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Reader Link as Source

Table of Contents

How To Connect Product Operations Order Operation

Reader Link is a Source integration that exchanges files over SFTP to support multiple operation, such as Get Shipments, Get Inventory (secondary), Send Fulfillment Requests, and Get Fulfillment Request Acknowledgments. Each operation consumes or produces structured files, applies your mapping templates, and can run on demand or on a schedule. When archive paths are configured, processed files are moved out of inbound/outbound folders to prevent reprocessing and keep directories clean. This guide outlines prerequisites, configuration fields, mapping utilities, run/verify steps, and basic troubleshooting applicable across all Reader Link operations.

 

How To Connect

🧭 Phase 1: Launch the Source Wizard +
Open Sources and start the Wizard
Go to Sources (building icon) → + Add Source → Configure Single Source. This opens the Source Wizard.
Step 1 — Create Source
Enter a clear name (e.g., Reader Link — Source). Then choose the Source Type that best fits how this Source will be used.

Choose the right Source Type

Recommended
Vendor Warehouse
A vendor's warehouse where you send Fulfillment Requests for wholesale and/or dropship fulfillment.
  • You place POs/FRs to the supplier to fulfill orders to your customers.
  • You don’t hold this inventory yourself.
Internal Warehouse
Your own warehouse or store where you keep physical inventory in stock for fulfillment.
  • You stock and ship items from your facility.
  • Pick/pack/ship is handled by your internal team.
External Warehouse
An external warehouse where you keep your inventory stocked, fulfilled by a 3PL partner.
  • 3PL or external provider ships your owned inventory.
  • You replenish inventory to that partner.
Product Data Source
A data source of rich product content (images, titles, descriptions). Not a physical fulfillment source.
  • You only need content enrichment (no fulfillment from this source).
  • Use to enhance product details, not to ship orders.
For Reader Link: select Vendor Warehouse. This enables sending Fulfillment Requests to Reader Link and using their inventory for routing.
After selecting the Source Type, click Save & Next.
Step 2 — Vendor Set-Up
Choose Yes (Recommended) to Assign Vendor → Confirm. You’ll enable Vendor reporting and optional portal.
Step 3 — Order Fulfillment
Decide if this source is eligible to fulfill orders:
  • Yes (Recommended): You can route orders here.
  • No: Routing/Shipping steps won’t apply.
Click Confirm.
Step 4 — Order Fulfillment Settings
Use Defaults or No, Customize. You’ll see:
  • Override: Auto Processing (Use Global / Auto Process / Do NOT Auto Process).
  • Commit Stock + Inventory Management Options.
  • Allow Backorders / Cancel Unacknowledged Items.
Click Save & Next.
Step 5 — Shipping Cost Estimations
Pick one:
  • Yes, Use Rate Shopping (Real-Time Estimates).
  • No, Set Up via Rules.
If using real-time, acknowledge you have valid dimensions, weight, and source address. Click Save & Next.
Step 6 — Order Routing Groups
Enable on all routing groups? Select Yes or No, Customize. Optionally mark Default Order Routing Group. Save & Next.
Reminder: Complete Step 7 — Shipping Methods and Step 8 — Source Location in Phase 2 below, then return (if needed) to finalize.
🚚 Phase 2: Shipping Methods & Source Location (Finish the Wizard) +
Goal
Ensure orders route to Reader Link by creating Shipping Methods that your sales channel shipping options can map to. This is the routing trigger.
Step 7 — Shipping Methods
