Allocation is a versatile process and can be used to support many different fulfilment scenarios. The best way to approach allocation is to document your business/operational carrier service selection requirements first, as, only after the requirements are known, should you think about how to meet the requirements. Below are a few allocation scenarios, which can be used either independently or in combination with one another:
I want to allocate automatically.
Allocation can be a completely automated service, with the selection of the right carrier service being based on the configuration in Delivery Manager. For example, when an order is received, the carrier service can be selected automatically based on allocation rules that you have configured. For example, you can set up Delivery Manager so that parcels weighing below 2 kg are always despatched using a particular carrier (refer to Carrier Allocation Rules).
I want to deliver in 3 days’ time by the cheapest means possible.
Allocation can be tailored very specifically by using a booking code (refer to Introduction to Booking Codes and Using a Booking Code as an Allocation Filter).
I ship with many carriers but in a particular warehouse we only use 2 of them.
Carrier services can be restricted by locking users to particular warehouses (refer to Locking a User to a Warehouse), associating services with particular depots (refer to Carriers and Services), or specifying warehouses in API calls (refer to createAndAllocateConsignmentsWithBookingCode - the senderCode is the warehouse code).
I have a web store, and I want to let the consumer select the service that is right for them.
You can use Delivery Options with Delivery Manager (refer to the Introduction).