Order Processing Workflow Overview
This document explains the complete order processing workflow in GoWarehouse system, from order creation to shipment completion.
Workflow Overview
The order processing workflow involves collaboration between Admin (client backend) and Operator (warehouse operations) roles, ensuring smooth operation from order creation to shipment.
Key Roles
| Role | Responsibility | Main Operations |
|---|---|---|
| Admin (Client) | Order creation & management | Create orders, track order status, modify order information |
| Operator (Warehouse Staff) | Order execution & shipment | Receive orders, pick items, pack, arrange shipment |
Complete Workflow Diagram
Interactive diagram (OrderProcessFlow)
This diagram will be re-provided as a static image. For now, please refer to the corresponding page in the system.
Order State Machine (Interactive)
Below is an interactive order state machine diagram. Click on each state to view detailed transition rules:
Interactive diagram (OrderStateMachine)
This diagram will be re-provided as a static image. For now, please refer to the corresponding page in the system.
💡 Usage Tip: Click on the state nodes in the diagram to view detailed descriptions and available operations for each state.
Detailed Stage Descriptions
Stage 1: Create Order (Admin)
Operating Role: Admin (Client)
Operation Path: Admin Backend → Order Management → New Order
Operation Steps:
- Click "New Order" button
- Select or add delivery address
- Add order products:
- Select products (supports barcode scanning)
- Enter quantity
- Confirm product information
- Set shipment information:
- Expected shipment date
- Remarks
- Confirm order content and submit
Key Fields:
- ✅ Delivery address (required)
- ✅ Order products (at least one item)
- ✅ Product quantity (required)
- ⭕ Expected shipment date (optional)
- ⭕ Order remarks (optional)
Order Status Change:
- Status after creation:
Pending
Stage 2: Receive Order (Operator)
Operating Role: Operator (Warehouse Staff)
Operation Path: Operator Backend → Order Management → Pending Orders
Operation Steps:
- View pending order list
- Click order to view details
- Confirm order information:
- Delivery address
- Product list
- Quantity
- Special requirements
- Click "Start Processing" button
Order Status Change:
Pending→Processing
Stage 3: Picking Operation (Operator)
Operating Role: Operator (Warehouse Staff)
Operation Path: Operator Backend → Order Management → Processing Orders → Picking
Operation Steps:
- Enter order picking page
- Pick items according to product list
- Scan product barcodes for confirmation:
- System automatically matches products
- Enter picked quantity
- Confirm inventory deduction
- Complete picking for all products
- Click "Picking Complete"
Important Notes:
- ⚠️ Must scan barcodes to confirm product accuracy
- ⚠️ Picked quantity cannot exceed order quantity
- ⚠️ Notify Admin immediately if inventory is insufficient
Stage 4: Parcel Operation (Operator)
Operating Role: Operator (Warehouse Staff)
Operation Path: Operator Backend → Order Management → Picked Orders → Parcel
Operation Steps:
- Enter order parcel page
- Check product list
- Pack products
- Print shipment label
- Attach label and take photo record
- Click "Parcel Complete"
Order Status Change:
Processing→Packed
Stage 5: Shipping Operation (Operator)
Operating Role: Operator (Warehouse Staff)
Operation Path: Operator Backend → Order Management → Packed Orders → Shipping
Operation Steps:
- Enter order shipment page
- Select logistics company
- Enter tracking number
- Upload shipment photos
- Set actual shipment date
- Click "Confirm Shipment"
Order Status Change:
Packed→Shipped
Automatic System Actions:
- ✅ Send shipment notification to Admin
- ✅ Update inventory quantity
- ✅ Record shipment time
Stage 6: Order Tracking (Admin)
Operating Role: Admin (Client)
Operation Path: Admin Backend → Order Management → Order List
Operation Steps:
- View order list
- Click order to view details
- Check order status:
- Current status
- Shipping information
- Tracking number
- Shipping photos
- Notify customer of shipment information
Stage 7: Order Completion
Trigger Condition: Order shipped and customer confirms receipt
Order Status Change:
Shipped→Completed
Order Status Overview
| Status Code | Chinese Name | English Name | Description | Responsible Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
pending | 待處理 | Pending | Order created, waiting for warehouse processing | Admin |
processing | 處理中 | Processing | Order is being picked | Operator |
packed | 已包裝 | Packed | Products packed, waiting for shipment | Operator |
shipped | 已出貨 | Shipped | Products shipped, waiting for customer receipt | Operator |
completed | 已完成 | Completed | Order completed | Admin |
canceled | 已取消 | canceled | Order canceled | Admin / Operator |
Real-World Use Cases
Scenario 1: Standard Order Processing
Problem: Customer placed an order with 5 items, needs quick shipment
Solution:
- Admin creates order in backend, selects delivery address, adds 5 items
- After submission, system automatically notifies Operator
- Operator receives order, starts picking operation
- Uses barcode scanner to confirm each item, completes picking
- Packs products and attaches shipment label
- Arranges logistics shipment, enters tracking number
- Admin receives shipment notification, checks order status and logistics information
Benefits:
- ✅ Automated workflow reduces manual errors
- ✅ Real-time status updates, both parties always informed of progress
- ✅ Barcode scanning ensures product accuracy
- ✅ Complete records, every step traceable
Scenario 2: Urgent Order Express Processing
Problem: Customer has urgent order, needs same-day shipment
Solution:
- Admin creates order, notes "Urgent Order - Same Day Shipment" in remarks
- Sets expected shipment date to current day
- Operator receives order, prioritizes processing
- Quickly completes picking, parcel, and shipment workflow
- Real-time status updates allow Admin to track progress
Benefits:
- ✅ Remarks feature clearly communicates special requirements
- ✅ Priority marking helps Operator identify urgent orders
- ✅ Real-time status updates provide transparency
Scenario 3: Partial Out-of-Stock Handling
Problem: One item in order has insufficient inventory
Solution:
- Operator discovers Product A is out of stock during picking
- Immediately notifies Admin (via system remarks or instant messaging)
- Admin decides handling method:
- Option 1: Ship available products first, backorder out-of-stock items
- Option 2: Cancel the item, adjust order
- Option 3: Wait for restock and ship together
- Execute corresponding workflow based on decision
Benefits:
- ✅ Real-time communication avoids delays
- ✅ Flexible handling for different situations
- ✅ Maintains customer satisfaction
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can orders be modified after creation?
