ozpost shipping module

Hi Rod,

That was it, the parcel was letter size and I was hiding parcel rates when letters were not available.

Cheers,

Peter.

** May 22nd 2011 - New update, ozpost v2.3.0 for zencart**

New Methods added:

    Express Post International 2Kg Prepaid Satchel
    Express Post International 3Kg Prepaid Satchel
    Express Post International 5Kg Prepaid Box
    Express Post International 10Kg Prepaid Box
    Express Post International 20Kg Prepaid Box

    Express Courier International 500gm Prepaid Satchel
    Express Courier International 1Kg Prepaid Satchel
    Express Courier International 2Kg Prepaid Satchel
    Express Courier International 3Kg Prepaid Satchel
    Express Courier International 5Kg Prepaid Box
    Express Courier International 10Kg Prepaid Box
    Express Courier International 20Kg Prepaid Box

    TNT Overnight Express by 9:00am
    TNT Overnight Express by 10:00am
    TNT Overnight Express by Midday

Added support automatic fallback to the secondary server if the primary server fails. (improved code, doesn't rely on DNS updates)

Enabled a new field for the ORIGIN suburb/postcode of shipments (separate from the store suburb/postcode)

Added new option to display common errors, such as overweight or oversized carts, bad postcodes, etc. (not as 'noisy' as the DEBUG output)

Improved error trapping/checking

For reliability reasons alone all users are encouraged to update.

RodG:

** May 22nd 2011 - New update, ozpost v2.3.0 for zencart**

New Methods added:

For reliability reasons alone all users are encouraged to update.

Gidday Mate,
Well what more can you do with an already pretty good module, the last version works pretty damn good
Thank You for your service and contribution
daveh

ozprodrivers:

Gidday Mate,
Well what more can you do with an already pretty good module,

Not a lot actually... mostly a matter of adding new methods when they become available. :smile:

For many people this is reason enough to upgrade, but in my opinion the most significant change has been in regards to reliability. Although the current server has proven to be very reliable (only one known/logged failure in 12 months), the fact that it happened at all, causing the quotes to fail for approx 1hr a month or so ago, it was enough to freak me out (instant panic).

I never want that to happen again, which is why this latest update will now query the secondary server if the primary is unreachable. The previous fallover method was to update the DNS entry to point to the secondary server if the primary failed, which was great in theory, but in practice it didn't work because the server that failed was also the one responsible for doing the DNS update... arrrggghhhhh!!!

The other significant change is the ability to display various error messages... I'm hoping this will help cut down some of the basic support questions, especially with new sites/setups :D

Mainly though, the most important change really is the server redundancy.

Cheers
Rod

Hi Rod

I'm still using v2.0.6, mainly due to the 'packing method' code hacks that I've done to v2.0.6 and the time/effort required to install, test and probably re-hack the new version for optimal packing.

NEW BUG:
The new version seems to have mucked up my Fastway freight quotes which have worked reliably until the new release.

A3 Satchel 2320 to 2096 should be $10.40 + handling fee. Current quote is $8.80

Label (Lime-ShortHaul) 2320 to 2096 should be $12.80 + handling fee.
Current quote is $9.20

Can you please look into this and advise. Possibly something to do with your ORIGIN Postcode mentioned for new version. My version has only Dispatch Postcode.

I'm not sure yet, but possibly AusPost parcel quotes are out too.

Hope to hear from you very soon.

Cheers
Greig

GAM:

I'm still using v2.0.6, mainly due to the 'packing method' code hacks that I've done to v2.0.6 and the time/effort required to install, test and probably re-hack the new version for optimal packing.

How about sending me a copy of your hacked file(s) and I'll see if I can either utilise your code, or make it easier for you to maintain your changes in between updates. (no promises, but it could be a lot easier than either of us imagine).

GAM:

NEW BUG:
The new version seems to have mucked up my Fastway freight quotes which have worked reliably until the new release.

A3 Satchel 2320 to 2096 should be $10.40 + handling fee. Current quote is $8.80

Label (Lime-ShortHaul) 2320 to 2096 should be $12.80 + handling fee.
Current quote is $9.20

Can you please look into this and advise.

As with all bug reports, I'll certainly look into it, but I can't possibly imagine how the new zencart client code would possibly affect the older client code.

Yes, there have also been changes to the server code to support the new methods/features, but this was all completed and has been operational for well over a month, so if there were any detrimental effects as a result then that is when it would have first started.
It is possible it has been broken all this time and you are simply the first to notice/report it?

GAM:

Possibly something to do with your ORIGIN Postcode mentioned for new version. My version has only Dispatch Postcode.

Actually, your version DOES have an origin postcode. It is the same postcode that is used in your store configuration settings under 'shipping & packaging'.