In the Wizard, click Add Method and create a minimal, reliable set:
  • Name: Standard Ground   Policy: Standard/Ground
  • Name: Expedited (2-Day)   Policy: Expedited/2-Day
  • Name: Priority (Overnight)   Policy: Priority/Overnight
Tip: Even with Rate Shopping, you need at least one method here so routing can match by Policy / channel shipping code.
Carrier / Method Fields
Leave Carrier/Method generic if unsure. Reader Link will choose the service at fulfillment. The important part is the Policy matching your channel option.
Step 8 — Source Location (Ship From)
Enter the Ship From address:
  • Address, City, State/Code, Postal Code, Country/Code
  • Optional: Contact Name, Phone, Email
Finish the Wizard
Review Steps 7–8, then click Save and Complete. The wizard is now finished.
Next: Proceed to Phase 3 to create the Reader Link integration under Integrations.
🔌 Phase 3: Create the Reader Link Integration (after the wizard) +
Open Integrations
From your completed Source, go to Integrations → Send Fulfillment Requests and click Start Creating Integrations.
Select Reader Link
In the catalog, search Reader Link (usually under Custom). Select it → click Save and Proceed.
Create or Reuse a Connection
Choose an existing connection and Test, or click Create New Connection to set up a new FTP/SFTP connection for Reader Link.
Enter Credentials (from Reader Link IT/EDI)
Ask your Reader Link onboarding/IT contact for the file-transfer credentials. You’ll typically receive:
  • FTP Protocol (FTP / FTPS / SFTP)
  • FTP Host (e.g., 68.178.194.170)
  • FTP Port (e.g., 21 for FTP)
  • FTP Username
  • FTP Password
How to get them: Request “Flxpoint file-transfer credentials for Fulfillment Requests” from your Reader Link account manager or EDI/IT team. They’ll confirm protocol, host/port, and provide the user/password (or SFTP key instructions if applicable).
Security: Use the exact protocol Reader Link specifies. If they require SFTP, select SFTP and use the provided port/key. Never share credentials outside your team.
Test & Save
Click Test Connection. If successful, click Save Connection.
If test fails:
  • Re-enter Host/Port and Username/Password exactly as provided (watch for whitespace).
  • Confirm your network allows outbound traffic to the specified host/port.
  • Ask Reader Link to verify the account is active and whitelisted.
(Optional) Acks/Shipments Archive Paths
After FR is sending, you can configure archive directories for Acknowledgements and Shipments under their respective integrations (Get Fulfillment Request Acknowledgements and Get Shipments). Add the paths Reader Link provides so processed files move to your archive folders automatically.
✅ Phase 4: Mapping & Activation +
FR File Mapping (Send Fulfillment Requests)
Configure your Send Fulfillment Requests mapping template per Reader Link’s required fields (order header, line, quantities, ship-to, etc.). Add transforms as needed.
SKU & Master SKU (Linking Strategy)
Use a normalized Master SKU to link products across sources and channels.
  • Do NOT add prefixes in Source Inventory (keep supplier SKU exactly as provided by Reader Link).
  • Create any prefix in the Master SKU only (e.g., transform: "RL-" + [SupplierSKU]).
  • If importing listings, link channel SKUs to this same Master SKU so publishing/updates sync correctly.
See: Master SKU & Source Inventory – linking & prefix guidance.
Activate & Monitor
Click Save and Complete. Monitor runs and notifications under Integrations.
No files moving? Confirm mapping saved, that the integration uses the correct Reader Link Connection, then re-run.

