Small Parcel Carrier Link

Scope of Functions

Small parcel carriers need to deliver goods quickly from one location to another. They also offer an option of tracking the path of the parcels (or entire deliveries) sent.

The labels on the parcels must meet predefined requriements in order to be able to be read by automatic sorting machines and forwarded correctly.

In the small parcel carrier link, you define for each small parcel carrier which data fields you need (in addition to the ones that already exist). You can define for each data field how it should be determined by either:

• Using predefined modules

• Setting standard values

• Using number range objects

• Calling up BAPIs

• Using your own function modules

• Combining data fields by using variable substitution

Without requiring any extra effort on your part, these fields are taken into consideration in the IDOC- and Remote Function Call (RFC) interfaces. Then, when you save a delivery, the data is determined according to the rules you have defined, although you can also change data manually, if necessary.

An XML-enabled setup interface simplifies the setup procedure, if it is supported by the small parcel carrier or another data provider. There are XML-enabled interfaces for master data that is directly related to the small parcel carrier. This master data includes:

• Service codes that reflect what the small parcel carrier offers (speed of delivery, for example).

• URL links to documentation (descriptions of service codes, for example) , target URLs for XML and a sample URL for parcel tracking.

• Routing information, dependent on postal code. The routing information is used by automatic sorting machines and must be updated regularly.

• Verification status of parcel tracking

• Number ranges (if they are assigned by the small parcel carrier)

There is a separate tab page for the small parcel carrier in the outbound delivery that contains all relevant data.
The data is available for printing labels and is distributed to partners via delivery, shipment and foreign invoice IDocs.
Parcel tracking dates are determined either via batch mass request or directly when you display the tracking status in the delivery, a separate transaction, or in the document flow.
You can link your own workflow applications to the delivery by using the parcel tracking event. For example, you can initiate invoice creation via a workflow when the outbound delivery has arrived at the customer's place of business.

The small parcel carrier data relevant to the shipping notification are recorded in the inbound process. The fields that are necessary for parcel tracking are defined. The same parcel tracking functions that are available for outbound deliveries are available here.

Effects on Customizing

You can access all setup and master data maintenance activites from the Small parcel carrier cockpit.