Katana supports various shipping workflows depending on the setup of your processes. The most common shipping practices in Katana are as follows:
Businesses selling directly to customers via e-commerce stores using the shipping options available on the e-commerce platform. They depend on the processes available on the platform and don't use Katana's shipping functionality. See a sample workflow and how Katana fits in the flow.
Businesses taking orders via other channels, such as B2B sales, EDI, or project-based agreements, utilize Katana's addresses and tracking info directly on the Sales Order (SO) for storing data required for shipping. Read more about shipment data in Katana.
Sometimes it can be a mix of different order types. In this case, it makes sense to directly integrate to an external shipping platform via Katana API or use an integration app (Zapier, Integromat).
Shipping workflow
Multiple parties and systems are often involved in a manufacturing business's shipping workflow.
The most common shipping process consists of separate processes in 3 entities:
A primary order management system such as Katana.
Fulfillment location where physical handling of the shipment is taken care of.
Shipping partner/ platform responsible for the actual transport service.
How the workflow is set up between these parties depends on the capabilities of each entity. A sample workflow could be described as follows:
An order (1) is created in Katana with shipment addresses and once it's ready for shipping, a packing slip (2) is printed out and passed to the fulfillment location (warehouse) for packing. Order is picked and packed (3) at the location and often also weighed (4) for transportation. Next, contact the transportation service using a shipping platform or directly for a shipment label. Multiple orders might be consolidated into one shipment at this stage (5). The label also includes the tracking number. The label is printed and attached to the package (6). For dispatch, either a scheduled pickup or delivery (7) by your transportation provider is needed. Once the order is sent out of your warehouse, the order status must be updated to reflect the correct inventory levels in your stock (8).
Companies looking for automated workflows need to combine the data flow between all parties involved in the shipping processes. Read more here about integration possibilities for shipping.
Shipping data in Katana
Katana can support your shipment workflows by keeping track of your order statuses, storing necessary information, and helping you generate required documents for shipping.
Katana provides you with:
Storage for order shipping and billing information.
An overview of shipments with tracking data.
Printing options for papers that go along with a shipment.
Management of customer address details.