Document generation for shipping (dispatch, manifests, etc.)

Purpose

1.1. Automate creation, population, and digital delivery of shipping documents including dispatch notes, manifests, consignment papers for aggregate materials.
1.2. Standardize documentation across shipments for regulatory compliance, logistics tracking, and inventory audits.
1.3. Enable real-time updates to drivers, logistics partners, and customers.
1.4. Minimize manual entry errors, ensure data consistency between ERP, CRM, inventory, and transport systems.
1.5. Archive generated documents for audit and reporting requirements in the construction material supply chain.

Trigger Conditions

2.1. Order status update: New, ready for dispatch, or shipped in ERP or order system.
2.2. Inventory threshold reached: Scheduled or just-in-time material delivery need.
2.3. Manual dispatch initiation from logistics coordinator.
2.4. Third-party logistics system API call indicating scheduled pickup.
2.5. Integration with weighing systems marking load completion.

Platform Variants

3.1. SAP ERP
• Feature/Setting: Output Management — Configure document template for delivery notes; enable automatic document generation on order status change via Document Output APIs.

3.2. Oracle NetSuite
• Feature/Setting: SuiteFlow Automation — Set workflow for Sales Order status, trigger PDF generation via SuiteScript, and attach to outbound notification.

3.3. Microsoft Dynamics 365
• Feature/Setting: Power Automate Flow — Trigger on shipment creation, generate document using Word Template, store in SharePoint.

3.4. Salesforce
• Feature/Setting: Process Builder + Apex — Trigger PDF manifest upon Opportunity or Order stage changes using Visualforce for document rendering.

3.5. Zoho Inventory
• Feature/Setting: Workflow Rules — Generate and email dispatch notes on shipment confirmation.

3.6. QuickBooks Online
• Feature/Setting: Custom Workflow — Cue invoice/manifest creation on sales order fulfillment via Intuit API.

3.7. Google Sheets
• Feature/Setting: Apps Script Trigger — Auto-generate and send Google Doc manifest from row changes in logistics sheet.

3.8. Airtable
• Feature/Setting: Automation Script — Generate PDF from record, attach and send on status field update.

3.9. DocuSign
• Feature/Setting: API Envelope Creation — Prepare and route shipping documents for sign-off post-generation.

3.10. Adobe Sign
• Feature/Setting: REST API — Automate document prep and delivery for digital sign-off after creation.

3.11. Dropbox
• Feature/Setting: API Watch Folder — Move generated shipping documents to shared folder; trigger sharing when new file appears.

3.12. Box
• Feature/Setting: Webhook + API — Place generated manifests in target folders, notify stakeholders via workflow.

3.13. SendGrid
• Feature/Setting: Dynamic Template — Email generated documents as attachments, configure transactional template.

3.14. Twilio SendGrid
• Feature/Setting: API Mail Send — Attach and send generated PDFs to transport or client contacts automatically.

3.15. Slack
• Feature/Setting: Bot Message — Post document link or summary to logistics channel on new dispatch event.

3.16. Microsoft Teams
• Feature/Setting: Flow Notification — Share generated document in channel via Teams connector.

3.17. AWS S3
• Feature/Setting: REST PutObject — Store manifests in versioned buckets for compliance.

3.18. Google Drive
• Feature/Setting: Drive API — Move document to shared Logistics folder and generate shareable link post-generation.

3.19. PDF Generator API
• Feature/Setting: API Create Document — Auto-generate PDFs from data payloads on triggered event.

3.20. Conga Composer
• Feature/Setting: Scheduled Job — Generate detailed manifests from Salesforce data and deliver via auto-email.

3.21. Xero
• Feature/Setting: Workflow/Custom Integration — Generate and export shipping documentation on invoice or fulfillment update.

3.22. Monday.com
• Feature/Setting: Automation + Docs — Trigger Doc creation from board status, email to logistics partner.

3.23. ServiceNow
• Feature/Setting: Workflow Automation — Document generation and routing on new case or task creation in dispatch process.

Benefits

4.1. Accelerate shipment dispatch and reduce administrative lag.
4.2. Ensure document consistency, meet regulatory requirements.
4.3. Minimize manual errors, improve compliance and traceability.
4.4. Enhance transparency for customers and logistics teams.
4.5. Centralized, digital storage simplifies audits and reporting.