 


Product Operations

Get Inventory (Secondary) 

Supported

ReaderLink — Get Inventory (Secondary)

Introduction

Get Inventory (Secondary) imports a supplemental availability/cost file from ReaderLink over FTP and updates your inventory records in Flxpoint using a dedicated Mapping Template. Use this when ReaderLink provides a separate inventory feed you want to apply alongside your primary catalog.

  • 1Create/Select Connection: Choose ReaderLink in the connector list → Create New Connection (or select an existing one) and enter FTP details:
    Protocol: FTP  |  Host: 68.178.194.170  |  Port: 21
    Username/Password: provided by ReaderLink.
    Click Test Connection and then Save Connection.
  • 2Configure Settings: Set your inbound folder and file handling, then save.
    Inbound Remote File Folder Example: /sftp/RDS/Incoming/BolderRoad/Inventory/
    File Action Move (recommended)
    Move To Directory Example: /sftp/RDS/Incoming/BolderRoad/Archive/
    Advanced Settings Allow Create Variant — typically Off for secondary inventory feeds.
    Archive / Un-Archive Inventory Optional. If enabled, items missing from the feed are archived (qty set to 0) and later un-archived if they reappear.
    Tip: If your primary ReaderLink inventory already uses Archive/Un-Archive, avoid enabling it again on Secondary to prevent double-archiving.
  • 3Define a Mapping Template: Select your template (e.g., ReaderLink Get Inventory 1) → Save and Complete.
  • 4Run or Schedule: From the summary screen, you can run on demand and optionally enable Scheduled runs.
What you’ll see
  • Three steps marked complete: Connected → Configured → Mapped.
  • “Automate” section with a Scheduled toggle.
Archive Support for Inventory Files
When File Action is set to Move, files are moved to your selected archive folder after processing. This keeps inbound folders clean and prevents re-imports.
Template Index
Template Use Case What it Covers Availability
ReaderLink Get Inventory (Secondary) Secondary ReaderLink availability feed SKU, Quantity, Cost (and other optional fields you add) Available
Field Mapping (example)

Matches what you’ll see under Mapping Templates → ReaderLink Get Inventory 1.

ReaderLink Field Flxpoint Inventory Variant Field Required? Notes
Merchant SKU SKU Yes Primary identifier for the variant.
Quantity Quantity Yes Available quantity from the feed.
Cost Cost Optional Updates variant cost when present.
Optional Rules & Utilities
Utility / Rule Type When it Helps What it Does
Trim/Normalize SKU Rule Incoming SKUs have spaces/case differences Uppercases and trims to match your catalog keys.
Zero-out Missing Items Rule or Archive toggle Feed doesn’t include OOS items Set qty to 0 or use Archive/Un-Archive behavior.
Mapping Sets & Lists Utility Conditional quantity or vendor notes Reference lists (e.g., exclusions) or assemble values.
Operation Details
Inbound Format CSV/XLSX over FTP Read from your inbound folder.
File Handling Move (recommended) Processed files are moved to your archive directory.
Archive / Un-Archive Optional Archives items missing from the feed; restores when they reappear.
Scheduling Supported Enable the Scheduled toggle on the summary screen.
Notifications Supported You’ll receive a notification each time the job runs.
Quick Checks
  • FTP connection saved and passing Test Connection.
  • Correct inbound folder and archive folder set.
  • Mapping template selected and saved.
  • Scheduling enabled if you want automatic updates.
FAQs

No files are picked up — what should I check?
Confirm the exact inbound folder path and that files are present. Verify your ReaderLink credentials and that the connection test succeeds.

Quantities aren’t changing after a run.
Make sure Merchant SKU → SKU is mapped correctly and that the file contains the expected SKUs and quantity columns.

Processed files keep re-importing.
Set File Action to Move and provide an Archive folder so files are relocated after processing.

 
 

 

Order Operation

Send Fulfillment Requests

Supported

Reader Link — Send Fulfillment Requests

Introduction

Send Fulfillment Requests drops a Purchase Order (PO) file for Reader Link on your outbound FTP folder using the saved Reader Link connection. The process respects optional Hold for X Hours and Only Send During Business Hours settings, and can be run on-demand or on a schedule.

  • 1Create/Select Connection: Choose Reader Link from Send Fulfillment Requests → Connect an Integration, then Create New Connection (or select an existing one) and enter your FTP details:
    • FTP Protocol: FTP
    • FTP Host: 68.178.194.170
    • FTP Port: 21
    • FTP Username / Password: Provided by Reader Link
    Use Test Connection → Save Connection.
  • 2Configure Settings: Set your Outbound Remote File Folder (example: /sftp/RDS/Incoming/BolderRoad/Orders/), optionally set Hold for X Hours, and enable Only Send During Business Hours if required → Save and Proceed.
  • 3Define a Mapping Template: Select your PO mapping (e.g., Send Purchase Orders 1) → Save and Complete.
  • 4Automate (optional): From the summary screen, toggle Scheduled to run on a cadence. You’ll receive a notification each run.
What you’ll see
  • Three-step setup with status badges: Connected ✓ → Configured ✓ → Mapped ✓.
  • An Automate section with a schedule toggle and a Run Integration button for manual runs.
Tip: If you need to update credentials later, open Connect an Integration → Edit on the Reader Link connection and re-test.
Template Index
Template Use Case What it Covers Availability
Send Purchase Orders (Reader Link) Creates and sends PO files to Reader Link via your FTP Outbound folder Bill-to/Ship-to addresses, PO/FR numbers, line items (SKU/Quantity/Price/MPN/UPC), shipping method & code Available
Field Mapping (Common Sections)

These reflect fields available in the Reader Link PO mapping template.

