Despatch Settings

The Despatch Settings area orchestrates the configuration of all logistics-related behaviour within Helm

It allows you to define how goods move through your system, how shipments are processed, and how rules are applied to automate complex despatch scenarios

This section is crucial for streamlining fulfilment, maintaining accuracy, and enhancing consistency across multiple shipping methods, destinations, and workflows

Couriers

Here you may manage the integrations between Helm and your chosen courier services

Each courier entry allows you to specify connection credentials, service options, and collection details

You can fine-tune each courier configuration to reflect the nuances of your shipping contracts, such as available service codes, label formats, and international capabilities

Whether you work with global carriers or niche logistics providers, this is where the partnership is activated and maintained

For a more detailed explanation explore the Courier Pages

Shipping Rules

Shipping rules define the logic by which Helm selects courier services for your outbound orders

These rules are based on conditional triggers such as destination, order weight, delivery method, or customer profile

Once configured, shipping rules operate silently in the background to automatically allocate the most appropriate shipping service, reducing manual input and improving consistency

For a more detailed explanation explore the Shipping Rules Page

Package Type Settings

Manage your available package types to reflect the physical containers used within your warehouse

Whether cartons, mailers, or pallets, each type can be configured with dimensions, weight limits, and label positioning

This information is not only vital for despatch accuracy but also enhances rate calculation, carrier compatibility, and warehouse efficiency

Despatch Target Rules

This area allows you to configure when and how orders should be despatched based on target timeframes or SLA commitments

You may apply or create different rules for express, standard, or economy services, ensuring operational targets are always aligned with customer expectations

Document Rules

Document rules define how shipping and order documentation is generated

You can dictate when documents are created, what templates are used, and whether they should be automatically printed or stored digitally

From Delivery Instructions to Gift Notes, this section offers comprehensive control over how physical paperwork is handled throughout the despatch lifecycle

For a more detailed explanation explore the Document Rules Page

Order Rules

Order rules allow you to automate specific actions or categorisations for incoming orders
These can be based on value, contents, order source, or customer group

When properly implemented, order rules reduce overhead, ensure compliance with fulfilment policies, and maintain clarity across high-volume operations

You can select from the Rule LIbrary with rules such as Insufficient Stock Move, Order SKU Update, Order Tag, Gift Note Updates

Or you can manually create one specifying your triggers, filters and actions etc

International Shipping

This section allows you to configure how your export processes are managed when sending goods abroad. These settings ensure that customs documents, declarations, and cost allocations are handled correctly, reducing the risk of delays or inaccuracies during international shipping

Important Information

• If your group items do not have individual cost prices, the system will automatically divide the group’s total cost across all items in the group

• This ensures every product being exported has a value assigned for customs and compliance purposes

Rules - Split Group Items on Export

• When Enabled:
  Each item within a group will be listed separately on export documentation. The system will calculate an individual cost price for each item by dividing the group’s total cost accordingly

• When Disabled:
  Grouped items will remain consolidated on export documents. The total group cost will be displayed as a single line, rather than being broken down by item

Use Case Example:

• If you export a bundle containing 5 products with a total value of £50:

  • With Split Group Items enabled, each product is listed separately, each with an allocated cost of £10

  • With Split Group Items disabled, the bundle appears as a single item worth £50

Notifications

Configure automated email notifications related to despatch activity

You can customise messages for different order statuses such as despatch confirmation, tracking availability, and delivery updates

This fosters transparency and enhances customer satisfaction by keeping your clients informed throughout the journey of their shipment

For further help, contact Helm Support