When you import an order into Jetpack, our fulfillment algorithms automatically determine which fulfillment center should ship it. This process—called order allocation—considers factors like shipping cost, distance to your customer, and inventory availability to ensure fast, cost-effective delivery. You can also customize allocation with optional rules for partial shipments, FIFO processing, destination-based fulfillment, and more.
Order Allocation Overview
Order allocation refers to how the fulfillment algorithms assign available inventory from the most optimal fulfillment center(s) to your orders, using fulfillment center assignment logic and order processing logic. Orders are fulfilled by assigning available inventory from the most optimal fulfillment center based on factors including cost, distance to the end destination, and inventory availability. Key points include:- Inventory Availability: Inventory becomes available for allocation only after it has passed quality checks and is stowed in the fulfillment center.
- Order Exceptions: If an order is allocated to a fulfillment center that does not have sufficient inventory to fulfill it entirely, the order moves to Exception status. In such cases, review the product’s Inventory History and submit a case to Jetpack Care for further assistance.
Order Allocation Rules
Jetpack offers several optional rules to customize the order allocation process:Partial Shipments - Auto Split Rule
This rule automatically splits B2C orders into multiple shipments when a single fulfillment center cannot fulfill the entire order. Items in stock ship immediately, while out-of-stock items remain in Exception until inventory is replenished. Click here to enable this rule on your Jetpack dashboard.
Product-Based Shipments (Auto Split Rule)
This rule splits orders based on predefined product combinations or maximum quantities. This can be used to create shipments with one item per package or to manage dangerous goods within regulatory limits. To enable this rule, submit a case to Jetpack Care.FIFO Order Allocation
This rule allocates available inventory to the oldest orders first, based on Purchase Date or Import Date (i.e., first in, first out). This prevents orders from repeatedly backordering when inventory is replenished. Click here to learn more about FIFO rules. To enable this rule, submit a case to Jetpack Care.Highest Priority Fulfillment Center
This rule assigns orders to the closest fulfillment center (with the lowest shipping cost), regardless of inventory levels. If inventory is insufficient, the order goes into Exception instead of switching to a lower-ranked center. This rule can be enabled for specific SKUs and may be adjusted for expedited orders. To enable this rule, submit a case to Jetpack Care.Destination-Based Fulfillment
This rule assigns orders to specific fulfillment centers based on the destination country. This rule helps avoid cross-border shipping fees, but orders may enter Exception if the designated center lacks sufficient inventory. Click here to enable this rule on your Jetpack dashboard.Automation Rules
This rule allows you to define automated actions on imported orders based on predefined conditions (e.g., adding marketing inserts or requiring delivery signatures). These rules apply to orders imported via store integrations but not to those created manually or through Excel bulk uploads. Click here to enable this rule on your Jetpack dashboard.Fulfillment Center Assignment Logic
The allocation process begins by generating a priority list of fulfillment centers:- For US Orders: Centers are ranked based on the shortest distance to the end customer. If the closest center lacks sufficient inventory, the next closest is evaluated.
- For International Orders: Centers are ranked based on the lowest fulfillment cost. When costs are equal or indeterminate, the distance to the destination is used as a tiebreaker.
Optional Fulfillment Center Assignment Rules
If the default allocation logic does not meet your needs, you can implement custom rules. Before enabling these rules, verify that your fulfillment centers are correctly listed on your Jetpack dashboard. Submit a case to Jetpack Care to implement these rules.Highest Priority Fulfillment Center Rule
This custom rule forces orders to be assigned only to the top-ranked fulfillment center. If that center cannot fulfill the order, the order enters Exception rather than being reallocated. Manual overrides are available on the order’s page, and the rule can be applied to specific SKUs. Enabling this rule allows you to reduce shipping costs by having orders only assigned to the most optimal fulfillment center (as outlined above) instead of allowing orders to be assigned to the next most optimal fulfillment center if not all inventory is available at the time of import.Destination-Based Fulfillment Rule
This custom rule ensures orders are assigned to fulfillment centers within the destination country. Separate rules can be created for orders that should be fulfilled from multiple centers within the same country. Enabling this rule allows you to avoid cross-border shipping fees by preventing orders from being assigned to a fulfillment center located in a different country from the end destination.Order Processing and Exception Handling
Order Allocation Logic: Inventory is assigned when an order is imported and marked as Processing. If a single fulfillment center cannot meet the entire order quantity, the order is moved to Exception. Reprocessing Frequency: Orders in Exception are reprocessed every 30 minutes. However, once inventory is replenished, it may be allocated to newer orders first. FIFO Order Allocation: If enabled, orders with the oldest Purchase or Import Date are prioritized for fulfillment once inventory is available, reducing the likelihood of long-standing backorders. Partial Backorders: When partial shipments are enabled, items in stock are shipped immediately while backordered items remain in Exception. This ensures that customers receive available products faster, and the remaining items ship once inventory is replenished.
Let’s Dive Deeper
The Orders Page
Navigate and manage all your orders
Shipment Details Page
View detailed shipment information
Editing Orders
Make changes to orders before they ship
Automation Rules
Set up custom order processing rules
Auto Split Rules
Configure partial shipment settings
MultiHub IQ
Optimize inventory distribution across fulfillment centers
Questions? Contact Jetpack Care.
If you have questions about order allocation or need help configuring custom rules, contact Jetpack Care. Our team is always here to assist via Slack, phone, or email!