Section Key Fields Notes
Billing Address Company, Address 1/2, City, State/Code, Postal Code, Country/Code, Phone, Email Populate from your organization’s billing entity.
Shipping Address Company/Name, Address 1/2, City, State/Code, Postal Code, Country/Code, Phone, Email Ship-to customer destination for the order.
Fulfillment Request (Header) Fulfillment Request Number, Note, Total Cost/Weight, Estimated Shipping Cost Use FR/PO numbers your team tracks in Flxpoint.
Fulfillment Request Item SKU, Quantity, Title, MPN, UPC, Cost, Subtotal, PO Line Item # Ensure SKU/UPC align to Reader Link’s expectations.
Source Shipping Method Carrier, Method, Name, Shipping Code Use the code/methods provided by Reader Link.
Helpful Rules (Optional)
Example Rule Type When Effect
Derive Shipping Code Conditional Map from carrier/method/name Sets the correct Reader Link shipping code.
Fallback Phone/Email Conditional Missing contact info Injects a default support contact.
Normalize SKUs Transform Mixed cases/hyphens Uppercase and strip spaces/hyphens.
Operation Details
Capability Status Notes
Outbound Protocol FTP Uses saved Reader Link connection.
File Drop Location Remote Folder Example: /sftp/RDS/Incoming/BolderRoad/Orders/
Manual Run Supported Click Run Integration from the summary page.
Scheduling Supported Enable Scheduled and set cadence; notifications are sent each run.
Send Window Controls Supported Hold for X Hours and Only Send During Business Hours.
Quick Checks
  • Reader Link FTP connection tests successfully and is saved.
  • Correct Outbound Remote File Folder is set.
  • PO mapping template is selected and saved.
  • If nothing sends, verify hold/business-hour settings and try a manual run.
FAQs

Where do I get my Reader Link FTP credentials?
From your Reader Link account rep or onboarding packet.

Our orders didn’t send overnight—why?
Check if Only Send During Business Hours is enabled or if a hold window was set.

What should my shipping method look like?
Map Carrier/Method/Name and the Shipping Code expected by Reader Link.

 
 

Get Shipments

Supported

Reader Link — Get Shipments

Introduction

Get Shipments imports shipment confirmations from your inbound FTP folder using the saved Reader Link connection. After a successful import, processed files can be moved automatically to a configurable Shipment Archive Directory. You can run the process on-demand or schedule it.

  • 1Create/Select Connection: Choose Reader Link from Get Shipments → Connect an Integration, then Create New Connection (or select an existing one) and enter FTP details:
    • FTP Protocol: FTP
    • FTP Host: 68.178.194.170
    • FTP Port: 21
    • FTP Username / Password: Provided by Reader Link
    Use Test Connection → Save Connection.
  • 2Configure Settings:
    • Inbound Remote File Folder (example: /sftp/RDS/Incoming/BolderRoad/Ship/)
    • Shipment Archive Directory (new) — where processed SHIP files are moved after a successful import (example: /home/readerlink/archive/ship/)
    • Advanced Settings → FR Lookback Period for Get Shipments — default 90 days
    Click Save and Proceed.
  • 3Define a Mapping Template: Select your shipments template (e.g., Get Shipments 2) → Save and Complete.
  • 4Automate (optional): From the summary screen, toggle Scheduled to run on a cadence. You’ll receive a notification each run.
What you’ll see
  • Three-step setup with status badges: Connected ✓ → Configured ✓ → Mapped ✓.
  • An Automate section with a schedule toggle and a Run Integration button for manual runs.
Archive Support: After a successful import, the SHIP file is moved to your configured Shipment Archive Directory. If parsing fails, the file remains in the inbound folder so you can fix and re-run.
Template Index
Template Use Case What it Covers Availability
Get Shipments (Reader Link) Imports SHIP files from your FTP inbound folder Shipment header (carrier/service, retailer order #, tracking, shipped at, shipping cost), item-level (SKU, quantity) Available
Field Mapping — Shipment (Header)

Maps from the ReaderLink Shipments group into Flxpoint shipment header fields.

