Introduction
IRP is aware of ongoing issues with shipping technology partner Intersoft. Intersoft's Intelligent Shipper issues have impacted shipping services for some Merchants - so IRP met Intersoft this week and can now give an update on why Intersoft is having issues.
All Shipping Intermediary Platforms are experiencing issues, with tariff changes and evolving international trade requirements causing problems. These changes have created pressure on systems responsible for label printing, customs handling, duties calculation, and cross-border compliance.
How Intersoft Intelligent Shipper Issues Affect Merchants
Intersoft have been a reliable IRP shipping technology partner for many years - however recently their support has been causing some Merchants concern. These Intersoft issues are a wider Industry and Intersoft problem and not related in any way to the IRP platform - and Intersoft still remain the leading technology provider to manage complex carrier integrations.
Upcoming Changes to Intelligent Shipper
Current issues with Intersoft stem from a combination of Intersoft external and platform-related changes. Some services currently accessed through Intelligent Shipper will be removed due to the Royal Mail ParcelForce merger.
Issues faced may be: Intermittent problems with label generation and printing, Delays in resolving support queries, Incorrect generation of customs documentation, Service disruptions and inconsistencies across carriers such as Royal Mail, FedEx, Parcelforce, An Post, and DPD, Delays and limitations in the availability of certain international and DDP (Delivered Duties Paid) services.
Carriers being Removed from the Intersoft Integration ⚠️
Intersoft are also removing integrations for a number of carriers planned for the 21st of March.
- Parcelforce International
Merchant Workaround for Removed Carriers
IRP is currently assessing a workaround for IRP Merchants relying on Parcelforce International services for label generation. Parcelforce domestic label generation is NOT affected.
Royal Mail's ‘Click & Drop’ may help reduce manual processing required following the removal of Parcelforce International services. The format of an example Click & Drop Feed is found here. Merchants may also look for alternative carriers within the Intersoft API such as FedEx and DPD.
IRP has conveyed to Intersoft in strong terms the material impact this disruption is having on Merchants. Merchants can find out more on the Intersoft Website. They may also explore Alternative Carriers within Intersoft for printing International Labels.
In Summary
Intersoft plays a key operational role for some Merchants and we have conveyed Merchant concerns. View more details on the Intersoft Website.
The Royal Mail Click and Drop may provide an alternative to ParcelForce International label printing from Intersoft as will Alternative Carriers. We will update this document with any further information.