Streamline WooCommerce Orders with Shipment Tracking
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Adding Shipping and Tracking Information in WooCommerce Orders
- Solution 1: Using a Plugin
- Solution 2: Using Code Snippets
- Customizing Shipment Tracking Options
- Modifying Orders with Shipment Tracking
- Alternative Solution: Using Only Code Snippets
- Combining Solutions: Using Plugin and Code Snippets Together
- Conclusion
Introduction
In this article, we will discuss how to add shipping and tracking information to your WooCommerce orders. We will explore two different solutions: using a plugin and using code snippets. Additionally, we will cover how to customize shipment tracking options, modify orders with shipment tracking, and provide an alternative solution using only code snippets. Finally, we will discuss how to combine both solutions for maximum flexibility.
Adding Shipping and Tracking Information in WooCommerce Orders
When managing orders in WooCommerce, it is important to provide customers with shipping and tracking information. This helps them track their packages and ensures a smooth delivery process. By adding tracking codes to orders, customers can easily view the tracking progress and know when to expect their packages. In the following sections, we will explore two solutions for adding tracking codes to WooCommerce orders.
Solution 1: Using a Plugin
One option for adding tracking codes to WooCommerce orders is by using a plugin. There are several plugins available that provide advanced shipment tracking features. We can search for the "Advanced Shipment Tracking" plugin in the WooCommerce plugin directory and install it. Once activated, we can access the plugin settings in the WooCommerce dashboard.
Within the plugin settings, we have various options to customize the shipment tracking process. For example, we can rename the completed order status to "shipped". This ensures that orders are marked as shipped instead of completed. We can also configure the plugin to mark orders as shipped only after adding the tracking number. This helps in maintaining accurate shipment tracking information.
The plugin also provides options to select which order statuses should have the tracking info option and add a tracking icon to the order actions. By enabling these options, the tracking icon will be displayed for processing, completed, and on-hold orders. This makes it easy for both the admin and customers to access the tracking information.
Furthermore, we can set up notification emails to be sent out when orders are marked as delivered. The plugin allows us to customize these email templates, ensuring they are tailored to our brand's messaging and design. Within the customization options, we can choose the position of the tracking display, hide the tracking header, and modify various layout design elements.
If the default shipping providers listed in the plugin are not sufficient, we can add custom shipping providers as needed. The plugin provides an option to add custom providers and specify the tracking URL and other details. It also allows for importing tracking info via CSV files, making it convenient to manage large amounts of tracking data.
Overall, the plugin provides a comprehensive solution for adding shipping and tracking information to WooCommerce orders. It offers extensive customization options and supports a wide range of shipping providers. By utilizing this plugin, merchants can provide a seamless tracking experience for their customers.
Solution 2: Using Code Snippets
If you prefer to add tracking codes to WooCommerce orders without using a plugin, you can achieve this by adding a small code snippet. To do this, we recommend using the Code Snippets plugin, which allows you to easily manage and run custom code on your WordPress site.
Once you have the Code Snippets plugin installed and activated, you can create a new snippet with a title like "Shipment Tracking Code". Within the snippet, you can paste the provided code, which will add a new custom field for entering the tracking code.
The code snippet includes a variable called "tracking code" that can be used to retrieve and display the tracking code anywhere on your site. By updating the orders with the tracking code and adding a note to customers with the code, you can ensure that the information is easily accessible to customers.
This code snippet solution provides a lightweight alternative to using a plugin. It is suitable for merchants who only need basic tracking code functionality and prefer to have more control over their site's codebase.
Customizing Shipment Tracking Options
Regardless of the solution chosen, it is important to customize the shipment tracking options to suit your specific needs. In the plugin-based solution, you can access the plugin settings and modify various aspects such as renaming order statuses, enabling tracking icons, and customizing email templates.
For the code snippet solution, you can customize the code snippet to match your desired tracking code field name and other information. This includes modifying the code to display the tracking code wherever desired on your site.
By customizing the shipment tracking options, you can ensure that the tracking process aligns with your brand's requirements and provides a seamless experience for your customers.
