The right technology stack enables efficient, scalable shipping operations. Here's how to build yours.
Core Components
Essential Systems
System Purpose Shipping platform Label generation, rates Order management Order processing Inventory management Stock tracking Customer communication Notifications Analytics Performance tracking
Integration Architecture
Sales Channels (Shopify, Amazon, etc.)
↓
Order Management System
↓
Shipping Platform (atoship)
↓ ↓
Carriers Tracking/Notifications
↓
Customer-Facing (Tracking pages, emails)
Key Features
Feature Importance Multi-carrier rates Essential Label generation Essential Batch processing High for volume Tracking integration Essential API access For automation
atoship Capabilities
Feature Benefit All carriers One platform Best rates Up to 89% off Platform integrations Order sync API Custom automation Analytics Performance insights
Order Management
OMS Functions
Function Description Order routing Direct to fulfillment Inventory allocation Reserve stock Multi-channel All sources unified Returns RMA processing
Integration with Shipping
Integration Data Flow New orders Pull into shipping Tracking Push back to OMS Status updates Sync both ways
Inventory Management
WMS Features
Feature Benefit Location tracking Find items Pick optimization Efficient picking Reorder points Stock availability Multi-location Distributed inventory
Shipping Integration
Connection Purpose Weight/dimensions Accurate rates Location Multi-origin shipping Availability Promise dates
Customer Communication
Tool Use Case Email platform Shipping notifications SMS service Delivery alerts Tracking page Self-service
Automation
Trigger Action Label created Send shipping email Delivery scan Send SMS Exception Alert and support
Analytics & Reporting
Key Dashboards
Dashboard Metrics Cost Spend by carrier, zone Performance On-time, claims Operations Volume, processing time Customer WISMO, satisfaction
Data Sources
Source Data Shipping platform Rates, labels Carriers Tracking, delivery OMS Orders, returns Support Inquiries, issues
Integration Methods
Connection Types
Method Use Case Native integration Pre-built connectors API Custom connections Webhooks Real-time events Manual import Low volume
API Strategy
Integration Priority Sales channels High Shipping platform High Inventory High Customer comms Medium
Building Your Stack
By Volume
Volume Stack Complexity 0-100/day Simple, integrated 100-500/day Multi-system 500+/day Enterprise, custom
Growth Considerations
Stage Focus Startup Simple, fast setup Growth Automation, scale Enterprise Custom, optimized
Evaluation Criteria
Criterion Questions Features Does it do what we need? Integration Works with our systems? Scalability Handles our growth? Cost Fits our budget? Support Help when needed?
Implementation
Rollout Plan
Phase Focus 1 Core shipping platform 2 Channel integrations 3 Automation setup 4 Analytics dashboard 5 Optimization
atoship in Your Stack Core shipping platform:
Carrier access : All major carriersIntegrations : Major platformsAPI : Custom connectionsTracking : Unified visibilityAnalytics : Performance data
Conclusion An effective shipping technology stack enables scale and efficiency. Start with a solid shipping platform like atoship, integrate with your sales and fulfillment systems, and add analytics for continuous improvement. Build for your current needs with room to grow.
Ready to save on shipping? Get started with Atoship for free and access discounted USPS, UPS, and FedEx rates. No monthly fees, no contracts.
Create Free Account 