To Field From (ReaderLink) Notes
Carrier Carrier Name Text field.
Method — Not mapped (leave as Don't Map unless you convert from Service Name via rule).
Note — Optional; typically Don't Map.
Shipped At — Optional; map if ReaderLink provides a ship date/time.
Shipping Cost Shipping Cost Number field; optional if provided.
Fulfillment Request Number Retailer Order Number Used to link shipment to the correct FR.
Tracking Number Tracking Number Text field; provide Tracking URL separately if you derive one.
Tracking URL — Optional; usually derived from carrier + tracking number.
Carrier Service Name Carrier Service Name Available for rules/transformations if you want to populate Method.
Project ID Project ID Optional passthrough if provided by ReaderLink.
Field Mapping — Shipment Item

Maps from the ReaderLink Shipment Items group into item-level shipment fields.

To Field From (ReaderLink) Notes
SKU Catalog Item Primary item identifier.
Quantity Ship Qty Number of units shipped on the line.
Description (optional) Catalog Item Descr If you need to enrich downstream notifications.
All Custom Fields Direct Copy (all serial numbers) If set to Direct Copy, serials associated to the line import as item custom fields.
Helpful Rules (Optional)
Example Rule Type When Effect
Build Tracking URL Transform Carrier + Tracking Number present Generates a clickable URL for the shipment.
Map Service → Method Conditional Carrier Service Name populated Sets Flxpoint Method from vendor service codes.
Normalize SKU Transform Mixed cases/hyphens Uppercase and strip spaces/hyphens for matching.
Operation Details
Capability Status Notes
Inbound Protocol FTP Uses saved Reader Link connection.
Inbound Folder Remote Example: /sftp/RDS/Incoming/BolderRoad/Ship/
Shipment Archive Directory Supported Processed files move here after a successful import.
FR Lookback Period Configurable Advanced Setting; default 90 days.
Manual Run Supported Click Run Integration from the summary page.
Scheduling Supported Enable Scheduled and set cadence; notifications are sent each run.
Quick Checks
  • Reader Link FTP connection tests successfully and is saved.
  • Inbound Remote File Folder is correct and contains SHIP files.
  • Shipment Archive Directory exists and is writable by the SFTP user.
  • Shipments mapping template is selected and saved.
  • If nothing imports, review FR Lookback Period and try a manual run.
Archive Support – Common Issues
  • File not moving: Archive path missing/incorrect, or insufficient permissions.
  • Files reprocessed: Archive path not configured or prior run failed (file never moved).

Example archive path
/home/readerlink/archive/ship/

FAQs

Where do I enter the archive path?
In Get Shipments → Configure Settings under Shipment Archive Directory (may display as “Archive Directory”).

What happens if parsing fails?
The file stays in the inbound folder so you can fix the issue and re-run.

How far back will FRs be considered?
By the FR Lookback Period you set in Advanced Settings (90 days by default).

Status: Added a configurable SHIP archive path; documented setup, flow, and troubleshooting.
 
 

Get Acknowledgments

Update

Reader Link — Get Fulfillment Request Acknowledgements

Introduction

Get Fulfillment Request Acknowledgements reads acknowledgement files from your inbound FTP folders using the saved Reader Link connection. The job imports FA, CancelConfirm, and ACK files, supports manual runs and scheduling, and archives processed files to your configured cancellation archive path.

