Setting Up Packaging and Packaging Rules
Effective packaging management ensures that the correct dimensions and weights are communicated to your logistics carriers, optimizing shipping costs and operations. You can manage packaging by importing items from your procurement inventory or adding them manually.
Units — metric and imperial
You can enter packaging dimensions in either metric or imperial units, and the system stores them in the unit you used — no silent conversion to millimetres, no rounding drift. Each packaging material carries an explicit unit indicator so downstream systems and APIs receive consistent values.
Imperial weight is in pounds. Earlier values in ounces were migrated to pounds in February 2026.
Adding Packaging Inventory
You can populate your packaging list by importing existing items from GelatoConnect Procurement (GCP) or creating new manual entries. Please go to the Packaging page under Catalog section. You would see a blank page if no packaging items have been setup.
Importing from GCP
Select Import: Click on "Import packaging from GCP" to view items currently in stock.
Choose Items: Select one or multiple packaging items from the list to add them to your packaging inventory.
Configure Details:
Nickname: Assign a descriptive nickname (e.g., "Triangle poster packaging 440") to help your team easily identify the box.
Dimensions: The system automatically calculates inner dimensions based on assumptions (like cardboard thickness), but you should verify these. Accurate internal and external dimensions are critical for carrier calculations and ensuring the right box is selected.
Weight: Supplier data often lacks weight information, so you may need to update this manually (e.g., in grams) using a scale or AI estimation.
Images: Upload a photo of the packaging to assist operators at the packing station.
Adding Packaging Manually
Adding a custom packaging material. If a packaging material is not in GelatoConnect Procurement, you can add it directly on the Packaging page without going through GCP first. Click Add packaging material, enter the nickname, dimensions, weight, and an optional image, then save. The new material is automatically linked back to your GCP inventory so stock consumption stays tracked.
Create New Item: Select the option to add a box and provide a name.
Input Data: Enter the dimensions (internal and external), material, color, and weight.
Automatic Integration: Manually added items are automatically linked to your GCP inventory to track stock consumption.
Required fields for GelatoConnect One PSPs
If you are using GelatoConnectOne, packaging materials must include a max weight in addition to dimensions and weight. The max weight field controls the largest order that can be packed into the box; the MIS uses it to reject orders that would overload the carton. Other MIS-required attributes are populated automatically from procurement data where available.
Setting Up Packaging Rules
Packaging rules tell the system which box to suggest based on the products in an order.
Defining Priorities
Priority Level: Assign a priority number to your rules. The system checks higher numbers first.
Strategy: Use high priorities for specific requirements (e.g., "1-10 t-shirts in a specific polybag") and lower priorities for generic "catch-all" rules (e.g., "any poster fits in this tube").
Configuring Product Models
Select Products: Identify which product models (e.g., posters, frames) the rule applies to.
Set Constraints: Define the quantity range (e.g., 1 to 6 items) and specific attributes like size (e.g., up to A3 or 700x1000).
Volumetric Calculations
Automatic Checks: By default, the system volumetrically checks if the ordered items fit within the box's dimensions.
Ignore Volume Calculation: You can choose to ignore this calculation to force items into a package. This is useful for apparel (which can be compressed) or to override strict dimension checks.
Operations at the Packaging Station
Visual Aids: Operators see the box's nickname and image to ensure the correct packaging is used.
Manual Overrides: Operators can override the system suggestion and select a different box from inventory or enter custom dimensions if a non-standard box is used.