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Configure Automations

Automations in SimpliSent help you create shipping labels faster by automatically applying rules based on order characteristics. Set up smart rules to eliminate repetitive tasks and ensure consistent shipping decisions.

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Understanding Automations

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What Automations Do

Automations can automatically:

• Select Carriers: Choose USPS, UPS, or FedEx based on rules
• Pick Services: Select shipping speed based on criteria
• Apply Box Sizes: Auto-select packaging for products
• Add Insurance: Automatically insure high-value items
• Set Delivery Options: Apply signature requirements
• Apply Tags: Categorize shipments for tracking

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When to Use Automations

Automations are perfect for:

• High Volume Shipping: Process many similar orders
• Consistent Rules: When you always ship certain ways
• Error Reduction: Eliminate manual decision-making
• Time Savings: Reduce clicks and selections
• Team Standardization: Ensure consistent shipping practices

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Creating Your First Automation

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Step 1: Access Automations

1. Navigate to Automations in your SimpliSent dashboard
2. Click Create New Automation
3. Choose a descriptive name for your rule

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Step 2: Set Triggers (When)

Define when the automation should activate: Order Value Triggers

• Total Value: Orders over/under specific amounts
• Item Value: Individual products above thresholds
• Weight Range: Packages within weight limits
• Quantity: Number of items in order

Geographic Triggers

• Destination State: Specific states or regions
• ZIP Code Ranges: Local, regional, or remote areas
• International: Domestic vs. international shipments
• Distance: Miles from your shipping location

Product Triggers

• Product Categories: Electronics, fragile, books, etc.
• Product Tags: Custom labels you assign
• SKU Patterns: Specific product codes
• Dimensions: Large, small, or specific size products

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Step 3: Set Actions (Then)

Define what should happen when triggers are met: Carrier Selection

• Primary Carrier: Default to USPS, UPS, or FedEx
• Backup Options: Secondary choices if primary unavailable
• Cost-Based: Choose cheapest or fastest option
• Service Level: Ground, Express, Priority, etc.

Package Settings

• Box Size: Automatically select appropriate packaging
• Package Type: Box, envelope, tube based on contents
• Weight Estimation: Apply standard weights for products
• Dimensional Defaults: Standard dimensions for categories

Service Add-ons

• Insurance: Auto-insure items over value thresholds
• Signature Required: For valuable or sensitive items
• Saturday Delivery: For urgent shipments
• Hold for Pickup: Secure delivery locations

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Step 4: Test and Activate

1. Test Rules: Use preview mode with sample orders
2. Review Results: Verify automation chooses correctly
3. Adjust Settings: Refine triggers and actions
4. Activate Automation: Turn on for live order processing

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Popular Automation Examples

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High-Value Item Protection

Trigger: Order value > $200 Actions:

• Add signature required delivery
• Include insurance up to declared value
• Use priority shipping service
• Apply “High Value” tag for tracking

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Local Delivery Optimization

Trigger: Destination within 150 miles Actions:

• Select USPS Ground Advantage
• Use standard packaging
• No signature required
• Apply “Local” tag

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Fragile Item Handling

Trigger: Product category = “Fragile” Actions:

• Select padded box size
• Add fragile handling
• Require signature on delivery
• Use FedEx for better handling

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International Shipping Rules

Trigger: Destination country ≠ USA Actions:

• Select USPS Priority Mail International
• Auto-generate customs forms
• Add international insurance
• Apply “International” tag

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Advanced Automation Features

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Multiple Condition Rules

Create complex rules with multiple triggers:

• AND Logic: All conditions must be met
• OR Logic: Any condition triggers the rule
• NOT Logic: Exclude specific scenarios
• Nested Conditions: Complex decision trees

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Priority Ordering

When multiple automations could apply:

1. Rule Priority: Set which rules take precedence
2. Specificity: More specific rules override general ones
3. Manual Override: Always allow manual changes
4. Conflict Resolution: Define what happens with conflicts

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Dynamic Actions

Actions that adapt based on conditions:

• Percentage-Based: Insurance as % of order value
• Tiered Services: Different speeds for different values
• Regional Variations: Different rules by destination
• Seasonal Adjustments: Rules that change by date

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Managing Automations

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Organizing Rules

Keep automations manageable:

• Descriptive Names: Clear rule identification
• Categories: Group by purpose (value, geography, product)
• Documentation: Notes on why rules were created
• Regular Reviews: Check effectiveness quarterly

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Performance Monitoring

Track how well automations work:

• Usage Statistics: How often rules are triggered
• Override Rates: When users change automated choices
• Cost Impact: Savings or costs from automation
• Error Rates: Rules that cause problems

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Rule Maintenance

Keep automations current:

• Update Triggers: Adjust thresholds based on experience
• Refine Actions: Improve automated selections
• Add New Rules: Create automations for new scenarios
• Remove Obsolete: Delete rules no longer needed

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Troubleshooting Automations

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Common Issues

• Rules Not Triggering: Check trigger conditions carefully
• Wrong Selections: Review action configurations
• Conflicts: Multiple rules causing confusion
• Performance: Too many rules slowing processing

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Best Practices

• Start Simple: Begin with basic rules
• Test Thoroughly: Always test before activating
• Monitor Results: Watch automation performance
• User Training: Ensure team understands overrides
• Regular Reviews: Update rules as business changes

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Getting Help

• Preview Mode: Test rules without committing
• Support Chat: Get help with complex rules
• Examples Library: Learn from common automation patterns
• Video Tutorials: Visual guides for setup

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Need Help?

For assistance with automations:

• Rule Design: Help creating effective automation logic
• Complex Scenarios: Advanced multi-condition rules
• Performance Issues: Optimizing rule performance
• Integration: Connecting automations to other systems

Contact Support:

• Email: support@simplisent.com
• Live Chat: Available in your dashboard
• Help Center: Comprehensive automation guides
• Phone: For complex rule assistance

Well-designed automations can dramatically improve your shipping efficiency. Start with simple rules and gradually build more sophisticated automation as you learn what works best for your business.