The first step to start your onboarding on GelatoConnect Logistics is to choose how to integrate your GelatoConnect Logistics orders: Direct API or GelatoConnect Workflow (GCW)
Step 1: Choose Your Integration Method
Decide how you want to integrate GCL into your workflow:
Direct API Integration: If you would like to ship orders with GCL but not produce them with GCW, integrate with the GCL API. This method allows you to programmatically interact with GCL, automating tasks like retrieving shipping quotes, generating labels, and tracking shipments. This method is recommended only if you are unable to produce your orders with GCW or you would like to quickly move all your volume to GCL first and then gradually move their production to GCW.
Gelato Connect Workflow (GCW) Integration: If your orders are produced using GelatoConnect, GCW integration is the way to ship those orders with GCL. This method tightly integrates production and shipping processes within GelatoConnect, enabling seamless data flow and automation, such as automatic shipping label verification. This is the preferred option
Step 2: Complete Your GCL Integration
Follow the instructions below based on your chosen integration method:
2A: Direct API Integration
Refer to the comprehensive GCL API documentation for detailed instructions, request examples, and a Postman collection to facilitate seamless integration. Our API documentation can be found at 🔗[Order Intake - GCW] Order Management API Documentation.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Retrieve Shipping Quotes: Start by using the ShippingMethodsQuote endpoint. This endpoint allows you to input shipment details such as origin, destination, weight, dimensions, and customs information (for international orders) to get accurate shipping quotes from multiple carriers.
Generate Shipping Labels: Once you've selected a quote, use the ShippingOrderCreate endpoint to generate your shipping label. This endpoint also provides you with a tracking URL and the final shipping cost. You can either specify a carrier and shipping method from the quote you received in the previous step or let GCL automatically select the most cost-effective option.
Setting Up Customer Details:
Efficiently manage your customer shipping information within GCL:
Create and Manage Customers: Go to the "Customers" tab to add and organize your customer details. Assign a unique name and reference ID for each customer, which will be used throughout the GCL system.
Configure Logistics Settings: Access the "Logistics" tab within each customer profile to set up default sender addresses and input customs details for international shipments. This ensures that all necessary information is automatically applied to relevant orders, streamlining the shipping process and ensuring compliance.
2B: Integrate via GCW
For orders produced through Gelato Connect, GCW integration offers the smoothest path to incorporating GCL. This method leverages Gelato Connect's full automation capabilities, ensuring production and shipping work in harmony.
For detailed instructions on integrating GCL via GCW, refer to 🔗[Getting Started - GCW] Setting Up Shipping. After completing the shipping setup in the linked article, return to this guide to explore the remaining steps and maximize your GCL efficiency.
FAQs
How quickly is the shipping manifest generated, in what format is it created, how often can it be created, and what happens to shipments generated after the manifest has been produced?
The shipping manifest is generated instantly, usually within a few seconds to a couple of minutes, and is created in PDF format, ready for immediate printing. Only one manifest can be generated per day. Any shipments created after the manifest has been produced will automatically be included in the manifest for the next day. Note that it is not possible to edit a manifest once it has been created.