When integrating with MachShip, you have several options available to connect your systems with our platform. Each method is designed to accommodate different technical capabilities, business needs, and operational requirements.
Let's explore each option in detail to help you understand which approach best suits your needs.
Our API is the most powerful and flexible way to integrate with MachShip. It's a fully featured, RESTful API layer that communicates via HTTPS using well-defined JSON objects. When you integrate via our API, you get direct programmatic access to all MachShip functionality, allowing you to build a completely customized solution.
The API is particularly valuable when you need real-time processing or have complex business logic to implement. For example, if you need to create consignments instantly when orders are placed, or if you want to automatically select carriers based on sophisticated business rules, the API gives you the control to build exactly what you need.
Read our guide on API integration here.
The flat file integration method provides a simpler approach to integration, perfect for businesses that can easily export shipping data but don't have a platform that supports API integration.
This method offers two ways to get your data into MachShip:
The automated approach works by monitoring specified folders on your computer. When you export files to these folders, our printer app automatically processes them and creates consignments in MachShip. This creates a seamless, automated workflow without the complexity of API integration.
For more occasional needs, you can manually upload files directly through MachShip's web interface. This gives you a simple way to process shipping data when you need it, without requiring any special setup.
You can use flat file integration with either pending or unmanifested consignments:
If you need dangerous goods support or advanced data mapping with flat files, consider our custom integration service - we can build a solution that handles these requirements while maintaining the simplicity of file-based integration.
Read our guide on flat file integration here.
For businesses using common platforms like popular eCommerce systems or ERPs, we offer pre-built integrations that provide a quick path to implementation. These integrations are fully maintained by MachShip and designed to work with standard workflows, taking the complexity out of connecting your systems.
Our supported integrations handle all the technical details of connecting with MachShip, including:
Supported integrations include both setup and monthly support fees to cover the ongoing maintenance and updates. This investment is typically offset by the reduced implementation effort and the peace of mind that comes with a fully supported solution.
We support major platforms across various industries:
View our list of supported platforms here.
Sometimes standard solutions don't quite fit your needs. That's where our custom integration service comes in. We combine the flexibility of our API with our development expertise to build a solution that exactly matches your requirements.
Custom integrations are particularly valuable when you have:
While custom integrations involve higher setup costs and monthly support fees, they provide the most comprehensive solution for businesses with specific needs that aren't met by our other integration methods.
To help you evaluate which method best suits your needs, here's how each option compares across key factors:
| Factor | API | Flat File | Supported | Custom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Implementation effort | High | Medium | Low | High |
| Technical expertise needed | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Flexibility | High | Medium | Medium | High |
| Setup cost | Free | Free | Paid | Paid |
| Monthly fees | None | None | Yes | Yes |
| Maintenance effort | Medium | Low | Low | Medium |
| Dangerous goods support | Yes | No | Varies | Yes |
| Error handling | Advanced | Basic | Moderate | Advanced |
| Development time | Long | Short | Short | Long |
| Integration support | Self | Basic | Full | Full |