NetSuite Ship Central Enhancements for Efficient Shipping

TL;DR: NetSuite Ship Central has introduced several significant enhancements aimed at improving packing and shipping efficiency. Key features include the ability to scan Health Industry Bar Code (HIBC) barcodes for item identification, support for unique autogenerated UCC DUNS configurations per subsidiary, and an improved bulk shipping processing option.

How Does Scanning of HIBC Bar Codes Work?

NetSuite Ship Central allows users to scan Health Industry Bar Code (HIBC) item bar codes during the packing process. This functionality automates the identification of items by reading barcodes that include product numbers, lot, serial, or quantity data. By reducing manual data entry, organizations can streamline their packing operations.

What Are UCC-Based IDs per Subsidiary?

Users can now configure unique autogenerated UCC DUNS identifiers for each subsidiary within NetSuite Ship Central. When setting up an autogenerated ID format record, users can select the UCC label and assign it to specific subsidiaries. This helps maintain transaction consistency as the appropriate DUNS identifier is applied based on the subsidiary-specific settings.

How Is GS1 Application Identifier 02 Used?

The application now supports the scanning of barcodes containing the GS1 Application Identifier (AI 02) to streamline the identification of contained trade items. Users can enable the Use AI 02 as preferred for GS1 setting within preference records to prioritize this identifier. If AI 02 is not present, the system defaults to AI 01 instead.

What’s New in Real-Time Packing and Shipping Updates?

The packing and shipping rules in Ship Central have been expanded to include a carton or package threshold of 100. This means that real-time updates for packing and shipping will be applied without delay as long as the fulfillment line limit of 75 cartons or packages is not exceeded.

How Do PUDO Workflows Enhance Shipping Flexibility?

Ship Central now supports Pick-Up & Drop-Off (PUDO) workflows, allowing shipments to and from designated service points. Users can select various drop-off types, streamlining logistics and optimizing delivery costs. Although returns are not supported in this workflow, it provides enhanced flexibility for customer pickup options.

How Are Rates Configured for Shipments?

Ship Central now facilitates the configuration of retail carrier list rates while ensuring businesses benefit from negotiated rates for UPS and USPS (Stamps.com). This functionality allows comparison between the two rates, ensuring that the most cost-effective option is applied, thus preserving profit margins.

What Bulk Shipping Enhancements Are Available?

Users can now process more than 10 cartons at once with the added flexibility in bulk shipping options. The Bulk Shipping Threshold preference allows configurations of limits to 25, 50, 100, 200, or even 400 cartons, enhancing the speed of fulfillment processes. However, be aware that higher thresholds may lead to increased processing times.

What Changes Have Been Made to Other Party Billing?

The system has improved the ability to set third-party billing information directly on sales orders. Relevant fields such as Other Party Type, Account Number, Country, and ZIP Code can be directly entered at the order or line level. This streamlines the process during shipping and ensures accurate billing across transactions.

How Can ShipEngine Accounts Be Managed?

Users now have the ability to enable or disable their NetSuite ShipEngine accounts easily. Disabling the account halts all shipping activities through Ship Central while maintaining packing workflows. This feature allows for better control of shipping operations and prevents unintended transactions.

Who This Affects

• Administrators: Responsible for configuring and managing shipping settings.
• Developers: Might need to update integrations to accommodate new features.
• Logistics Managers: Oversee shipping and fulfillment processes affected by these enhancements.
• Warehouse Staff: Those using Ship Central for daily shipping operations will benefit from simplified workflows.

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced barcode scanning capabilities significantly reduce manual entry.
• Autogenerated UCC DUNS configurations per subsidiary improve consistency.
• New PUDO workflows offer flexible shipping options to reduce delivery costs.
• Increased bulk shipping thresholds enhance logistics efficiency.
• Real-time updates maintain accuracy across packing and shipping records.