Order routing in GelatoConnect is an automated solution designed to help print service providers streamline their production operations. By directing orders to the most suitable production facility—either your own or an external partner—you can improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and deliver faster to your customers. This guide walks you through how order routing works, how to configure it, and how to maintain and troubleshoot your routing setup for the best results.
How order routing works
Order routing in GelatoConnect uses a set of customizable rules and facility configurations to determine where each incoming order should go. The system evaluates each order based on the routing logic you define and automatically assigns it to the most suitable internal or external production location.
Components of the routing system
Facilities
Facilities represent your available production options. These can be:
Internal facilities – Your own production centers
External facilities – Partner print providers connected via API
Each facility setup includes:
Name, location, and description
API connection details
Product compatibility information
Routing rules
Rules define the logic used to route orders. Each rule includes:
Conditions – Such as product type, customer, destination country, etc.
Destination facility – Where the matching orders should be routed
Fallback facility (optional) – A backup location if the primary facility isn’t available
Priority – Determines the order in which rules are evaluated
Order management
This interface allows you to:
View routed orders by facility type
Track inbound and outbound orders
Filter and export data for monitoring or billing
Setting up order routing
Add and configure facilities
To add an internal facility:
Go to Order Routing > Facilities
Click Add Facility
Fill in the name, select Internal Facility, location, description (optional), and API connection details
Click Save
To add an external facility:
Go to Order Routing > Facilities
Click Add Facility
Enter the partner’s name, select External Facility, and provide location and description
Add API connection details
Define what products should be routed to them by:
Importing a CSV of product IDs
Selecting from your catalog
Using product categories/types
Save the facility
The external facility will receive a connection request, which they must approve before orders are routed.
Accept incoming facility connections
If other printers want to send orders to your facility:
Go to Order Routing > Facilities > Incoming
Review connection requests
For each request:
Review proposed product mappings
Confirm automatic mapping or accept copies of new products
Approve if you’re ready to accept their orders
Create routing rules
Go to Order Routing > Routing Rules
Click Add Routing Rule
Choose between Internal or External routing
Name the rule and (optionally) describe it
Define the conditions (e.g., product type, customer, country, order value)
Select the primary and fallback facilities
Decide whether to activate the rule immediately
Save the rule
Prioritize your routing rules
Navigate to Order Routing > Routing Rules
Drag and drop to change priority order
Higher-positioned rules are applied first
Monitor routed orders
Go to Order Routing > Manage Orders
Use filters to view:
Orders sent to external/internal facilities
Orders received from other partners
Non-routed local orders
Export data for analytics or invoicing
Best practices for efficient order routing
Creating rules
Start simple – Begin with easy-to-understand rules
Test thoroughly – Use test orders before going live
Include fallbacks – Especially for time-sensitive products
Use clear names – Helps with rule maintenance
Managing facilities
Check compatibility – Only route products that can be produced at the facility
Communicate often – Stay in sync with external partners
Track connection health – Regularly verify connection statuses
Update product lists – Sync catalog updates with all facilities
Monitoring orders
Conduct audits – Review routing accuracy periodically
Track performance – Compare production times across facilities
Analyze volume – Use data insights to improve routing
Reconcile finances – Use exports for billing and accounting
Troubleshooting common routing issues
Orders not routing as expected
Check if the right rule is at the top of the list
Ensure all rule conditions are met
Confirm the rule is activated
External facility not receiving orders
Make sure the facility is connected and has approved the request
Confirm API keys are correct
Verify product mapping is completed
Missing products at the facility
Review mapping and product configuration
Ensure new products were correctly copied and set up
Temporarily pause routing
Deactivate rules instead of deleting them
Set the facility status to Disconnected for a temporary stop
FAQ
Can I use multiple fallback facilities?
No, each rule supports one fallback destination only. You can, however, create separate rules to handle different scenarios.
What happens if all routing rules fail?
Orders without a matching rule will not be routed and will appear as local/unassigned. You can manually manage them from the Manage Orders page.
Is it possible to route based on shipping speed or delivery dates?
Currently, routing is based on static rule conditions. For time-sensitive routing, include destination and order value as conditions, and choose facilities with faster fulfillment.
Can I prioritize partner printers over internal facilities?
Yes. Simply adjust the rule order to route to external partners first, or set conditions that exclude internal facilities.
How often should I review my rules?
At least once per quarter or when launching new products or entering new markets. Regular reviews ensure routing remains optimal.
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