It may seem a bit superfluous having this postcode AND (probably) the same code for the new origin setting, but this came about as a result of creating modules for other stores that allow the store postcode and the dispatch postcode to be different.
Zencart doesn't actually have a store postcode, only the shipping postcode. which was also used for storeID purposes. The new code still treats the zencart shipping postcode as part of the storeID and the new data field is used as the dispatch postcode.. if this field doesn't exist the server will use the storeId postcode as it always has done.

Anyway, the upshot is, since these are now separate fields it will, at some time in the future, be possible to support drop-shipping type quotes where the products may be dispatched from several different locations.

Well, them's the tech details of the changes made in this regard.

As I said, I can't see how the latest client release would affect your existing code/results, but I still need to assume this is the first report of a previously unnoticed bug.

Cheers
Rod.

Hi Rod

Thanks for your reply.

I will provide my hacked file for you. It would be great if what you suggest is possible and easy enough. You might also like some of the methods/options I'm using for the base code. My file/code is a bit messy still (never got back to it) and the reason why I have never sent it you as I suggested I would ages ago. Where/how should I send it?

There was definitely a change in the Fastway rates since 25/5/2011. If not an origin/dispatch postcode thing, then... <strike>possibly</strike> DEFINITELY it is the difference between Frequent and Standard Rates from Fastway.

I've just double-checked the rates from Fastway. My store is quoting 'frequent user' rates despite my 'standard user' setting in Admin.

Cheers
Greig

Hi Rod,

Can you please check the latest download from the Zencart Add-ons (ozpost_V2-3-1.zip)? It's missing the admin files. I downloaded it twice, so I don't think it's me.

Ozpost - Fastway shipping not splitting boxes

Hi

I have fresh install of Zencart v1.3.9h with the following addons: oz post v2.3.1, dual pricing v1.7, nab transact v1.3, image handler v2.

I have configured the ozpost module for Australia Post and Fastway. So far this works fine until I test bulk orders.

eg. 7 products - each product is 41cm x 49cm x 9cm. This should theoretically produce two boxes to be shipped as one shipping box would fit 5 of these products.

For some reason though it it doesn't split the products? Does the ozpost module not calculate multiple shipping boxes? Or have I set something incorrectly?

Any help would be appreciated as the client would like to go live soon.

Calculations and shipping settings attached.

Angelina

Re: Ozpost - Fastway shipping not splitting boxes

Hi

Further to my previous post I should have included a better example - the previous example still calculated the correct amount but shows incorrect parcel size and no of boxes - once the weight limit for fastway is reached it then causes an error. I would have thought that it would have split the parcel into two or more boxes and still provided a quote? Are my assumptions incorrect?

See attached example.

Angelina

tpeck:

Hi Rod,

Can you please check the latest download from the Zencart Add-ons (ozpost_V2-3-1.zip)? It's missing the admin files. I downloaded it twice, so I don't think it's me.

Oh, fuggl##############!!
Yes they are missing... I'll be repackaging and re-uploading ASAP.

Meanwhile, since you are doing an upgrade you can ignore them. The files you already have in place will do the job.

Cheers
Rod

Angelight:

I have configured the ozpost module for Australia Post and Fastway. So far this works fine until I test bulk orders.
<snip>
For some reason though it it doesn't split the products? Does the ozpost module not calculate multiple shipping boxes? Or have I set something incorrectly?

The ozpost module does not and will not split parcels. All of my attempts to support this without risking the creation of physically impossible parcels or splitting items in impossible ways. have failed (and generally caused more problems than it has solved).

However, just because I have long given up with the near impossible task, others still think it worth trying, so with this in mind the ozpost module has a toggle to allow people to pass this task back over to zencart ... This is what the "Use Core weight" setting is for.

By enabling this function the 'normal' zencart parcel splitting, weight settings/limits, tare, etc will be used to create the packages rather than the ozpost supplied code.

Cheers
Rod

Thanks Rod

I will enable it and see what I can do for the client.

Cheers

Angelina

Hi Rod,

Long time not hear :-) so hope everything is well in your world.

I have just installed in a clean installation for a potential customer of yours :-) the ozpost_V2-3-2 (first install -60 days free) and got a problem.

I can not get the fields for height,length etc to show up when adding or editing a product. I have tried reuploading everything/unistalling and reinstalling etc no success.

I did then a comparison between a couple o files from theV2-3-2 and V2-0-9 and discovered that there are some parts missing.

For example the update_products.php from V2-0-9 has at line 43 and 44 the following:
'products_height' => $products_height,
'products_length' => $products_length,

That is missing in V2-3-2. Similar fileds are missing also from the language file.

