How to create test data in Carrier Connect and perform tests before going live

In the following, you will find a checklist for testing your newly configured carriers.

• We recommend that you put your system through its paces before going live to avoid unpleasant surprises in live operation.

• If you have questions about regarding functionality, you can find helpful articles in the user guide and here in the Help Center.

Creating test data

Create new shipping orders for testing your carriers in Carrier Connect.

• Do not use existing or old shipping orders under any circumstances.

If you transfer shipping orders from a host system to Carrier Connect, also send them from your host system during testing to test the interface at the same time.

Processing test cases

Below you will find an extensive list of test cases. Not all cases are always relevant – decide depending on the carrier and your circumstances.

• Confirm with your AEB contact that you have tested the relevant cases.

Packing process

Test your packing process and all other processes in your productive operation, such as

• packing at the packing station,
• adding packages/delivery notes after a label has already been printed,
• feedback into the host system,
• shipping to unusual consignee addresses as well as rarely used services and value-added services, etc. This allows you to track down the special challenges of carrier-specific mandatory fields that are only necessary in certain contexts.

Services, value-added services, note texts

Test all service types, value-added services, and note texts that you use productively.

Single and multi-package consignments

Test shipping orders that include one and multiple packages. 

Domestic and third-country shipping

Test domestic and international shipping orders. Also consider consignees in third countries because of customs duty.

Terms of delivery freight and customs debtor

Test all terms of delivery relevant for you, such as free or charge and chargeable, as well as all freight payer and customs debtor variations relevant for you, such as shipper, consignee, third party.

Label printing per package

Test the “single package handling”: This refers to the printing of labels if the final number of packages in a shipping order is not known before the first document is printed.

Quantity units

Test relevant quantity units (e.g. kg, m, etc.) in the item and in the package.

End-of-day settlement

Test the automatic or manual creation of pickups as well as the completion of pickups.

Shipping points and accounts

Test all shipping points and account numbers used that are relevant to you. Also consider the logic defined for account selection.

Label printing

Test the physical label printing for all your used printer types.