DespatchCloud setup and flows
Lesson 17 of 28 4 min read
Connect DespatchCloud, send orders with the right reference and shipping method, and bring shipments back.
DespatchCloud is an order processing and despatch platform used by warehouses and 3PLs. Supply Lens lists it among its shipping integrations. Its settings are few, but each one decides how an order or shipment is identified, which is what makes matching work.
By the end of this lesson you will know the two DespatchCloud flows and the references they use.
The DespatchCloud flows
| Settings group | Direction | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| DespatchCloud Order | Orders to DespatchCloud | Sends orders with a chosen reference and translated shipping method |
| DespatchCloud Shipment | Receive | Imports shipments, using a chosen field as the shipment reference |
The references DespatchCloud knows
DespatchCloud holds several identifiers for an order, and two settings choose between them:
channel_alt_idon the order: by default your order reference, or the buyer's purchase order number if you choose.- The shipment reference on import: DespatchCloud's process reference (
process_ref), the channel order id, or the channel alt id.
Choosing consistently on both sides means a shipment carries a reference your ERP or storefront recognises.
Set it up
- Go to Settings → Integration setup → Integrations, click + ADD INTEGRATION and click ADD on DespatchCloud. Complete the connection form and click CONNECT.
- Add Configurations for orders (Send) and shipments (Receive), using Create Default JSON.
- Collect DespatchCloud's shipping method names from the warehouse.
- Create the Mappings for orders out and shipments back.
Kestrel Cycles and trade orders
Kestrel Cycles sells parts to bike shops, which quote their own PO numbers on every order. The warehouse team wants to search DespatchCloud by the shop's PO number, so the implementer plans to send the buyer's order number as the channel alt id. The next lesson shows the settings.
Recap
- DespatchCloud has two flows: orders out and shipments back.
- channel_alt_id carries your order reference or, optionally, the buyer's PO number.
- The shipment reference can come from process_ref, the channel order id or the channel alt id.
- Choose references so shipments match orders your systems recognise.
Quick guides for this topic
Your progress is saved in this browser. Create a free account to keep it everywhere, take quizzes and earn certificates.