At Freight Controller, we’re committed to making your shipping process as efficient and cost-effective as possible. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our of our Shipping Platform 2Ship’s new integration with Xero, the world-leading cloud-based accounting software. This powerful integration bridges the gap between accounting and shipping, automating order flow and providing real-time shipment tracking and cost reporting—all within Xero’s intuitive platform. Here’s how this integration works and why it’s a must-have for businesses looking to optimize their operations.
What is Xero?
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small and medium-sized businesses, known for its user-friendly interface and robust financial management tools. With features like invoicing, payroll, inventory tracking, purchase order management, and bank reconciliation, Xero helps businesses streamline their finances and gain real-time insights into cash flow and performance. Its extensive app marketplace, with over 1,000 third-party integrations, allows businesses to customize their workflows by connecting Xero to tools like e-commerce platforms, CRM systems, and now, shipping solutions like 2Ship.
Seamless Order Flow from Xero to 2Ship
With the 2Ship-Xero integration, orders/invoices created in Xero now flow automatically into the 2Ship order queue, eliminating manual data entry and reducing errors. Here’s how it works:
- Automatic Order Sync: When an order or invoice is created in Xero, it’s synced to 2Ship’s platform. This ensures your shipping team has immediate access to new orders without needing to switch between systems.
- Order Processing in 2Ship: The shipping operator can open the order in 2Ship, confirm package details (such as weight, dimensions, and destination), and select the least-cost carrier from a wide range of options, including major carriers like FedEx, StarTrack, Australia Post, and more. 2Ship’s intelligent rate-shopping engine compares real-time rates and delivery times, ensuring you always choose the most cost-effective and reliable shipping option.
- Streamlined Shipping: Once the carrier is selected, 2Ship generates shipping labels, and the order is ready to ship. The process is fast, intuitive, and designed to minimise delays.
Real-Time Shipment Details Pushed Back to Xero
After the order is shipped, 2Ship pushes critical shipment details back to Xero, keeping your accounting and operational teams aligned. These details include:
- Carrier Tracking Number: The unique tracking number for each shipment is synced to Xero, allowing employees to monitor the package’s status directly within the platform.
- Tracking Link: A tracking link is provided, enabling staff or customers to view real-time updates on the shipment’s progress without leaving Xero.
- Shipment Costs: The cost of shipping each order is recorded in Xero, ensuring accurate financial tracking and transparency.
This two-way sync creates a seamless loop between shipping and accounting, ensuring all data is up-to-date and accessible in one place.
Advanced Inventory and Order Management with 2Ship and Xero
For customers seeking an even more sophisticated solution, 2Ship offers an optional Inventory and Order Management module that integrates seamlessly with Xero, transforming your business into a fully optimised operation. This advanced feature takes the 2Ship-Xero integration to the next level by providing end-to-end control over inventory, order fulfillment, and shipping—all within a single cloud-based platform. Here’s how it works:
- Order Flow and Picking: Orders from Xero flow directly into 2Ship’s order list. Using the 2Ship mobile app with a Bluetooth scanner or smartphone, warehouse staff can pick orders from storage locations with precision, ensuring the correct items and quantities are selected every time. This reduces picking errors and enhances fulfillment accuracy.
- Smart Packing: Packers can use the same scanner to pack items into boxes, achieving a high level of accuracy. If 2Ship has the dimensions and weights of your products and standard box sizes, its intelligent packing algorithm recommends the optimal way to pack items, minimising the size and number of cartons required. This reduces shipping costs and environmental impact.
- Automated Shipping: Once packed, the carton’s dimensions and weights are automatically populated into 2Ship’s shipping screen. Operators can then rate-shop across carriers, select the best option, and print shipping labels—all without manual data entry.
- Real-Time Inventory Updates: The 2Ship Inventory module tracks stock levels in real time, updating available-to-sell quantities as orders are fulfilled. These updates are automatically pushed to connected e-commerce platforms like Shopify, ensuring your online store always reflects accurate inventory. This prevents overselling and improves customer trust.
- Comprehensive Solution: By combining Xero’s financial management with 2Ship’s Inventory and Order Management module, small and medium-sized businesses gain access to a complete, cost-effective solution for inventory control, order fulfillment, and shipping. This eliminates the need for multiple disparate systems, reducing complexity and costs.
This advanced integration empowers businesses to operate like larger enterprises, with streamlined workflows, enhanced accuracy, and real-time visibility across inventory and shipping processes.
Advantages of Using 2Ship with Xero
Integrating 2Ship’s modern shipping platform with Xero offers numerous benefits for businesses of all sizes:
- Time Savings: Automating order flow, inventory updates, and shipment data syncing eliminates manual data entry, freeing up your team to focus on growth-oriented tasks. The integration reduces admin time and minimizes the risk of human error.
- Cost Efficiency: 2Ship’s rate-shopping technology and optimised packing recommendations ensure you select the most cost-effective carrier and packaging, potentially saving thousands in shipping costs annually. Real-time cost tracking in Xero further helps you monitor and control expenses.
- Improved Customer Experience: With tracking numbers and links available in Xero, your team can quickly share shipment updates with customers, boosting transparency and satisfaction. Accurate picking and packing, enabled by the Inventory module, ensure customers receive the right items on time.
- Scalability: Both 2Ship and Xero are cloud-based platforms designed to scale with your business. Whether you’re a small retailer or a growing enterprise, this integration adapts to your needs, handling increased order volumes and inventory complexity effortlessly.
- Centralised Control: By keeping shipping, inventory, and accounting data in sync, you gain a single source of truth for financial and operational insights. This streamlines collaboration between teams and ensures everyone has access to the same accurate information.
- Enhanced Decision-Making: The combination of Xero’s financial reporting and 2Ship’s shipping and inventory data provides a holistic view of your business performance, enabling data-driven decisions to optimize profitability and efficiency.
Why Choose 2Ship and Xero?
The 2Ship-Xero integration, with the optional Inventory and Order Management module, is a perfect example of how modern technology can transform business operations. By connecting a best-in-class shipping and our inventory platform with a leading accounting solution, businesses can streamline workflows, reduce costs, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Whether you’re managing a small e-commerce store or a complex supply chain, this integration empowers you to ship smarter, manage inventory with precision, and grow with confidence.
Ready to experience the power of 2Ship and Xero together? Contact our team today to learn how to set up the integration and explore the advanced Inventory and Order Management module.