Astonous Review | Multi Carrier Shipping App

Introduction: Simplify Your Shipping Process and Save Time and Money

Astonous Multi Carrier Shipping App is a powerful tool designed for Salesforce users to streamline their shipping processes. The app integrates seamlessly with major carriers like FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL, and more, allowing users to manage their shipments directly from Salesforce. This integration simplifies various tasks such as creating labels, tracking shipments, comparing rates, scheduling pickups, and managing returns, all from a single platform.

The app is 100% native to Salesforce, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience without the need for additional software or complex integrations. Businesses using this app can significantly improve their shipping efficiency and customer satisfaction by leveraging the capabilities of multiple carriers through one cohesive system.

Top Benefits of Salesforce Integration with Astonous

The Astonous Multi Carrier Shipping App offers several key advantages for businesses looking to optimize their shipping operations. Here are the top benefits of using this Salesforce shipping app:

• Comprehensive Carrier Integration: The app supports a wide range of carriers, including FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL, and many others. This extensive Salesforce shipping integration allows businesses to choose the most cost-effective and efficient shipping options based on their needs.
• Streamlined Shipping Processes: By consolidating multiple shipping tasks into a single platform within Salesforce, the app eliminates the need for separate software or manual processes. This streamlining reduces errors, saves time, and increases overall efficiency.
• Real-Time Rate Comparison: Users can compare shipping rates from different carriers in real-time. This feature helps in selecting the best possible shipping option, balancing cost and delivery time effectively.
• Automated Label Generation: The app automates the creation of shipping labels, reducing manual entry errors and speeding up the shipping preparation process. Labels can be printed directly from Salesforce, ensuring a seamless workflow.
• Advanced Tracking and Notifications: With integrated tracking capabilities, users can monitor the status of their shipments directly within Salesforce. Automated notifications keep customers informed about their order status, enhancing customer service and satisfaction.
• Customizable Shipping Rules: Businesses can set up customizable shipping rules based on various parameters like weight, destination, and shipping method. This customization ensures that the most appropriate shipping options are applied automatically.
• Cost Management: The app provides detailed reporting and analytics on shipping costs, helping businesses manage and reduce their shipping expenses. This visibility into shipping expenditures allows for better budgeting and cost control.
• Returns Management: Simplifying the returns process, the app enables easy generation of return labels and tracking of return shipments. This feature helps businesses manage returns more efficiently, improving customer satisfaction.
• User-Friendly Interface: The app’s interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for users to navigate and perform their shipping tasks without extensive training.
• Scalability: The app is scalable to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to large corporations. Its flexibility ensures that it can grow with the business, accommodating increasing shipping volumes and complexity.

Installation Steps

Installing the Astonous Multi Carrier Shipping App is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you get started:

1. Access the AppExchange:

• Navigate to the Salesforce AppExchange and search for “Astonous Multi Carrier Shipping App.”
• Click on the app listing to open the detailed page.

2. Click on “Get It Now”:

• On the app’s page, click the “Get It Now” button to initiate the installation process.
• You may be prompted to log in to your Salesforce account if you are not already logged in.

2.1 You can also not install but use a simple Test Drive.

• On the app’s page, click the “Test Drive” button to start the test drive of the App.

After clicking on the “Test Drive” button, you’ll receive access to Salesforce Org with configured and established Astonous App.  

3. Choose the Installation Environment:

• Select whether you want to install the app in your production environment or in a sandbox environment for testing.
• It is recommended to install the app in a sandbox first to ensure everything works as expected before deploying to production.

4. Start the Installation:

• Click “Install” to begin the installation process.
• The installation may take a few minutes. You will receive a notification once it is complete.

5. Post-Installation Configuration:

• After installation, you will need to configure the app. This includes setting up your carrier accounts and configuring shipping rules.
• Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the app to complete the configuration.

6. Setup Carrier’s accounts and API Keys:

• Go to Custom Metadata Types in Salesforce and select Shipment Carrier:

• You can create and assign different Accounts and APIs for different Carriers:

• Get API keys from Carrier for your Account
• Go to “Shipping Credentials”

• Create a new credential and assign it to your Account from Carrier:

• Fill up all fields with values from your Carrier Account

7. Test the Integration:

• Perform a few test shipments to ensure that the app is working correctly and all configurations are set up properly.
• Check that you can create labels, compare rates, and track shipments directly from Salesforce.

Top Features of Astonous Multi Carrier Shipping App

Generate Shipping Labels and Obtain Estimates: Effortlessly create shipping labels and get accurate shipping cost estimates from any Salesforce object. This feature integrates smoothly with major carriers like FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DHL, making it easy to manage all your shipping needs in one place.

Comprehensive Shipping Management: Enjoy a full suite of shipping management tools, including the ability to print, cancel, and schedule pickups. The app also offers automated shipment tracking and automatic return label generation, streamlining your entire shipping process and reducing manual work.

Hassle-Free Return Shipments: Simplify your returns process by creating return shipments with just a few clicks. This feature ensures a smooth and efficient return experience for your customers, boosting their satisfaction and loyalty.

Click on “Create Return Shipment” and then provide all necessary details for Return Shipment.

Bulk Shipments Made Easy: Generate bulk shipments directly from the list view, allowing you to handle multiple shipments at once. This feature is perfect for businesses with high shipping volumes, saving you time and effort. Just select Orders, or your Salesforce custom Object that you want to ship. Then select the records that you want to ship and click “Create Shipments”.

Automatic Shipment Tracking and Status Updates: Stay informed with real-time tracking and automatic status updates. As your package moves through various stages of shipment, the status will automatically update in Salesforce. Whether your package is in transit or delivered, you’ll have all the information at your fingertips without needing to check the carrier’s website.

