# Workflow Action: Generate 856

## Overview

The **Generate 856** workflow action allows you to automatically generate Ship Notice/Manifest (856) EDI transactions from Item Fulfillment records using NetSuite workflows. This provides a programmatic alternative to the manual "Generate 856" button.

## Use Cases

Use this workflow action to:

* Automatically generate 856 documents when item fulfillments are marked as shipped
* Trigger EDI generation as part of a larger fulfillment workflow
* Eliminate manual steps in your shipping process
* Ensure ASN/Ship Notices are sent immediately upon shipment completion

## Supported Transaction Types

This workflow action supports:

* 856 (Ship Notice/Manifest)
* Simplified Shipment Notice

The workflow action applies to **Item Fulfillment** records.

## Prerequisites

* The workflow action script must be deployed to your NetSuite account
* Script ID: `customscript_orderful_generate_856_wa`
* Deployment ID: `customdeploy_orderful_generate_856_wa`
* The script must be in RELEASED status
* Customer must have 856 or Simplified Shipment Notice enabled in their Orderful configuration

## Setup Instructions

### 1. Deploy the Script

The workflow action script should be automatically deployed when the Orderful bundle is installed. Verify deployment:

1. Navigate to **Customization > Scripting > Scripts**
2. Search for "Orderful | Generate 856 WA"
3. Verify the script status is **Released**
4. Check that the deployment is **Deployed**

### 2. Create or Edit a Workflow

To add the Generate 856 action to a workflow:

1. Navigate to **Customization > Workflow > Workflows**
2. Create a new workflow or edit an existing one
3. Set the **Record Type** to **Item Fulfillment**
4. Add a workflow state where you want the action to execute

### 3. Add the Workflow Action

Within your workflow state:

1. Click **Add Action** under the appropriate trigger type (e.g., After Field Edit, On Entry, etc.)
2. Select **Execute Script** as the action type
3. Configure the action:
   * **Script**: Select "Orderful | Generate 856 WA"
   * **Deployment**: Select "Orderful | Generate 856 WA"
4. Optionally add conditions to control when the action executes

### 4. Set Workflow Conditions (Optional)

To ensure the action only runs for appropriate fulfillments, add conditions such as:

* **Status** = Shipped
* **Customer** has 856 enabled (check via custom field)
* **Shipment Status** = Shipped
* Any custom field criteria specific to your business logic

## Example Workflow Configuration

### Auto-Generate on Shipment

This example automatically generates 856 documents when a fulfillment is marked as shipped:

**Workflow Settings:**

* **Record Type:** Item Fulfillment
* **Trigger:** After Record Submit
* **Init On Create:** True

**Workflow State:**

* **Name:** Auto-Generate 856 on Ship
* **Trigger Type:** On Entry

**Workflow Action:**

* **Type:** Execute Script
* **Script:** Orderful | Generate 856 WA
* **Conditions:**
  * Status = Shipped
  * Customer: 856 Enabled = True

### Conditional Generation Based on Field

This example only generates 856 when a custom checkbox is enabled:

**Workflow Action Conditions:**

* Status = Shipped
* Send EDI 856 = True (custom field)

## What the Action Does

When executed, the workflow action:

1. Loads the Item Fulfillment record
2. Sets the `Ready to Process (Fulfillment)` field to `true`
3. Sets the `Force Autosend` field to `true`
4. Saves the record

This triggers the standard Orderful fulfillment processing logic, which:

* Generates the 856 EDI message payload
* Creates an Orderful Transaction record
* Dispatches the transaction to Orderful via API (if autosend is enabled)

This is the same functionality as clicking the "Generate 856" button manually.

## Error Handling

If the workflow action encounters an error:

* The error is logged to the script execution log (Error level)
* The workflow will halt or continue based on your workflow configuration
* Check **Customization > Scripting > Script Execution Log** for detailed error information
* Any errors during EDI generation will be captured on the resulting Orderful Transaction record

## Troubleshooting

### Action Not Executing

* Verify the script deployment is **Released** and **Deployed**
* Check workflow conditions are being met
* Review the workflow execution log
* Ensure the user role has permission to execute the script

### 856 Not Being Generated

* Verify the customer has 856 enabled in Orderful configuration
* Check that ISA IDs are configured for the customer
* Verify the fulfillment has required data (shipping info, items, etc.)
* Review the Orderful Transaction record for error messages
* Check the script execution log for detailed error information

### Duplicate 856 Documents

* Add a condition to prevent re-triggering on already processed fulfillments
* Check for existing Orderful Transaction records before executing
* Use workflow state management to prevent multiple executions

## Best Practices

1. **Add Status Checks:** Only trigger on shipped fulfillments to avoid processing incomplete records
2. **Check Customer Configuration:** Verify customer has 856 enabled before generating
3. **Avoid Duplicate Processing:** Ensure workflow doesn't trigger multiple times for the same fulfillment
4. **Test in Sandbox:** Thoroughly test your workflow in a sandbox environment before deploying to production
5. **Monitor Execution:** Regularly review script execution logs during initial rollout
6. **Consider Timing:** Trigger after all shipment data is finalized (tracking numbers, cartons, etc.)

## Integration with Packing Process

If you use the Orderful packing functionality, consider these workflow triggers:

* **After Packing Complete:** Trigger 856 generation after cartons are finalized
* **After SSCC Generation:** Trigger after SSCC codes are assigned
* **Custom Packing Flag:** Use a custom field to indicate packing is complete and ready for EDI

## Related Documentation

* [Generate and Send Workflow Action](workflow-action-generate-and-send.md)
* [Auto Pack Documentation](../TransactionHandling/856/README.md) (if exists)
* [Packing App Documentation](../SPA/packing-app/README.md) (if exists)
* NetSuite Workflow Guide: Help Center > Workflow

## Support

For issues or questions:

* Review the script execution log for detailed error information
* Contact Head in the Cloud Development, Inc. at [gurus@headintheclouddev.com](mailto:gurus@headintheclouddev.com)
* Check the Orderful support documentation