Modern order fulfillment challenges rarely stem from a lack of effort. For most small and mid-sized distributors, the real problem is fragmentation. Orders live in one system, dimensions are captured manually and shipping decisions happen on the fly and only when time permits to review details in multiple carrier portals. The result is a fulfillment process filled with manual steps, duplicate data entry, and hidden costs that quietly eat into margins.
By integrating Blue Link ERP, FreightSnap, and 2Ship, distributors can replace that disconnected experience with a single, automated order-to-ship workflow - one where data flows seamlessly from order creation to final shipment, without manual processes or guesswork.
Step 1: Managing Orders in Blue Link ERP
The order fulfillment process begins in Blue Link ERP, an all-in-one inventory management and accounting system which serves as the operational hub for the entire workflow. Orders can enter Blue Link in multiple ways: manually entered by a sales rep, captured in an email from an existing customer, or automatically pulled in from connected B2B or B2C eCommerce platforms or marketplaces.
As the single source of truth, inventory availability, customer details, shipping requirements, accounting information and order status all live in Blue Link ERP. This allows warehouse teams to generate pick slips, manage inventory locations, receive product and track progress without relying on spreadsheets or disconnected tools.
This centralized foundation is critical - because every downstream step depends on accurate, accessible order data.
See the integration in action—watch the full video.
Step 2: Picking and Packing Inside One System
With the order ready to fulfill, warehouse staff use Blue Link to guide the picking process. Pick slips can be generated on barcode scanners, directing employees to the correct bin and shelf locations. Items are picked and brought to the packing station, where the order is packed into the appropriate box.
At this point in many warehouses, the process typically slows down. Manual measuring begins, box dimensions are estimated, or generic box sizes are reused to save time - often leading to inaccurate shipping data and costly carrier adjustments later.
This is where FreightSnap becomes a critical part of the workflow.
Step 3: Automated Dimensioning with FreightSnap
Once the order is packed, FreightSnap automatically captures box dimensions, weight, and images in seconds. Instead of using a tape measure or relying on assumptions, warehouse staff get precise, consistent measurements every time.
Dimension data is then instantly pushed back into Blue Link ERP, updating the shipment record automatically. There’s no retyping, no handwritten notes, and no opportunity for copy-paste errors. Accurate dimensions at this stage are essential for avoiding re-bill charges, disputes, and unexpected carrier fees later in the process.
By eliminating manual measuring, FreightSnap removes one of the most common and costly breakdowns in the fulfillment workflow.
Step 4: Rate Shopping Integration with 2Ship
Accurate shipment data is already stored in Blue Link, and so once the dimensions are captured, the user then launches 2Ship directly from inside the system. Integration means no separate login and no re-entry of order or shipment details.
2Ship uses the data flowing from Blue Link to instantly display all available carrier options that have been previously set up – including parcel, LTL, and freight - on a single screen. Rates, service levels, and delivery options are compared automatically, allowing users to select the best carrier for each shipment based on cost and timing.
Once a carrier is selected, that information flows right back into Blue Link. Shipping labels are printed directly from the ERP, and the order is marked as shipped - all without leaving the system.
This tight integration eliminates the need to log into multiple carrier portals, manually compare rates, or manage labels in separate platforms
The Result: An Integrated and Automated Order Fulfillment Workflow
When Blue Link ERP, FreightSnap, and 2Ship work together, fulfillment becomes a continuous, end-to-end process instead of a series of disconnected tasks. Order data easily flows between systems and dimensioning data feeds automatically into shipping decisions. Carrier selection and label creation happen without added time.
The benefits add up quickly:
- Fewer labor hours spent on manual tasks
- Fewer errors and re-bill charges from incorrect dimensions
- Faster order fulfillment without adding headcount
- Lower shipping costs through consistent rate comparison
- Greater visibility into where fulfillment dollars are really going
- Ability to easily scale and meet an increase in demand
Most importantly, teams move from feeling overwhelmed and unorganized by their process to being in control of it.
A Workflow Built for Growing Distributors
This integrated approach is a strong example of how connecting the right tools to your ERP can further automate order fulfillment without adding unnecessary complexity. For growing distribution businesses, it’s essential to work with a vendor that can identify operational gaps, anticipate future needs, and offer proven partnerships and integrations to support them. Together, Blue Link ERP, FreightSnap, and 2Ship deliver a truly seamless order fulfillment workflow.
When these systems work in sync, fulfillment is no longer a bottleneck - it becomes a competitive advantage. Orders move faster, costs become more predictable, and teams gain visibility across the entire process. The result? More efficient shipping powered not by working harder, but by letting connected systems do the heavy lifting.
Watch the full video below.
