Alpha Order Fulfillment
Processing orders through picking and shipping
Order Fulfillment
Fulfillment is the process of picking, checking, packing, and shipping orders through picklists.
Fulfillment Workflow
The order itself stays Open during fulfillment. Its status changes to Partially completed or Completed once items are delivered.
Picking
Picklist Creation
Picklists are created from a sales order's reserved stock:
- Open the sales order
- Choose to pick reserved stock
- Select the warehouse
- Select the reserved stock to pick
- Confirm the picklist (with a priority and optional deadline)
Manage all picklists from Logistics > Picklists.
Pick Process
- Assign a picker to the picklist
- Start picking
- Pick items, verify quantities
- Complete the pick
Handling Shortages
If unable to pick the full quantity, pick the available amount — the unpicked remainder stays reserved or pending on the order and can be picked later.
Checking and Packing
Quality Check
A picklist can optionally be checked before packing:
- Assign a checker
- Request a check
- Pass or fail the check (with a note)
- Failed checks return for re-picking
Packing
- Assign a packer
- Pack items securely
- Record package details per picklist
Package Details
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L x W x H |
| Weight | Packed weight |
| Location | Where the package is staged |
Shipping
Shipment Details
Record shipping information on the picklist:
- Courier and shipping method
- Tracking number and tracking URL
- Weight and dimensions
- Packing and shipping notes
- Shipping date and delivery date
Shipping Labels
Generate and print a shipping label for the picklist directly from Alpha.
Dispatch
- Mark the picklist Ready for dispatch
- Dispatch the picklist — the customer receives a shipping notification email
- Mark the picklist Delivered once it arrives — the order status updates
Partial Fulfillment
Orders can be fulfilled across multiple picklists:
- Reserve and pick available items first
- Ship them while the remaining items await stock
- The order becomes Partially completed when nothing is pending but not everything was delivered, and Completed when all items are delivered
Fulfillment Status
Picklist Statuses
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ready to pick | Created, awaiting picking |
| Picking | Being picked |
| Checking | Undergoing a quality check |
| Check failed | Check failed, needs attention |
| Packing | Being packed |
| Ready for dispatch | Packed, awaiting dispatch |
| Dispatched | Shipped, in transit |
| Delivered | Arrived at the customer |
| Closed | Manually closed |
| Cancelled | Picklist cancelled |
| Return started / Partially returned / Returned | Items being or already returned |
Per-Product Tracking
Each order line shows the reserved, picked, shipped, delivered, returned, cancelled, and pending quantities.
Returns
Processing Returns
Returns are handled per picklist:
- Start a return for the delivered items
- Receive and inspect the returned goods
- Mark the items as returned
The order status becomes Partially returned or Returned depending on how much comes back.
Best Practices
Efficiency
- Reserve stock as soon as orders are approved
- Use picklist priorities and deadlines to sequence work
- Assign picker, checker, and packer roles explicitly
Accuracy
- Verify items at each step
- Use the optional check step for high-value orders
- Record package and shipment details before dispatch
Communication
- Dispatching sends the customer a shipping notification
- Record tracking numbers so customers can follow their shipment