Unlocking Package Data: Can Shopify Flow Export Dimensions?
Diving into Package Data Exports with Shopify Flow
Hey everyone! So, I stumbled across an interesting question in the Shopify Community the other day from dina_bioland_sci: they were trying to figure out if Shopify Flow could be used to export package data, specifically the dimensions. It seems like the Shopify chatbot gave them some hope, but they weren't sure where to start. Let's unpack this a bit, shall we?
The Initial Question: Is it Possible?
dina_bioland_sci asked if anyone had thoughts on exporting package dimensions using Flow. They mentioned having limited experience with Flow and weren't sure about the right trigger to use. It's a great question because automating the extraction of package data could be super useful for reporting, analytics, or even integrating with third-party logistics providers.
The Reality Check: API Limitations
Unfortunately, tim_1 chimed in with some potentially disappointing news. According to them, there isn't a direct API to query package data. They pointed out the shippingPackageUpdate - GraphQL Admin mutation, which allows you to update package measurements, but not retrieve them. And even that mutation is specific to "Custom package" data. Ouch!
Here's what tim_1 had to say:
Not really.
As far as I know, there is no API to get this data.
There are some mutations in API to update package measurements, like shippingPackageUpdate - GraphQL Admin, but there is no queries and even then it relates to “Custom package” data.
There is no link to package data from Fulfillments.
So, What Are Our Options? (The Tricky Part)
Okay, so the direct route via Flow and a readily available API seems like a no-go. But that doesn't mean we're completely dead in the water. Here are a few alternative approaches we might consider, keeping in mind they might require some creative problem-solving:
- Custom App Development: This would involve building a private Shopify app that uses the Admin API to listen for fulfillment events. When a fulfillment is created or updated, the app could capture the package dimensions (if available) and store them in a separate database. From there, you could use Flow to access this database and export the data. This is definitely the most complex option.
- Webhooks and a Middleware Service: Similar to the custom app approach, you could use webhooks to listen for fulfillment events. However, instead of building a full-blown app, you could use a middleware service like Zapier or Integromat (now Make) to receive the webhook data, extract the package dimensions (if present), and then push that data to a Google Sheet or other accessible location. Flow could then trigger based on changes in that external data source.
- Manual Export and Import: This is the least automated, but potentially the simplest, option. If you only need the data occasionally, you could manually export your order data (including fulfillment information) from Shopify, then use a spreadsheet program to extract the package dimensions. You could then import this data into another system or use it directly.
Why Is This Data So Hard to Get?
That's a really good question! Shopify's API is incredibly powerful, but it doesn't expose everything. Package dimensions might be considered less critical data for the majority of merchants, so it might not have been prioritized for API access. Or, it could be due to the complexities of how different carriers and fulfillment services handle package information.
Wrapping Up: It's a Challenge, But Not Impossible
So, while Shopify Flow might not be the silver bullet for exporting package dimensions directly, there are definitely ways to get the data you need. It just might require a bit more effort and a more creative approach. Depending on your technical skills and the frequency with which you need this data, one of the options above should work. It really boils down to weighing the complexity against the benefits and figuring out what's the best fit for your business. Good luck, and happy automating!