Glossary
Below is a list of definitions that are referred to through our API documentation in relation to integrations, data models and carrier services.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Announcement | The process of registering a shipment with a carrier. A successful announcement results in a tracking number and a shipping label being returned. |
| Collo | The count of parcels in a shipment. |
| Drop-off | The act of handing a parcel over to a service point to be collected and delivered by a carrier. |
| Integration | An online platform, such as an e-commerce Platform,WMS, Marketplace, ERP or custom-built interface that is connected to Sendcloud. |
| Multicollo | A shipment containing multiple parcels which are announced at the same time so that they stay together throughout the delivery journey. Linked parcels are represented on the shipping label. |
| Order | A dataset which contains information about a purchase that has been imported from a user’s webshop integration. Typically fetched and kept up-to-date in the Sendcloud system via a webshop integration. |
| Pack & Go | Sendcloud feature designed to facilitate an easier picking and packing process by allowing orders to be processed via a barcode scanner and/or picking lists and packing slips. |
| Panel | The Sendcloud platform, where you can configure settings, process orders and access core features through our user interface. |
| Parcel | A dataset which contains information about how the delivery will take place. The dataset can be used to announce a parcel with a carrier and obtain a shipping label. A parcel will typically have a shipping label linked to it. |
| Pickup | The act of a carrier collecting parcels (usually in bulk) from a specified location, such as a warehouse or brick-and-mortar store. |
| Return rule | Similar to shipping rules, but applying to return parcels created through the Return portal or Return portal API. |
| Service point | A physical location affiliated with one or more specific carriers, where parcels can be dropped off or collected. Return parcels are typically dropped off at a service point by a customer to be shipped back to the sender. Also called: Parcel shop, Drop-off point |
| Shipment | A dataset which contains order and customer address information. Shipments appear in the Incoming order overview in the Sendcloud panel with the status “Ready to process”. A shipment can have a parcel attached to it. |
| Shipping product | An overarching collection of shipping methods which are grouped together based on shared characteristics. Represents the service offerings of a carrier. An example of a shipping product would be PostNL Standard. |
| Shipping method | A specific service offered by a carrier which determines the rate and method of shipping a parcel to a destination. A sub-set of a Shipping product. An example of a shipping method would be *PostNL Standard 0-23kg. * |
| Shipping functionality | An additional service attached to a shipping method which specifies additional handling required by a parcel, the type of parcel that’s accepted for delivery or a specific delivery deadline. An example of a shipping functionality would be Signature required or Delivery within 24h. |
| Shipping rule | Automation rules that can be created in Sendcloud to automatically apply actions to orders and shipments based on pre-set conditions. |
| Tracking | The process of receiving status updates to indicate the progress of a parcel from the point of label creation to the point of delivery. |
| Tracking notifications | Customisable tracking emails which you can configure in Sendcloud to send automatic updates to your customer every time their parcel reaches a delivery milestone. |
