barcode scan limit 50 charater does not fit for Australia Post label, please allow more characters

[Nickymch]

We recently start to use the Au Post tracking label as attached.

But noticed when we use scanner to scan and enter into the system, there is an error.

Upon checking, we found the issue is Shipstation does not allow more than 50 characters in the tracking details.

I have attached a example below, and if you download any barcode scanner on your phone and scan it,

You will have a result as below which exceed 50 characters.

01993126509999989103010125154220063209938008230908011158

As a result, it siginificately delay our work change from scanner to manual enter and cause issues.

Please assist look into this issue and allow more characters for the tracking number.  this tracking is 57, so allow 60 or 70 character would be great helpful.

[CaraAdmin]

Hello @Nickymch!

Thanks for reaching out! I appreciate you bringing this to our attention.

Currently, prepaid labels from AusPost cannot be created through our API, so you must purchase directly from AusPost and then marked as shipped in ShipStation to notify the marketplace appropriately.

Scanning the barcode would be the easiest way to enter the tracking number. However, AusPost's barcodes include additional data beyond just the tracking number. Because of this, the scanned information exceeds the character limit we allow for tracking numbers in ShipStation. Interestingly, it also surpasses the character limit on AusPost’s tracking site (which appears to have a 50-character limit). 

Given this, we’re unsure if allowing the extra data would even enable successful tracking through AusPost. If you haven’t already, you might want to check with AusPost to see if they have a recommended solution for scanning and extracting the tracking number. 

Let us know if you have any questions!

-Cara

[Lee-MontiiCo]

Why not sign up to Australia post for either MyPost Business or eParcel and just print the labels. This way Shipstation would automatically add the connote number directly to your marketplace and you don't have to pre purchase labels or do any tracking scanning or updates.

This is how most people do it with AusPost.

[joebunting]

Hey @Nickymch

We had a similar issue, our workaround was to use some advance programming in our Zebra 2D Scanner. With the Zebra123 Scan programming app, you can set advanced rules to apply to the scan. IE. With some trial and error, you can set a rule that when x string is scanned, trim or concatenate the resulting text to be from the scanner for example, take characters from position x to y. 

This works perfectly for us and allows us to scan both AU Post regestered labels and Express Envelopes in without issue. Has been working flawlessly for 3+ years now. 

You will need a compatible zebra scanner and 123Scan app for windows - but worth buying one of those scanners if you dont already. 

https://www.zebra.com/ap/en/support-downloads/software/scanner-software/123scan-utility.html

Best of luck