Using automation rules in PitneyShip Enterprise

Automation Rules allow you to automatically change the carrier, service, or rate on shipments that meet certain conditions such as size, weight, or package type.

• Automation Rules are applied when orders are imported or synced.
• Automation Rules are applied in the order they appear on the page. Later rules will override changes made by earlier rules if conditions are met.
• Automation Rules will override any default services selected for linked ecommerce stores.

In this article:

• Creating an Automation Rule
• Editing an Automation Rule
• Changing the order of your Automation Rules
• Deleting an Automation Rule
• Disabling an Automation Rule
• Examples

Creating an Automation Rule

1. Select Settings > Automation Rules.
2. Select Add Rule.
3. Under Condition 1, select the first condition that must be met in order for the rule to be applied.
4. To add another condition that must be met, select Add Another Condition.
5. To delete a condition, select the delete icon.
   
6. Under Actions, select what you would like changed when the condition is met.
   • To automatically select the cheapest or fastest service, select Rate Shop for the action.
7. To add another action fr the same rule, select Add Another Action.
8. Under Details, enter a Rule Name and a Description (optional).
9. Select Create Rule.

Editing an Automation Rule

You can update an Automation Rule if needed.

1. Select Settings > Automation Rules.
2. Select the rule you wish to edit, or select the edit icon next to it.
   
3. Make the necessary changes.
4. Select Update Rule.

Changing the order of your Automation Rules

1. Select Settings > Automation Rules.
2. Click and hold the icon to the left of the automation rule you wish to move and drag it up or down.
   
3. When the rule is in the desired location in the list, let go.
4. Select Save Order.

Deleting an Automation Rule

If you no longer need an Automation Rule, you can delete it.

1. Select Settings > Automation Rules.
2. Select the delete icon next to the rule you wish to delete.
   
3. Select Delete Rule.

Disabling an Automation Rule

You can turn an Automation Rule off temporarily if you don't want to delete it.

1. Select Settings > Automation Rules.
2. Select the ON slider next to the rule you wish to disable to change it to OFF.

Examples

Here are examples of some things that you might use automation rules for.

Example 1: Lightweight shipments

If you want to automatically reduce shipping costs for lightweight packages, you can set up a rule to select a low-cost service for all shipments under 5 lbs. This ensures that smaller packages are shipped using a cost-effective carrier option, minimizing manual decisions and optimizing shipping spending.

Example 2: Large dimension shipments

If you want to ensure that larger packages are handled by a carrier better suited for size constraints, you could configure a rule to automatically select a specific carrier when package dimensions exceed a defined threshold. This helps avoid carrier limitations, improves delivery reliability for oversized items, and streamlines fulfillment operations.

Example 3: Always select the cheapest service

If you want to reduce costs and always use the least expensive service, you can use a Rate Shop rule to have the system automatically select the cheapest service.

The features and options you see may vary depending upon your role and subscription. If you have any questions regarding your permissions, please contact your administrator.