Efficiently assigning containers to customers in your white label portal is essential for streamlined operations and enhanced customer satisfaction. OpenTrack offers multiple methods to assign containers, whether you prefer bulk uploads, manual entry, or using API. This guide will walk you through each process, ensuring you can choose the best method for your needs.
Turn on the "Customer" Custom Field
First thing's first, you need to ensure that you have the "customer" custom field turned on for your account. This will allow you to assign containers to your customers' specific guest portal.
You are able to turn on this field in your team settings. Your team's manager will be able to add in these additional fields. If you are having trouble adding in fields, reach out to OpenTrack support and we can assist you in adding in these fields.
1. Bulk Upload Using the Customer Field
Bulk uploading is an efficient way to assign containers to customers, especially when dealing with large volumes. Here's how to do it:
Log into your OpenTrack account and navigate to the "Start Tracking" section. From here you are able to download a CSV bulk upload template to input your containers.
Prepare your CSV file, ensuring each container has an associated customer code in the designated customer field.
Select the bulk upload option and upload your data file.
Confirm the upload to assign the containers to the respective customers.
This method is quick and minimizes manual entry errors, making it ideal for large-scale operations.
2. Manually in the Additional Details Tab
When dealing with a smaller number of containers, manual assignment might be preferred. Here's how you can do it:
Select the container you would like to add the customer name to from the "Explore" or "Dashboard" page.
Go to the "Additional Details" tab within the container's profile.
Locate the customer field and enter the appropriate customer code.
Save the changes to update the container's assignment.
This approach allows for precise assignments and can be useful for special cases or corrections.
3. API Integration
For those who prefer automation and integration with other systems, OpenTrack's API offers robust options for container assignment. There are three primary API methods you can use:
a. customFields.customer
This method involves setting the customer code directly in the custom fields of the container object.
Use the API endpoint for updating container details.
Set the customFields.customer parameter with the appropriate customer code.
Send the API request to update the container's assignment.
{
...
"customFields": {
"customer": "my_customer"
}
}
b. referenceNumbers.assigneeId
Alternatively, you can use the assignee ID within the reference numbers section.
Access the API endpoint for container updates.
Include the referenceNumbers.assigneeId in your request body with the customer's ID.
Execute the request to assign the container accordingly.
c. team API key
If you have teams managing different customer accounts, you can use team-specific API keys for assignments.
Generate or retrieve the API key for the team responsible for the customer.
Use this API key in your request headers when updating container details.
The API key will automatically link the container to the correct customer based on the team's assignment.
Let Us Know the Customer Name is Set Up
Finally, reach out and let the OpenTrack team know you have begun putting inputting your customer's names. Let us know what you're going to input for the customer field and we turn on the connection to your White Label Guest Account.
FAQ
Can I use multiple customer codes and have them all assign to the same customer?
Only 1 customer code can be used for a single customer. You can, however, add in other fields such as consignee which you can easily filter by in your explore tab.
Can we set up our TMS to automatically assign containers to customers?
Absolutely. OpenTrack's API can be integrated with your Transportation Management System (TMS) to automate container assignments. By using the methods outlined above, you can configure your TMS to automatically assign containers.
What happens if a container doesn't get properly assigned?
If a container is not assigned correctly, it will remain unassigned in the system. This can be corrected manually through the Additional Details tab or by updating the assignment via API.
Is there any way for a container to be assigned to the wrong place?
While OpenTrack's system is designed to minimize errors, incorrect assignments can happen if incorrect customer codes are used. Ensuring accurate data entry and validation checks within your processes can help prevent such errors. In case of incorrect assignment, containers can be re-assigned using any of the methods described.