Overview
Batch Shipping allows you to hold all orders until a specified deadline when they will get transferred to the lab in a single batch. In this article, we'll review how to release batch orders for production.
Automatic Processing
If you have set your job to Automatic Processing, congrats! You're done! Your order will be sent to the lab the day after the deadline you have set.
⚠ Please note: If you use more than one batch deadline, the third batch will require you to manually release the batch to the lab. Your first and second batches will transfer automatically.
Manual Processing
The video below shows a quick explanation for manually processing a batch shipment.
Written instructions continue below.
- Click into the Orders tab on the top black bar.
- Click the Batch Shipping tab (Quick Link: North American Customers / UK Customers)
You will see a list of all your batches.
- Open the relevant batch by clicking either the Batch ID or by clicking the Open button.
- On the following page, you will see all the orders in the batch. This is a good opportunity to double-check the orders. If you find that an order requires any revision, our technical support staff can retroactively move orders to manual revision, even if you've previously revised and released the order.
- Once you have checked the orders and are ready to submit the batch, click the blue "Prepare production..." button on the top right.
You will then see a summary of the batch.
Unchecking the my address checkbox will allow you to provide your own delivery address. In addition, you can decide what to do next with the job. You can either:- Archive the job
- Set the job to direct shipping, or
- Start an additional batch.
- Proceed by clicking "Send to lab(s) now".
There are two areas you can confirm whether your batch was successfully transferred:
- On your batch shipping page (Orders → Batch Shipping), you'll find a status column; the status should change from Open to Processing to Sent.
- In addition, you can also click the relevant batch and find batch details at the top of the page, including a transfer date. There should be a timestamp if the batch was successfully transferred.
Is there any reminder on the dashboard so I don't forget to release the batch orders if I select the manual transfer?
Yes, for five days, we will display a reminder on your dashboard to ensure you are aware that your batch is due to be released.
The Takeaway
With Automatic Processing, set your order system and let it run, while Manual Processing offers hands-on control. Whether you prefer a laid-back or involved approach, our guide ensures your orders move effortlessly through the system, providing flexibility and ease in your workflow.