Billbee & DHL Fulfillment Successfully Connected:

In a project for an internationally active online retailer, we developed a seamless interface between Billbee and DHL Fulfillment. Unlike classic DHL shipping, the products were stored directly in the DHL Fulfillment center and shipped across Europe from there. The challenge: ensuring smooth communication between the two systems via XML files over an SFTP server.

Automated Product Upload – Simple and Structured

The project started with automating product transfers from Billbee to DHL. Product data was retrieved via the Billbee REST API, processed, and sent to DHL in XML format. Since new products were rarely added, a one-time sync was sufficient – however, the interface is prepared to automatically transfer new products as well.

Order Transmission Including Customs: Handling EU & Non-EU Shipments

A key focus was order transfer. DHL Fulfillment ships Europe-wide, which made the XML order file structure especially complex for shipments outside the EU. For non-EU orders (e.g. Switzerland or the UK), extended customs information was required. To solve this, we:

- Developed country-specific translation tables
- Implemented intelligent order splitting by destination region
- Created dynamic XML generation based on the shipping country

This ensured all shipments – whether to France or Norway – were correctly processed and exported.

Smart Packaging Unit Conversion – Save Warehouse Space

Another highlight was the dynamic conversion of packaging units. One product was sold both as a 5-pack and a 20-pack, but the 20-pack existed only virtually — it consisted of four 5-packs. The solution:
The interface automatically detects 20-packs and converts them into four 5-packs — no separate storage needed. This saves space and costs.
We extended this logic to other products, enabling more efficient warehousing without extra effort for you or DHL.

Status Feedback & Inventory Reconciliation – Everything in Sync

After shipment, DHL provides a tracking XML file. This is automatically processed, shipment numbers are fed back into Billbee, and order statuses updated. Additionally, inventory reconciliation with DHL keeps Billbee updated with current stock levels, ensuring you stay in control.

Outlook: Automated Replenishment & Forecasting

Future extensions of the connector are possible – for example, automated replenishment triggered by threshold breaches or based on order volume forecasts.

Conclusion: Interface Development with Real Added Value

This project demonstrates how custom interfaces between Billbee and DHL Fulfillment create a fully automated and scalable logistics solution — focusing on data quality, efficiency, and internationalization.