Straightforward Engagement Model: Astonous takes the hassle out of getting started with their app. They offer free installation and configuration, with no obligation, ensuring a seamless setup and integration process. This user-friendly approach means you can start benefiting from the app’s powerful features right away, without any upfront commitment.

These top features of the Astonous Multi Carrier Shipping App highlight its ability to simplify and enhance your shipping operations, making it an invaluable tool for businesses looking to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Astonous Dashboards:

What Users Highlight About Astonous

The Astonous Multi Carrier Shipping App has received positive feedback from users, highlighting several key features and benefits that stand out. Here’s what users commonly praise about the app:

1. Ease of Use:

Users appreciate the app’s intuitive and user-friendly interface. The seamless integration with Salesforce makes it easy for users to manage their shipping tasks without a steep learning curve.

2. Efficient Shipping Management:

Many users have highlighted how the app significantly streamlines their shipping processes. The ability to manage multiple carriers from a single platform saves time and reduces the complexity involved in handling shipments.

3. Real-Time Tracking and Updates:

The real-time tracking feature is frequently praised for its accuracy and reliability. Users benefit from having up-to-date information on their shipments, which improves customer communication and satisfaction.

4. Comprehensive Carrier Support:

The wide range of supported carriers, including FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL, and others, is a major plus point. This extensive support allows businesses to choose the best carrier for each shipment, optimizing both cost and delivery time.

5. Automated Label Generation:

Users have found the automated label generation feature extremely helpful. It reduces manual errors and speeds up the shipping preparation process, making operations more efficient.

6. Customizable Shipping Rules:

The ability to set customizable shipping rules based on various parameters is highly valued. Users can tailor the shipping process to meet their specific needs, ensuring the most appropriate shipping options are applied automatically.

7. Excellent Customer Support:

Astonous’s customer support has received commendations for being responsive and helpful. Users appreciate the support team’s expertise and the assistance provided during the setup and troubleshooting phases.

8. Cost Savings:

Many reviews mention the significant cost savings achieved by using the app. The real-time rate comparison feature allows users to select the most economical shipping options, leading to reduced shipping expenses over time.

Astonous Salesforce App Reviews from Users

Here are some excerpts from user reviews on the Salesforce AppExchange and other platforms such as Software Advice, Capterra:

Recommendations for Companies That Should Take Advantage of the Astonous

The Astonous Multi Carrier Shipping App is a versatile tool designed to cater to the needs of various types of businesses. Here are recommendations for companies that would particularly benefit from this app:

E-commerce Businesses:

• High-Volume Shippers: Companies that handle a large volume of shipments on a daily basis in Salesforce can greatly benefit from the streamlined processes and automation features. The ability to manage multiple carriers from a single platform can significantly reduce operational complexities and costs.
• Diverse Shipping Needs: E-commerce businesses that require flexible shipping options inside their Salesforce Commerce Cloud implementation, including expedited and international shipping, will find the app’s comprehensive carrier support and rate comparison tools invaluable.

Retail Chains:

• Multi-location Operations: Retail chains with multiple locations can use the app to manage shipments between stores, warehouses, and directly to customers. The app’s ability to handle various shipping methods and destinations ensures efficient logistics management in Salesforce.

Manufacturers and Wholesalers:

• Bulk Shipping: Manufacturers and wholesalers who frequently ship large quantities of goods to distributors or retailers will benefit from the app’s ability to handle bulk shipments efficiently inside their Salesforce Manufacturing Cloud implementation. The real-time tracking and automated label generation features streamline the shipping process.

Subscription Box Services:

• Regular Shipments: Businesses offering subscription boxes can automate their recurring shipments using the app. The customizable shipping rules and scheduling features ensure timely and accurate delivery of subscription boxes.

Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Companies:

• Sensitive Shipments: Companies dealing with sensitive or time-critical shipments, such as pharmaceuticals or medical supplies, can leverage the app’s real-time tracking and notifications to ensure timely delivery and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.

Automotive and Parts Distributors:

• Heavy and Irregular Shipments: Automotive companies often deal with heavy or irregularly shaped items. The app’s support for various shipping methods, including freight, makes it ideal for managing such shipments efficiently.

Non-profit Organizations:

• Cost Management: Non-profits that need to manage shipping costs effectively can benefit from the app’s real-time rate comparison and detailed cost reporting features. These tools help in selecting the most cost-effective shipping options and managing budgets better.

Wrapping Up: Does Your Business Need an Astonous Shipping App?

Astonous Multi Carrier Shipping App stands out as an exceptional tool for businesses looking to streamline their shipping processes within Salesforce. By integrating with major carriers such as FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DHL, the app ensures that companies can manage their shipping needs efficiently and effectively from a single platform. This app is designed to simplify logistics, enhance operational efficiency, and significantly improve customer satisfaction.

With features like label creation, shipment tracking, rate comparison, and return management, Astonous provides a comprehensive solution tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses. One of the standout aspects of this app is its ease of use and seamless integration with Salesforce, which allows users to handle shipping tasks without leaving their CRM environment.

One of the best apps for customer support, Astonous ensures that customers have real-time visibility into their shipments, can make necessary changes easily, and can manage returns efficiently. This level of transparency and control is crucial for maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty.

For businesses seeking to enhance their shipping operations, Astonous offers a robust and reliable solution that can adapt to various shipping requirements. Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, this app can help you optimize your logistics and improve your overall shipping experience.

By choosing Astonous, companies can leverage advanced shipping capabilities directly within their Salesforce environment, ensuring a smoother, more efficient workflow and happier customers. This makes Astonous a valuable addition to any business looking to elevate its shipping processes and customer service standards.