Modifying Orders with Shipment Tracking
Once you have set up the shipment tracking solution, you can easily modify orders with the tracking information. In the plugin-based solution, you can access the Orders page in WooCommerce and add the tracking number and select the shipping provider using the provided interface. Once saved, the order status will be updated accordingly, and the tracking information will be visible on both the Orders page and the single order page.
In the code snippet solution, you can also modify orders by adding the tracking code directly in the custom field provided. This can be done from the Orders page or from the single order page. By updating the order status and adding a note to customers, you can ensure that customers are aware of their tracking information.
Both solutions offer convenient ways to modify orders with shipment tracking information, allowing you to provide accurate and up-to-date tracking details to your customers.
Alternative Solution: Using Only Code Snippets
If you prefer to use only code snippets to handle the shipment tracking process, you can achieve this by following the instructions provided in Solution 2. This solution avoids the use of plugins and allows for greater control over the codebase.
By relying solely on code snippets, you can have a more lightweight implementation without the need for additional plugin dependencies. This may be suitable for merchants who prefer to keep their site lean and minimize the number of installed plugins.
However, it is important to note that using code snippets may require more technical expertise and manual code management compared to using a plugin-based solution. Therefore, it is recommended to have a basic understanding of coding practices and WooCommerce functionality before implementing this solution.
Combining Solutions: Using Plugin and Code Snippets Together
Alternatively, you can choose to combine both solutions to leverage the advantages of both approaches. By using the plugin for managing shipping providers, advanced tracking options, and email templates, and using code snippets for customizing specific aspects or adding additional functionality, you can achieve a highly flexible and customized shipment tracking system.
For example, you can use the plugin to handle the majority of shipment tracking tasks, such as managing shipping providers, tracking statuses, and email notifications. Then, use code snippets to add custom fields, modify the display of tracking information, or implement specific business logic.
By combining both solutions, you can take advantage of the plugin's comprehensive features while leveraging the code snippets for fine-grained customization. This allows you to tailor the shipment tracking system to your exact requirements and create a unique customer experience.
Conclusion
Adding shipping and tracking information to WooCommerce orders is crucial for ensuring a smooth delivery process and providing transparency to customers. In this article, we explored two solutions: using a plugin and using code snippets. We discussed the features and customization options provided by the "Advanced Shipment Tracking" plugin and how to implement a code snippet-based tracking solution using the Code Snippets plugin.
Additionally, we covered topics such as customizing shipment tracking options, modifying orders with shipment tracking, an alternative solution of using only code snippets, and combining both solutions for maximum flexibility. By following the instructions and guidelines provided, you can effectively add shipping and tracking functionality to your WooCommerce store and enhance the overall customer experience.
By utilizing these solutions, you can streamline your order management process, keep customers informed every step of the way, and ensure successful deliveries. Whether you choose the plugin-based solution, the code snippet solution, or a combination of both, implementing a shipment tracking system in WooCommerce will greatly benefit your business and enhance customer satisfaction.
Highlights
- Learn how to add shipping and tracking information to WooCommerce orders
- Explore two solutions: using a plugin and using code snippets
- Customize shipment tracking options to match your brand's requirements
- Modify orders with shipment tracking information to keep customers informed
- Consider alternative solutions and combining plugin with code snippets for maximum flexibility and customization
FAQs
Q: How can I add tracking codes to WooCommerce orders?
A: You can either use a plugin like "Advanced Shipment Tracking for WooCommerce" or implement a code snippet-based solution using the Code Snippets plugin.
Q: Can I customize the shipment tracking options?
A: Yes, both the plugin and code snippet solutions offer customization options such as renaming order statuses, enabling tracking icons, and customizing email templates.
Q: How do I modify orders with shipment tracking information?
A: In the plugin-based solution, you can update orders from the WooCommerce Orders page. In the code snippet solution, you can directly add the tracking code to the custom field provided.
Q: Can I use both the plugin and code snippets together?
A: Yes, you can combine both solutions to leverage the advantages of both approaches. Use the plugin for general shipment tracking tasks and code snippets for customization or additional functionality.
