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E-Manifest Template Feature (ACE and ACI eManifest): Difference between revisions

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Created page with "__TOC__ == Overview == The '''eManifest Template Feature''' in BorderConnect is a powerful tool designed to streamline the creation of both ACE (U.S.) and ACI (Canada) eManifests. By allowing users to save frequently used trip, driver, equipment, and shipment information, templates drastically reduce data entry time and minimize the risk of costly keying errors. If your fleet runs dedicated lanes, regular LTL routes, or frequently u..."
 
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== Overview ==
== Overview ==
The '''eManifest Template Feature''' in BorderConnect is a powerful tool designed to streamline the creation of both [[ACE eManifest|ACE (U.S.)]] and [[ACI eManifest|ACI (Canada)]] eManifests. By allowing users to save frequently used trip, driver, equipment, and shipment information, templates drastically reduce data entry time and minimize the risk of costly keying errors.  
The '''eManifest Template Feature''' in BorderConnect is a powerful tool designed to streamline the creation of both ACE (U.S.) and ACI (Canada) eManifests and shipments. By allowing users to save frequently used trip, driver, equipment, and shipment information, templates drastically reduce data entry time and minimize the risk of costly manual keying errors.  


If your fleet runs dedicated lanes, regular LTL routes, or frequently uses the same truck and driver combinations, setting up eManifest templates will significantly speed up your dispatching workflow.
== Enabling the Template Feature ==
The eManifest template setting is turned off by default. To begin utilizing templates, it must be enabled in your company's settings.


== Benefits of Using Templates ==
# Navigate to the '''Company Settings''' page.
* '''Time Savings:''' Generate new manifests in seconds by pre-loading up to 90% of the required trip data.
# Scroll to the '''Shared eManifest Settings''' section.
* '''Reduced Errors:''' Eliminate repetitive manual data entry, reducing the chance of typos that could lead to customs rejections or border delays.
# Toggle on '''Use Trip and Shipment Templates'''.
* '''Standardization:''' Ensure dispatchers are using the correct ports, drivers, and equipment for specific regular routes.
* '''Flexibility:''' Apply a template to populate the baseline data, then easily edit or add specific shipment details before transmitting.


== How to Create an eManifest Template ==
== Accessing and Managing Templates ==
There are two primary methods for creating an eManifest template in BorderConnect: saving an existing manifest as a template, or creating one from scratch.
Once the feature is enabled, you can manage all your existing templates and search for specific ones from a centralized location.


=== Method 1: Saving an Existing Manifest as a Template (Recommended) ===
# From the top menu, hover over '''Manage Data''' and click '''Templates'''. This will bring you to the Template Search page.
If you have already created an eManifest with the exact details you want to use again, you can quickly save it as a template.
# To find a specific template, type a keyword into the '''Template Contains''' field and click the '''Search''' button.
# Below the search area, users can view a list of all existing ACE or ACI templates. From this list, you can quickly click to '''Edit''' or '''Delete''' any template.


# Navigate to the '''eManifest Details''' page of the ACE or ACI manifest you wish to use.
== Creating a New Template ==
# Scroll to the top right of the manifest details section.
From the Template Search page, you can easily build new templates for your recurring manifests or shipments.
# Click the '''Save As Template''' button.
# A prompt will appear asking you to name the template. Enter a clear, descriptive name (e.g., ''"Detroit-Windsor Auto Parts - John Doe"'').
# Click '''Save'''. The template is now saved and ready for future use.


=== Method 2: Creating a Template from Scratch ===
# Click either the '''New ACE Template''' button (for US-bound trips) or the '''New ACI Template''' button (for Canada-bound trips).
You can also build a template from the ground up without creating a live manifest first.
# You will be brought to the Template Editor for that specific country.
# Enter a recognizable '''Template Name'''.
# Enter a description that others might use to search for or identify the template. Note: If this is left empty, an AI-generated description will be added automatically once details are populated.


# On the top menu bar, navigate to the '''ACE eManifests''' or '''ACI eManifests''' menu.
=== Adding Template Details ===
# Select '''Search/Manage Templates'''.
Once your template is named, the next step is creating the details for the template. As shown in the reference image Screenshot 2026-06-03 164255.png displaying the ACI Template Editor, you can click the '''+ Add''' drop-down menu to preload a comprehensive list of trip and shipment data points.  
# Click the '''New Template''' button at the top of the screen.
# Enter a '''Template Name'''. Make it easily identifiable for your dispatch team.
# Fill out the standard manifest fields you want to save. You can include:
#* '''Trip Details:''' Port of Entry, Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA).
#* '''Conveyance:''' Truck, Trailer(s), Seal Numbers.
#* '''Crew:''' Driver, Co-Driver, Passengers.
#* '''Shipment Data:''' (Optional) You can leave this blank if shipments change daily, or include standard shipper/consignee data if it remains constant.
# Click '''Save Template''' at the bottom of the page.


