.

1. Navigate to Orders > Packaging Options.
   
   
    
2. Under 'Carrier Import/Export', select the appropriate Export for ... option.
   
   
    
3. Depending on your selection, the grid for the specified carrier displays open or complete orders that are fully allocated and have no associated tracking number.
    
4. Make the necessary selections to prepare for export. Each option is defined below.
   
   
   • All Packages: If selected, the exported files populate the package data that is captured in the system from packing the order. If you have not packed the order, the system automatically generates package data based on item setup.
      
   • One Package per Transaction: For the purposes of the export, this option ignores any package data captured in the system and assume all the order contents are in a single package. (This option exists to support workflows where you are defining the package setup in the carrier software rather than 3PL Warehouse Manager.)
      
   • UPS Export Version 2: This option should not be selected in the SmartView interface.
      
   • Populate ShipDate with current date: This option is required if utilizing a desktop Stamps.com connection.
      
5. Select an order from the grid, or use < Ctrl > or < Shift > to select multiple orders, then click Export.
   
   
   
   Depending on your browser, you may have to specify whether you'd like to 'open' or 'save' the file. Once you select save, the file(s) download to your device.
   

   Please note that the exact location for the file(s) on your device is defined during the engagement process of this integration. If you need assistance finding this location, please contact Support.

    
6. Once you've exported the files, you can generate your shipping labels. The label generation process takes place outside of 3PL Warehouse Manager and varies from carrier to carrier. If you need assistance with generating your shipping labels in the carrier software, please refer to the relevant carrier's help documentation.
    
7. Once you are finished generating your shipping labels, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Import tracking and charge data from carrier

After generating your shipping labels, you can import the tracking information and shipping costs into 3PL Warehouse Manager to update the orders.

1. Return to the main Packaging Options page.
    
2. Under 'Carrier Import/Export', select Import from UPS or FedEx.
   
   
    
3. Click Browse, then double-click the import file located on your device. (If you need assistance finding this location, please contact Support.)
    
4. Click Import. The 'Orders To Be Updated' grid populates with the imported data.
    
5. Once you review the data in the grids for accuracy, click Update Orders to update the specified orders in the system.