Processing OrdersDimensions & Weights

Parcel Metrics Overview
Weights and dimensions (metrics) are used to determine correct parcel size and service to use. This information needs to be accurate, especially for export orders. They can also significantly reduce shipping costs, by ensuring the cheapest service is used.

Setting Parcel Metrics

Parcel metrics are set by the following:
  1. Product metrics collected from sales channel.
  2. Lookup metrics override if products are in the lookup.
  3. Stored metrics override if they exist or first time they are set.
  4. Shipping rule will set weight or dimensions if metrics are zero.
The origin of the weight and dimensions is shown as a letter on the record, in the Records Tab.
Metrics origins
Origin letters for weight and dimensions are:
  • C Set from code (script)
  • P From product metrics (channel or lookup)
  • R By matching a shipping rule
  • U Set manually by the user
Product lookup
Where a channel supports weights and dimensions, they are collected from the sales channel. When they aren't available, a table of product details can be imported into Packing Partner to populate the product metrics.
Other details such as customs and export information is not available from any channel, so the Lookup Dialog must be used to import or create those details for all products.
When records are collected or downloaded into Express, the products details are copied from the lookup to the products. Metrics that are found in the lookup and have a value greater than zero, will over-ride any metrics collected from the sales channel.
In the Records Tab, products will have their SKU displayed in bold text. The following example has one product that was found in the lookup, and one that wasn't.
I product not found
Not in the lookup
To filter for products that haven't been found in the lookup, use !NL in the filter textbox. You can also use !LU to filter for products that are in the lookup.
Stored metrics
Stored metrics are used to set the weight and dimensions for a whole order. The metrics are then stored and applied to all future orders that have the same products and quantities. To set stored metrics, right click a record and select Change Carrier Details>Parcel Metrics.
Parcel metrics menu
After setting the parcel metrics for one or more records, they will be applied to all other unprinted records that match the same products and quantities. Shipping rules will also be applied to the records.
Overriding metrics
To override existing weights or dimensions, stored metrics must be greater than zero.
Weights and dimensions are set independently. To override weight but not dimensions, make the parcel dimensions zero.
Shipping rules
Shipping rules can set default parcel metrics, only when the parcel metrics are zero. Like stored metrics, shipping rule metrics must be greater than zero, or they are not used.
Weight and dimensions are set independently. If weight is zero but dimensions are not, only the default weight will be used.
See AlsoCreating Carrier LabelsShipping RulesPacking Stations