Accurate delivery cost calculation begins with precise tracking. In the OrientDig operation, every repack, consolidation, and weight adjustment must be meticulously logged. This guide explains how to record these packaging requests in your central spreadsheet to ensure transparency and correct financial reconciliation.
Why This Tracking is Essential
Recording packaging changes directly impacts your bottom line. It allows you to:
- Calculate True Delivery Costs:
- Maintain Inventory & Order Accuracy:
- Provide Audit Trails:
- Analyze Packaging Efficiency:
- Maintain Inventory & Order Accuracy:
The Standard Spreadsheet Structure
Your OrientDig tracking spreadsheet should include, at minimum, the following columns. Consider this your single source of truth
Column Header
Description & Required Format
Order/Reference ID
The unique identifier from your sales platform (e.g., Amazon Order ID, Shopify Order #).
Original Dimensions (LxWxH)
Record in centimeters or inches (e.g.,
30x20x15 cm). Be consistent with units.
Original Weight
Record in kilograms or pounds (e.g.,
2.5 kg).
Request Type
Dropdown or plain text: Repack, Consolidation, or Weight Update.
New Dimensions (LxWxH)
Fill this only if changed. Leave blank if only weight is updated.
New Weight
The final, physical weight after the change. Mandatory for all requests.
Date of Request
Date the repack/change was instructed (e.g.,
2023-10-26).
Notes / Reason
Brief context: e.g., "Removed original retailer box," "Consolidated Orders #123 & #456."
Step-by-Step Recording for Each Request Type
1. Recording a Repack
Used when an item is placed in a new, usually smaller, box.
- Enter the original dimensions and weight from the initial data.
- Select "Repack"Request Type
- Enter the new dimensions
- Enter the new weight
- Add a note like: "Repacked to reduce dimensional weight, removed oversized original packaging."
- Enter the new dimensions
2. Recording a Consolidation
Used when multiple customer orders are combined into one shipment.
- Create a new line item
- For original dimensions/weight, you may note "N/A - Multi-order" or sum the totals.
- Select "Consolidation"Request Type
- Enter the new dimensions & weight
- Crucially, add a note listing all consolidated Order IDs for full traceability.
3. Recording a Weight Update
Used when the physical weight is corrected, but no repack occurs.
- Enter the original data as reported.
- Select "Weight Update"Request Type
- Leave New Dimensions
- Enter the corrected, physically weighed New Weight.
- Add a note like: "Physical weigh-in corrected platform estimate."
- Leave New Dimensions
Best Practices for Accuracy
- Real-Time Updates:
- Validate Data:after
- Use Data Validation:Request Type
- Link to Invoices:
- Regular Audits:
- Validate Data:after
By following this disciplined approach within your OrientDig spreadsheet, you transform packaging requests from hidden cost variables into managed, accountable data. This diligence ensures your delivery cost calculations are always accurate, protecting your profit margins and enabling smarter operational decisions.