I downloaded the module from the Zen cart site so I am not sure what is happening. Can you please advise?

Regards

Tassos
PS. the web site that the module has been installed is mirrorworks.com.au

hrinfo:

I downloaded the module from the Zen cart site so I am not sure what is happening. Can you please advise?

Please re-download from http://ozpost.net

Apparently the upload I did on the zencart site managed to include the original zencart files rather than the replacements.

Meanwhile I have just had a report of a rather odd installation bug (apparently new systems only, and only if no products have been added). I plan to look into this one this evening so there will probably be yet another update in a day or so.

Cheers
Rod.

Hi Rod,

As always helpfull :-), It worked thanks and I will keep an eye out for the update.

Thanks

Tassos

RodG:

The ozpost module does not and will not split parcels. All of my attempts to support this without risking the creation of physically impossible parcels or splitting items in impossible ways. have failed (and generally caused more problems than it has solved).

However, just because I have long given up with the near impossible task, others still think it worth trying, so with this in mind the ozpost module has a toggle to allow people to pass this task back over to zencart ... This is what the "Use Core weight" setting is for.

By enabling this function the 'normal' zencart parcel splitting, weight settings/limits, tare, etc will be used to create the packages rather than the ozpost supplied code.

Cheers
Rod

Hi Rod

The only way I have managed to split parcels to suit is to disable Ozpost for a certain categories (such as for oversized, overweight or high value products, eg art) and then arrange to manually provide a shipping quote.

I have often thought it useful to provide a checkbox flag on the Admin product input page that would disable/enable all shipping mods (except maybe the quote option) for products so flagged, but getting this to work with all shipping modules is a challenge for me.

Currently I use an IF statement in each shipping mod to disable that mod and force a special quote, however, with every new release of a shipping mod, the IF statement must be reinserted.

It would be super convenient if a basic version of such an IF statement was pre-written into Ozpost, whereby admins only had to insert their special category(s) or product(s) to disable the mod.

If such an IF statement already exists in Ozpost, can you please tell where it is, as I have yet to find it.

Nevertheless thanks for a great mod.

Cheers

dw08gm:

It would be super convenient if a basic version of such an IF statement was pre-written into Ozpost, whereby admins only had to insert their special category(s) or product(s) to disable the mod.

If such an IF statement already exists in Ozpost, can you please tell where it is, as I have yet to find it.

Like all good shipping modules, the ozpost module makes use of and honors the $this-enabled variable.

The IF statements that you are inserting into the individual modules is the correct thing to do, as the same code will be applicable to all modules.. a simple insert and you are done.
If the ozpost module had this line added with just the category variables that need to be changed I believe this would complicate things because then the ozpost module would need to be treated differently to the other modules.

Having said that, if you have a number of shipping modules that you need to modify, why not consider modifying the code that calls up the shipping modules in the first place? This way you can enable/disable any combination of modules in a single place, and you'll only need to update when the zencart core code gets updated.

Cheers
Rod

Now available: ozpost v3.0.0 The last update you'll ever need?

This is the first release of the new Series 3.

This update includes all the code fixes and changes up to and including the V2.3.4 release, plus one major new feature. This is possibly the last update you'll ever need!!!! Yes, starting from V3.0.0 this module now has the capability to update itself as new releases become available.

An option has been added to enable/disable the automatic updates, as well as another option for those that prefer (or still need) manual upgrades, this option will allow the saving of existing database settings during manual upgrades and/or re-installs. .

Any and all feedback welcome.

tip: for those that wish to 'test' the automatic upgrades may do so by 'faking' the version number of the V3.0.0 installation by altering the version number in the main ozpost.php file to something a lower than v3... eg: v2.0.0 or v1.0.0 - The actual number isn't important as long as it is lower, and in the same format. All being well, after doing this, the next time you log into the shipping section of your control panel the 'new' upgrade should take place, and just to confirm, the 'new' file should be identical to the original (unmodified) file, and your modified file will be renamed to ozpost.version where version is the version number you used in the modified file.

For those that are wondering, this was a 'fun' thing to code/test because when I made a change because things didn't quite work right any changes I made were being instantly overwritten by the 'latest' file on the server, which of course was the one with the problem I was trying to fix.. talk about a catch22 :)

Also please note: The upgrade code only updates the main ozpost.php file, it (currently) doesn't update any of the supplemental files (icons, etc). These are still only available via the distribution packages. I can/will add this additional functionality if/when needed.

Enjoy :)

Rod

Hi Rod

I have taken over a site that is using this module, thay apparently purchased a $90 subscription last year, they are updating their site and changing their domain name, i can't seem to find any licensing info, or how to transfer a subscription is there something i am missing?