== How to Use a Template to Create a New eManifest ==
The details you can add to the template include:
Once your templates are saved, applying them to new shipments is quick and easy.
* Add ETA Date Rule
* Add Carrier Code
* Add Port of Entry
* Add Truck
* Add Driver
* Add Passenger
* Add Trailer
* Add Shipment Type
* Add Release Office
* Add Sub Location
* Add Is Consolidated Rule
* CSA Business Number
* Shipper
* Consignee
* Add Commodity


# From the top menu, select '''Start New ACE eManifest''' or '''Start New ACI eManifest'''.
Simply select the fields that remain consistent for your specific route or customer, fill in the data, and click '''Save''' at the top of the editor. Your template is now ready to use to save time on future eManifests!
# At the very top of the new manifest screen, locate the '''Use Template''' drop-down menu.
# Select the desired template from the list.
# Once selected, the page will automatically refresh and populate all the saved fields.
# Review the pre-loaded information. You will likely need to update the '''Estimated Date and Time of Arrival (ETA)''' and add the specific '''Trip Number'''.
# Add or modify any '''Shipments''' attached to the manifest for this specific trip.
# Click '''Save''' and proceed to transmit your eManifest to Customs.
 
== Managing and Editing Templates ==
Over time, drivers may change trucks, or regular routes might shift. You can easily update your existing templates.
 
# Go to the '''ACE eManifests''' or '''ACI eManifests''' menu at the top of the screen.
# Click on '''Search/Manage Templates'''.
# You will see a list of all active templates.
# To '''Edit''': Click the ''Edit'' link next to the template. Make your necessary changes to the trip, driver, or equipment, and click '''Save'''.
# To '''Delete''': Click the ''Delete'' link next to the template to remove it permanently from your list.
 
== Best Practices ==
* '''Use Descriptive Names:''' Name your templates based on a logical convention, such as ''[Port of Entry] - [Driver Name] - [Customer]'', so dispatchers can find them instantly.
* '''Leave Dynamic Fields Blank:''' If the trailer changes every trip but the truck and driver stay the same, leave the trailer field blank in the template to force the dispatcher to select the correct one manually.
* '''Regular Audits:''' Periodically review your template list and delete outdated templates for former drivers or retired equipment to keep the drop-down list clean and manageable.


[[Category:ACE eManifest]]
[[Category:ACE eManifest]]
[[Category:ACI eManifest]]
[[Category:ACI eManifest]]
[[Category:Dispatching]]
[[Category:Manage Data]]
[[Category:Feature Guides]]
[[Category:Company Settings]]

Revision as of 16:46, 3 June 2026

Overview

The eManifest Template Feature in BorderConnect is a powerful tool designed to streamline the creation of both ACE (U.S.) and ACI (Canada) eManifests and shipments. By allowing users to save frequently used trip, driver, equipment, and shipment information, templates drastically reduce data entry time and minimize the risk of costly manual keying errors.

Enabling the Template Feature

The eManifest template setting is turned off by default. To begin utilizing templates, it must be enabled in your company's settings.

  1. Navigate to the Company Settings page.
  2. Scroll to the Shared eManifest Settings section.
  3. Toggle on Use Trip and Shipment Templates.

Accessing and Managing Templates

Once the feature is enabled, you can manage all your existing templates and search for specific ones from a centralized location.

  1. From the top menu, hover over Manage Data and click Templates. This will bring you to the Template Search page.
  2. To find a specific template, type a keyword into the Template Contains field and click the Search button.
  3. Below the search area, users can view a list of all existing ACE or ACI templates. From this list, you can quickly click to Edit or Delete any template.

Creating a New Template

From the Template Search page, you can easily build new templates for your recurring manifests or shipments.

  1. Click either the New ACE Template button (for US-bound trips) or the New ACI Template button (for Canada-bound trips).
  2. You will be brought to the Template Editor for that specific country.
  3. Enter a recognizable Template Name.
  4. Enter a description that others might use to search for or identify the template. Note: If this is left empty, an AI-generated description will be added automatically once details are populated.

Adding Template Details

Once your template is named, the next step is creating the details for the template. As shown in the reference image Screenshot 2026-06-03 164255.png displaying the ACI Template Editor, you can click the + Add drop-down menu to preload a comprehensive list of trip and shipment data points.

The details you can add to the template include:

  • Add ETA Date Rule
  • Add Carrier Code
  • Add Port of Entry
  • Add Truck
  • Add Driver
  • Add Passenger
  • Add Trailer
  • Add Shipment Type
  • Add Release Office
  • Add Sub Location
  • Add Is Consolidated Rule
  • CSA Business Number
  • Shipper
  • Consignee
  • Add Commodity

Simply select the fields that remain consistent for your specific route or customer, fill in the data, and click Save at the top of the editor. Your template is now ready to use to save time on future eManifests!

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