From the bulk allocation page, it is possible to export data in a chosen format that can then be imported into route optimisation software such as MarketMotion.

This is ideal for operations who use CartonCloud as their TMS but want to use other software for route optimisation.

If you are interested in setting this integration up. Please contact our Integrations team.

How it Works

CartonCloud exports the data of the consignments you wish to optimise in third party software. This data will be formatted to be compatible with the software.

The file exported from CartonCloud is then imported into the route optimisation software which calculates the best order for your deliveries. This data including the order of deliveries is saved in an updated file.

CartonCloud imports the updated file the order of deliveries, along with other allocation information such as the driver and run sheet is updated within the system.

Deliveries will now take place using CartonCloud in the order that was determined by your route optimisation software.

Exporting data from Bulk Allocations

Once our integrations team has configured your account to export data in the required format for the optimisation software you are using the following steps can be taken to export data.

  • Navigate to the Bulk Allocations page by selecting Transport in the main menu, then Bulk Allocations in the drop-down menu.
  • Select the consignments you wish to export data on. Then select Export Selected to CSV

  • A box will appear allowing you to select the format you wish to export the data in. This will be named as the Route optimisation software you use and will only appear after you have consulted with our integrations team.

  • Select Export and the consignment data will be exported to the desired format, ready to be imported back into your route optimisation software.

Import Updates

The import updates button allows you to parse in a file containing the order deliveries should take place and automatically allocate consignments to the appropriate run sheets and drivers as specified.

This button will only appear on your bulk allocation page if you already have a parser of the "Consignment Allocation" class set up. 

Setting up an Import Update Parser

Parsers must be set up to read in the format of the file sent from the specific route optimisation software you are using. Therefore if you wish to have one set up please contact our integrations team.

Once the Parser has been set up the button to import updates will appear as shown below.

Selecting this button will open a box as shown below.

If you only have one Parser type set up then it will automatically populate the dropdown menu. However, if you have multiple parsers set up you should select the appropriate one from the drop-down menu.

Once ready, you should then select Choose File to select the CSV file template containing the update information that you wish to process.

CSV file templates may look slightly different based on the optimisation software you are pulling data from. In the generic example below some of the key fields and the corresponding logic is explained.

Import Update Fields

FieldDetails
Consignment ID (required)
  • A consignment ID MUST be provided for the import to be successful. This means that all consignments must already be created before attempting to import updates for them.
  • Failing a single consignment ID will result in the entire import failing.
Run Sheet name (required)
  • You MUST provide a run sheet name in the template file.
  • If you provide a Run sheet name in the template a new run sheet with that name will be created in the system.
  • That is unless a run sheet with an identical name already exists for the same date.
  • If a run sheet name is not provided the import will fail and an error message will appear explaining why.
Driver Name
  • If a valid driver name is provided in this field then the file import will automatically allocate the corresponding consignment ID to that driver.
  • Supplying a non-valid driver name will result in the import failing and an error message will be displayed.  
Run Sheet Date
  • If a run sheet date is provided it will be used to set the date of the run sheet being created.
  • If a run sheet date is not provided then the system will check the Delivery Run schedule and attempt to determine a run sheet date.
  • If no date is provided and a run sheet date cannot be determined from the Delivery Run schedule then the import will fail and an error message will appear explaining why.
Vehicle Name
  • If a valid vehicle name is provided the consignment will be allocated to that vehicle
  • A non-valid vehicle name will cause the import to fail and an error message will appear explaining why.
Sort Order
  • This will be determined by the third party route optimisation software you are using. In order for CartonCloud to accept the value given it must be a numeric value. 
  • In the case where the third party software does not output a numeric value for the order consignments should be delivered in a run then we can manipulate the data given to turn it into a numeric field.
  • The sort order determined what order consignments should be delivered on a run sheet. For example in the example file on the Gold Coast AM Run: Consignment 1152 (sort order 1), then Consignment 1154 (sort order 2), then Consignment 1151 (sort order 3).
Arrive Time
  • This field is not required and will only appear if requested. This is just one example of the many scenarios that can be set up using custom fields. If you have other fields that need to be updated from your route optimisation software these can be accommodated.
Depart Time
  • See above.

Uploading the file

Once the file with the appropriate data is ready click Choose File then select the file you wish to upload.

Once selected, click Import.

The results of the import will then be displayed.

Successful Import

On a successful import, the results of the import will be displayed, showing which consignment ID was allocated and any corresponding details.

Unsuccessful Import

On an unsuccessful import attempt, error messages will be displayed to explain what went wrong. In the example below a consignment ID was missing from the file, causing the entire import to fail.

This will need to be fixed by supplying a consignment ID of the consignment to be allocated then reuploading the file.

Email Notifications

Please note using this function will not trigger any email notifications.