Generic Consignment Import

Overview

The Generic Consignment Import feature allows you to create both full consignments and pending consignments using a standardized CSV format. This method provides a straightforward way to import consignments without requiring complex setup or mapping.

File Format

Required Fields

For full consignments, the following fields are required:

  • From Location Information (one of):

    • From Location Name/Abbreviation
    • OR From Address Line 1, From Suburb, and From Postcode

  • To Location Information (one of):

    • To Location Name/Abbreviation
    • OR To Address Line 1, To Suburb, and To Postcode

  • Item Information (one of):

    • Item SKU (if using saved items)
    • OR Item Name, Type, Length, Width, Height, and Weight

Note: For pending consignments, these fields are optional - you can provide as much or as little data as needed.

Optional Fields

Additional fields to enhance your consignments:

  • Despatch Information:

    • Despatch Date (defaults to current date if not provided)
    • Despatch Time

  • Carrier Details:

    • Carrier (abbreviation from your MachShip setup)
    • Account
    • Service

  • Contact Information:

    • From/To Contact
    • From/To Phone
    • From/To Email

  • Additional Details:

    • From/To Address Line 2
    • Reference 1
    • Reference 2
    • Special Instructions

Example Files

Full Consignment Example:

Despatch Date,Carrier,Account,Service,From Location Name,To Location Name,Reference 1,Reference 2,Quantity,Item name,Type,Length,Width,Height,Weight
30/08/2023,TNT,ACME_TNT,76,Melbourne Warehouse,Sydney Office,12347,456456,2,Large Box,Carton,100,70,15,10
30/08/2023,TNT,ACME_TNT,76,Melbourne Warehouse,Sydney Office,12347,456456,1,Small Box,Carton,50,50,15,5

Pending Consignment Example:

From Location Name,To Address Line 1,To Suburb,To Postcode,Reference 1
Melbourne Warehouse,123 Test Street,Sydney,2000,ORDER123

Import Process

Accessing Import Screen

  1. From the top menu, select Create/Manage
  2. Click Import Consignments under the Consignments section
  3. Or use this direct link: Import Consignments

File Upload Steps

  1. Click Add Files to select your import file
  2. Select Upload to process the file
  3. Your file will appear in the import files grid
  4. Select the file(s) you want to import
  5. Click Import Consignments

Import Types

Choose from three import types:

  • Import With Fallback:

    • Shows validation errors in preview
    • Failed records become pending consignments
    • Valid records create full consignments
    • Best for mixed-quality data

  • Import Without Fallback:

    • Shows validation errors in preview
    • Fails entire import if any errors exist
    • Ensures data integrity
    • Best for validated data

  • Order:

    • Creates all records as pending consignments
    • No validation requirements
    • Accepts partial data
    • Best for draft/incomplete data

Format Selection

For each uploaded file, select the import format:

  • Default: "GENERIC CONSIGNMENT IMPORTER V2"
  • Or select a custom workflow if configured
  • Format determines how your file is processed
  • Same format handles both full and pending imports

Preview & Completion

  1. Preview Screen:

    • Shows validation results
    • Lists any errors found
    • Displays route selection options
    • Allows format adjustment if needed

  2. Import Completion:

    • Lists successfully imported consignments
    • Shows MS numbers for full consignments
    • Shows PC numbers for pending consignments
    • Provides error details if any

Field Specifications

  • Dates: Format dd/MM/yyyy
  • Carrier/Account/Service: Use abbreviations from your MachShip setup
  • Dimensions: All measurements in centimeters
  • Weight: All weights in kilograms
  • Types: Use valid MachShip item types (Carton, Pallet, Skid, etc.)

Importing Pending Consignments

Key differences when importing pending consignments:

  1. Data Requirements:

    • No mandatory fields
    • Can import partial information
    • Package details optional
    • Carrier selection optional

  2. File Processing:

    • Use "Order" import type
    • All records become pending consignments
    • No validation errors
    • All files move to success folder

  3. Best Practices:

    • Include unique reference numbers
    • Provide as much known information as possible
    • Use consistent location names

Common Issues

  1. Address Validation

    • Ensure suburb/postcode combinations are valid
    • Verify saved location names exist
    • Check address line 1 is provided when not using saved locations

  2. Carrier Configuration

    • Verify carrier abbreviations match your setup
    • Ensure carrier accounts are linked to correct companies
    • Check service codes are valid for selected carrier

  3. Item Data

    • Confirm item types are valid
    • Ensure dimensions and weights are numeric
    • Verify saved item SKUs exist in your account

  4. File Format

    • Check CSV formatting is correct
    • Verify column headers match expected names
    • Ensure no special characters in field names
    • Remove any blank rows