A: Yes, but with status limitations:
- ✅
Pendingstatus: Admin can modify order content (products, quantity, address) - ⚠️
Processingstatus: Need to contact Operator to confirm if modification is possible - ❌ After
Packed: Cannot modify, need to cancel order and recreate if changes required
Q2: How to cancel an order?
A: Cancellation process depends on order status:
Pending: Admin can cancel directlyProcessing: Need to contact Operator for confirmation, can cancel if not pickedPackedor later: Requires coordination between parties, may incur fees
Example:
Admin Backend → Order Details → Click "Cancel Order" button → Confirm cancellationQ3: How often is order status updated?
A: Order status is updated in real-time:
- ✅ System immediately updates status when Operator completes each stage
- ✅ Admin can view latest status in real-time
- ✅ Key status changes trigger notifications (e.g., shipped)
Q4: How to query order history records?
A: Complete operation records can be viewed on order details page:
- Enter order details page
- View "Operation Records" or "Timeline" section
- Records include: operation time, operator, status changes, remarks
Q5: What if product barcode cannot be scanned during picking?
A: Handling steps:
- Check if barcode is damaged or blurred
- Try manually entering barcode digits
- If still unrecognizable, search using product SKU
- Notify Admin to update product barcode information
Q6: Can an order be shipped in multiple batches?
A: Current system is designed for full order shipment, but can handle through:
- Split original order into multiple sub-orders
- Each sub-order processed and shipped independently
- Note related order numbers in remarks
Q7: How to handle return orders?
A: Return workflow:
- Admin creates return request in system (linked to original order)
- Record return reason and quantity
- Operator receives returned products and inspects
- Update inventory quantity
- System records return information
Q8: How to check order logistics information?
A: Logistics information can be viewed on order details page:
- Logistics company name
- Tracking number (copyable)
- Shipping date
- Shipping photos (if available)
- Click tracking number to jump to logistics company website for tracking
Q9: How to print order picking list?
A: Operator backend provides print function:
- Enter order details or picking page
- Click "Print Picking List" button
- System generates PDF format list
- List includes: product name, SKU, quantity, barcode, storage location
Q10: What if order quantity doesn't match actual inventory?
A: Handling steps:
- Confirm system inventory quantity
- Physically count actual inventory
- If mismatch confirmed:
- Update system inventory quantity
- Record discrepancy reason
- Notify Admin that order may need adjustment
- Create inventory adjustment record
Q11: How to set order priority?
A: Priority can be indicated through:
- Use order remarks to note "Urgent", "Priority Processing"
- Set expected shipment date (earlier = higher priority)
- Operator can filter urgent orders in backend filter
- System sorts by expected shipment date
Example Remarks:
🔥 Urgent Order - Same Day Shipment
⏰ Priority Processing - Customer requires next day deliveryQ12: Can order products be substituted?
A: Substitution possible in specific situations:
- Flexible Substitute Products: System supports setting alternative products
- Out-of-Stock Substitution: If original product out of stock, Operator can select substitute
- Requires Admin Approval: Need to notify Admin for confirmation before substitution
- Record Substitution Reason: System records substituted products and reasons
Best Practice: Recommend pre-setting substitute products in "Flexible Products" feature to speed up processing.
Important Notes
⚠️ Important Reminders:
- Order Data Accuracy: Carefully verify delivery address and product information before creating order
- Real-Time Communication: Notify the other role immediately when issues arise to avoid delays
- Barcode Scanning: Operator must scan barcodes during picking to avoid errors
- Inventory Management: Regularly count inventory to ensure system matches actual stock
- Status Updates: Operator should promptly update order status after completing each stage
- Photo Records: Recommend taking photos during parcel and shipment as evidence
Related Feature Links
- 📋 Admin Order Management - Create and track orders
- 🏭 Operator Order Processing - Picking, parcel, shipment operations
- 📦 Inbound Operation Workflow - Product inbound process
- 📍 Contact Address Management - Manage delivery addresses
Path Information
Feature Paths
- Admin Order Management:
/admin/orders - Operator Order Processing:
/operator/orders
Documentation Web Paths
- Chinese Documentation:
http://localhost:3000/docs/processes/order-processing/overview - English Documentation:
http://localhost:3000/docs/processes/order-processing/overview(Switch language to EN)
💡 Tip: Select "Order Processing Workflow" in the Process Guides menu to open this document.