  • 1 Create/Select Connection: In Get Fulfillment Request Acknowledgements → Connect an Integration, choose Reader Link and click Create New Connection (or select an existing one). Enter:
    • FTP Protocol: FTP
    • FTP Host: 68.178.194.170
    • FTP Port: 21
    • FTP Username / Password: Provided by Reader Link
    Use Test Connection → Save Connection.
    • ```
  • 2 Configure Settings: Set the inbound folders and archive path, then click Save and Proceed.
    • Inbound Remote File Folder (FA): e.g., /sftp/RDS/Incoming/BolderRoad/FA/
    • Inbound Remote Cancel Folder (CancelConfirm): e.g., /sftp/RDS/Incoming/BolderRoad/CancelConfirm/
    • Inbound Remote ACK Folder: (if provided by Reader Link) e.g., /sftp/RDS/Incoming/BolderRoad/ACK/
    • Cancellation Archive Directory: e.g., /sftp/RDS/Incoming/BolderRoad/Archive/
      Processed ACK, FA, and CancelConfirm files will be moved here after a successful import. Consider subfolders such as /archive/cancel_ack/ for clarity.
  • 3 Define a Mapping Template: Select your acknowledgement mapping (e.g., Get PO Acknowledgement 2) → Save and Complete.
  • 4 Automate (optional): From the summary screen, toggle Scheduled to run on a cadence. You’ll receive a notification each run.
What you’ll see
  • Three-step setup with status badges: Connected ✓ → Configured ✓ → Mapped ✓.
  • An Automate section with a schedule toggle and a Run Integration button for manual runs.
Tip: If folder paths change, update them in Configure Settings, then run a manual test to confirm new files are detected.
```
Template Index
Template Use Case What it Covers Availability
Get PO Acknowledgement (Reader Link) Parses FA / CancelConfirm / ACK files from your inbound folders Retailer/PO numbers, status/confirmation details Available
```
Field Mapping (Example)

Example based on a common configuration.

From Value Reader Link Source Field To Acknowledgement Field Notes
ReaderLink PO Acknowledgement Retailer Order Number Confirmation Number Links the acknowledgement back to the originating FR/PO.
Helpful Rules (Optional)
Example Rule Type When Effect
Normalize PO Number Transform PO contains spaces or lowercase Uppercase and trim to match Reader Link format.
Fallback Confirmation Conditional Confirmation missing Populate with FR number and flag for review.
```
Operation Details
Capability Status Notes
Inbound Protocol FTP Uses the saved Reader Link FTP connection (host 68.178.194.170, port 21).
File Pickup Locations Remote Folders FA: /sftp/RDS/Incoming/BolderRoad/FA/
CancelConfirm: /sftp/RDS/Incoming/BolderRoad/CancelConfirm/
ACK: /sftp/RDS/Incoming/BolderRoad/ACK/ (if provided)
Manual Run Supported Click Run Integration from the summary page.
Scheduling Supported Enable Scheduled and set a cadence; notifications are sent each run.
Archive Support Supported After a successful import, ACK, FA, and CancelConfirm files are moved to the Cancellation Archive Directory (e.g., /sftp/RDS/Incoming/BolderRoad/Archive/). If parsing fails, the file remains in place for review.
```
Archive Requirements & Tips (ACK)
  • Ensure the archive directory exists and the SFTP user has write/move permissions.
  • Consider subfolders for clarity, e.g., /archive/cancel_ack/.
  • Apply your own retention policy on archive folders.
  • Example path: /home/readerlink/archive/cancel_ack/
Common Issues

File not moving — Directory path typo or missing permissions.

Reprocessed files — The archive path isn’t set or the run failed; check logs, fix, and re-run.

Quick Checks
  • Reader Link FTP connection tests successfully and is saved.
  • Correct FA, CancelConfirm, and (if used) ACK folder paths are set.
  • Acknowledgement mapping template is selected and saved.
  • Cancellation Archive Directory exists and has write permissions.
FAQs

Do ACK files use a different archive field?
No. ACK files use the same Cancellation Archive Directory as cancellation files.

Where should I configure this?
In Configure Settings set the Cancellation Archive Directory. Optionally organize subfolders like /archive/cancel_ack/.

Status blurb: Enabled ACK archiving via the existing Cancellation Archive Directory; added steps and troubleshooting.
```
 

 

 

 

 

 

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