In this article, you will find information about the connection of GLS (API) to xentral. In xentral, you can directly create parcel labels in this shipping method and print them automatically. In addition, you can book orders to this shipping type and process them via logistics;
A general overview of the shipping methods and parcel labels that you can use in xentral you can find here.
The following features are offered to you by GLS (API):
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Choice between different services
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Use of the additional GLS module for additional shipper addresses and use in the shipping dialog
You can connect GLS directly to xentral via the GLS API. This way you can Generate GLS parcel labels including tracking numbers in xentral and report them back to GLS.
In order to use GLS as a shipping method in xentral, you must first create a new shipping method. To do this, go to Administration → Settings → Shipping methods → Overview → "+NEW". Shipping Methods → "+NEW"→ GLS (API) to create a new shipping method.
After you have selected "GLS API" as a module from the drop-down menu, the relevant fields for GLS will appear.
Fill the following fields:
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Designation → Freely choose a designation for the shipping method. This is displayed in xentral among other things in the order for selection in the drop-down menu
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Type → Specify the type/field label. You can generally choose this as long as it is not required for store mapping or other mappings. Ideally, you should keep the default
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Module → Select "GLS API" from the drop-down menu
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Project → Optionally select a project, provided that a separate GLS shipping type is created for each project
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Active → By ticking it you activate the shipping type and make it visible and usable
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No postage check → By ticking no postage check will be performed in the order
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Printer parcel stamp → Select from the drop-down menu the default printer, which prints the parcel stamps
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Printer export → Select from the drop-down menu the default printer, which prints the export papers
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Shipping mail → Select the behavior of the shipping mail from the drop-down menu. "Default behavior" means that a standard tracking email will be sent, "no shipping email" means that no tracking email will be sent for this shipping type, and "custom text template" means that a custom shipping confirmation text template will be used for this shipping type, regardless of the project and logistics process
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GLS Username → Enter your GLS username from the customer portal
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GLS Password → Enter your GLS password from the GLS customer portal
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GLS Customer ID → Enter your GLS customer number from the customer portal
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GLS Contact ID → Enter your GLS Contact ID from the customer portal
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Service → Select the desired service from the drop-down menu. You can find more information in the next section
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Franking → Select the desired franking from the drop-down menu. For more information on franking at GLS, see you here
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Reference for COD → Enter variables as values here, to form a reference number for the case of cash on delivery. The following are available to you: {order number},{invoice number}, {delivery note number}, {INTERNET}. On the package label appears the reference, for example, here with the order number:
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Take over tracking → By ticking it, you activate the tracking. The tracking number will automatically be inserted into the field after the creation of the field and does not need to be scanned later from the package tag
You can select the different services of GLS directly in the shipping method. If multiple services are used, you must create a separate GLS shipping type for each service.
Currently, GLS offers the following GLS services, which you can select from the drop-down menu.
You can choose between:
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Normal
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Flex Delivery Service
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Deposit Service → With Deposit Service, you must specify a drop-off location. This is currently not possible to Switzerland via the API (as of 02/2018)
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Express → Corresponds to Garantie24 at GLS
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Cash → Runs at GLS also as a cash service
Once you have made all the settings as described above, you can test the parcel mark print in the shipping center or even in a single delivery bill. To do this, select in the delivery bill in the tab "Delivery bill" the shipping type "GLS" from the drop-down menu.
Click the "Save" button before navigating to the package marker dialog.
Next, click on the "Package Mark" tab in the delivery bill and print a package mark for the included items via "Print Package Mark".
After your test print is complete, you can subsequently cancel the parcel stamp in the GLS business customer portal.
This is what a sample parcel stamp with demo stamp looks like:
In xentral you can create and manage different GLS addresses in the app "GLS". This extra app is relevant for you if you use GLS as a shipping method and want to have additional shipper addresses to choose from. You can find the function in App Center → GLS.
A general overview of the shipping methods and parcel labels you can use in xentral, you can find here.
In the overview, all GLS addresses are listed. In addition, new addresses can be created via "+NEW", existing ones can be edited via the "pen" icon in the menu column edited and searched for via the "search box":
The "+NEW" button can be used to create a new GLS address:
Enter the following data:
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field description |
field |
|---|---|
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Template |
Enter the name of the template. |
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Name |
Enter the name of the address. |
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Name 2 |
Here you can use the space for a second name. |
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Name 3 |
Here you have space for a third name. |
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Street |
Enter the street of the address. |
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House no |
Enter the house number of the address. |
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PLZ |
Enter the postal code of the address. |
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City |
Enter the city of the address. |
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Country |
Enter the country of the address. |
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Adress suffix |
If available, enter the address suffix of the address. |
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Phone |
Enter the phone number of the address. |
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Enter the email of address. |
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Note |
Note here notes about this GLS address. |
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Active |
By checking this box, you can activate active use of the function GLA address. |
Select alternative shipping address
Under Warehousing & Logistics → Delivery Note, you can select the shipping method GLS in the "Details" tab. (see above).
There is a drop-down menu in the lower area. Here you can choose from all created, alternative shipping addresses. The selected address will be then indicated on the GLS label at the sender/shipper.
Note
Deleting parcel labels must always be done directly in the GLS business customer portal, a feedback via xentral is currently not provided.