order-fulfillment-workflow

Install ShipStation from the Shopify App Store, which automatically pulls unfulfilled orders and handles pick lists, packing slips, and label printing. For low volume, use Shopify's built-in fulfillment under Orders, or outsource entirely to Shopify Fulfillment Network.

ShipStation's free WooCommerce plugin syncs orders automatically and pushes tracking numbers back when labels print. For lower volume, combine WooCommerce PDF Invoices & Packing Slips with ATUM Inventory Management for pick lists.

The verification function checks the scanned value against both the product barcode and SKU fields, confirms the picked quantity matches the order line, and records every scan. Orders cannot advance to picked status until all lines are verified, with no manual override.

Yes, initialize the Shippo SDK with your API key, create a shipment with async set to false for synchronous rates, select the rate matching the order's service level token, and create a transaction with PDF label format. Store only the label URL and tracking number, not binary label data.

Custom development only makes sense for high-volume operations with unique warehouse workflows. ShipStation costs $9–$159 per month and handles pick lists, packing slips, label printing, and rate shopping, which is almost always cheaper than building custom tooling.

Status drift happens when order updates depend on manual entry instead of carrier events. Use ShipStation's or EasyPost's tracking webhooks to automatically update order status when packages are scanned by the carrier.