Automate Importing With MachShip Printing Application

Overview

The MachShip Printing Application, while primarily designed for automated label printing, also provides powerful folder polling capabilities for automated consignment imports. This feature allows you to automatically import consignments by placing files into a monitored folder.

Key Benefits:

  • Automated file processing
  • Real-time import notifications
  • Automatic error handling
  • Success/failure file organization

Setup Process

Step 1: MachShip Printer App Settings Creation

The following video covers the process of setting up a Machship Printer Configuration, and linking it to your importer:

  1. Navigate to App Settings

    • Select Admin → Other Options
    • Choose MachShip App Settings in the Advanced menu

  2. Create App Settings

    • Click Add MachShip App Settings
    • Fill in required fields:
      • Name (descriptive identifier)
      • Description (purpose of setup)
      • Company (highest applicable company)
      • Email Addresses (for notifications)

  3. Assign Consignment Importer

    • The consignment importer field allows you to use our generic file format, or select a custom workflow for a custom format
    • If using a custom format, you'll find available workflows in our csv/delimited and xml import documentation.
    • You must have a company assigned before you can select a workflow
    • For further information on file formats and workflows, read our import guide here

  4. Configure Import Type Select one of:

    • Import with fallback
    • Import without fallback
    • Order

  5. Save Configuration

    • Click Save MachShip App Settings
    • Note the generated token for app configuration

Step 2: Printer App Configuration

The following video covers the process of configuring the MachShip printer app for automated importing, and to utilise the configuration you created:

  1. Open MachShip Printing Application

    • Launch the application
    • Navigate to Settings tab

  2. Enter Token

    • Paste the token from platform setup
    • Verify token validation message
    • System will confirm successful connection

Folder Configuration

  1. Select Polling Folder

    • Click Choose File
    • Select desired monitoring location
    • Ensure folder has appropriate permissions

  2. Understand Folder Structure The application will create:

    • success folder: For successfully processed files
    • error folder: For files that failed processing

Import Types

Import with Fallback

  • Attempts to create consignments
  • Failed records become pending consignments
  • Successful records create full consignments
  • Best for mixed-quality data

Import without Fallback

  • Strict validation
  • Fails entire file if any record is invalid
  • Ensures data integrity
  • Best for validated data sources

Order Import

  • Creates all records as pending consignments
  • No validation requirements
  • Ideal for draft data
  • Allows manual completion

Monitoring & Management

Email Notifications

  • Error notifications for failed imports
  • Warning notifications for duplicate references
  • Configurable recipient list
  • Detailed error descriptions

File Management

  • Successful files move to success folder
  • Failed files move to error folder
  • Original files preserved
  • Clear audit trail

Status Tracking

  • Real-time import status
  • Error logging
  • Success confirmation
  • Processing history

Best Practices

  1. Folder Structure

    • Use dedicated import folder
    • Regular cleanup of processed files
    • Maintain folder permissions

  2. File Naming

    • Use consistent naming conventions
    • Include date/time in filenames
    • Avoid special characters

  3. Error Handling

    • Monitor error folder regularly
    • Review error notifications promptly
    • Maintain error resolution log

  4. Performance

    • Regular cleanup of success/error folders
    • Monitor file processing times
    • Optimize file sizes

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

  1. File Not Processing

    • Check file format matches configuration
    • Verify folder permissions
    • Confirm app is running

  2. Token Invalid

    • Verify token copied correctly
    • Check company access permissions
    • Confirm token not expired

  3. Import Errors

    • Review error folder contents
    • Check email notifications
    • Verify file format matches requirements

Resolution Steps

  1. Application Issues

    • Restart application
    • Verify network connection
    • Check system resources

  2. File Issues

    • Validate file format
    • Check for file corruption
    • Verify file permissions

  3. Import Failures

    • Review error messages
    • Check data validation
    • Verify company settings