PackStation + ShipBridge Setup Guide

Welcome to PackStation! This guide walks you through setting up and using PackStation alongside ShipBridge for automated order video recording.

Table of Contents

• What is PackStation?
• Initial Setup
• How It Works
• Using PackStation with ShipBridge
• Troubleshooting

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What is PackStation?

PackStation is an automated video recording system that captures your order packing process. It runs in the background alongside ShipBridge — detecting orders and recording SKU scans without any manual intervention on your part.

Key Features:

• Automatic order detection from ShipBridge
• Runs quietly in the background — no disruption to your ShipBridge workflow
• Automatic SKU scanning and tracking
• Real-time video streaming
• Minimal interaction required after initial setup

Important: PackStation is designed to work alongside ShipBridge, not replace it. Your ShipBridge operations continue as normal — PackStation simply monitors and records in the background. You can keep both applications open and visible on your screen at the same time.

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Initial Setup

Step 1: Install PackStation App

1. Download and install the PackStation Windows application.
2. Launch the application — it will appear in your system tray (bottom-right corner of your screen).

Step 2: Log In

1. Open the PackStation app from the system tray.
2. Enter your credentials:
   • Email: Your PackStation account email
   • Password: Your account password
3. Click Sign In.

You can also use QR Code Login for quick access on shared workstations.

Step 3: Bind Your Device

1. After logging in, you’ll see the device connection screen.
2. Enter your Binding Code (provided by your administrator).
3. Click Validate & Bind Device.
4. Wait for confirmation that your device is successfully bound.

Step 4: API Key Configuration

1. Navigate to settings (if required).
2. Enter your PackStation API Key (provided by your administrator).
3. Save the configuration.

That’s it! Your PackStation is now ready to work alongside ShipBridge.

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How It Works

Once set up, PackStation runs automatically in the background while you continue using ShipBridge as usual.

Automatic Order Detection

When you start packing an order in ShipBridge, PackStation automatically:

1. Detects the order — no need to manually start recording
2. Begins video recording — captures the entire packing process
3. Tracks SKU scans — logs each item as you scan it
4. Displays progress — shows scanned items in real-time on the video feed
5. Stops recording — ends automatically when the order is complete

Background Operation

PackStation runs quietly in your system tray and does not interfere with ShipBridge:

• Green indicator = Connected and monitoring for orders
• Red indicator = Recording in progress
• Minimized operation = Stays out of the way while you work

Tip: You can keep the PackStation window open alongside ShipBridge to monitor recordings in real time, or minimize it entirely — whatever works best for your setup.

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Using PackStation with ShipBridge

Day-to-Day Workflow

You don’t need to change how you use ShipBridge. Just pack your orders the same way you always do:

1. Scan the order barcode in ShipBridge
2. Scan each item as you pack it
3. Complete the order in ShipBridge when done

PackStation handles the recording automatically in the background. ShipBridge remains your primary tool — PackStation simply adds video documentation to each order without slowing you down.

What You’ll See

When recording is active, the PackStation window shows:

Video Feed

• Live camera view of your packing area
• Red recording indicator in the top-right corner
• Clear visual confirmation that recording is active

Order Items Panel

A panel at the bottom of the video displays:

• Item names — SKU identifiers
• Quantities — number of each item scanned
• Real-time updates — refreshes as you scan

The items list clears automatically when you finish an order and start a new one.

Optional Monitoring

While PackStation works automatically, you can also:

• View device status — check connection and recording state
• See current order — view which order is being recorded
• Monitor scanned items — track progress during packing

Note: Monitoring is entirely optional. If you prefer, you can minimize the PackStation window and let it run in the system tray while you focus on ShipBridge.

Working with Multiple Orders

PackStation handles order switching automatically:

• Automatic switching — detects when you move to a new order in ShipBridge
• Previous recording stops — the old recording ends on its own
• New recording starts — the next order begins recording seamlessly
• No data loss — each order’s recording is saved separately

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Troubleshooting

Device Not Connecting

Problem: Red or disconnected status indicator

Try the following:

1. Check your internet connection.
2. Verify your API key is correct.
3. Ensure your binding code is valid.
4. Try disconnecting and rebinding the device.
5. Restart the PackStation application.

Recording Not Starting

Problem: Orders aren’t being detected or recorded

Try the following:

1. Verify ShipBridge is running and properly configured.
2. Check that your PackStation device is bound and connected.
3. Make sure you’re scanning orders in ShipBridge (PackStation listens for ShipBridge events).
4. Check the application logs for error messages.

Video Not Displaying

Problem: Black screen or no video feed

Try the following:

1. Check camera permissions in Windows Settings.
2. Verify the camera is physically connected and working.
3. Make sure no other application is using the camera.
4. Restart the PackStation application.
5. Check device connection status.

SKUs Not Appearing

Problem: Scanned items aren’t showing in the items list

Try the following:

1. Ensure ShipBridge is running and properly configured.
2. Verify you’re scanning items during an active recording.
3. Check that the order was properly detected.
4. Confirm your barcode scanner is working correctly.

App Not in System Tray

Problem: Can’t find the PackStation icon

Try the following:

1. Click the up arrow (^) in your system tray to show hidden icons.
2. Look for the PackStation icon.
3. Right-click it and select “Keep icon in taskbar” for easy access in the future.

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Best Practices

For Optimal Performance

1. Keep PackStation running — leave it open in your system tray throughout your shift.
2. Stable internet — a reliable connection ensures recordings upload smoothly.
3. Camera position — position your camera to clearly capture your packing area.
4. Scan consistently — scan each item as you pack for accurate tracking.
5. Stay up to date — keep the application updated to the latest version.

For Accurate Recordings

1. Good lighting — make sure your packing area is well-lit.
2. Clear camera view — avoid obstructing the camera.
3. Scan within view — scan items within the camera’s field of view when possible.
4. Complete orders before moving on — finish packing one order before starting the next.

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Support

If you run into issues not covered here:

1. Check the application logs — look for error messages in the PackStation app.
2. Contact your administrator — they can verify your configuration and API keys.
3. Reach out to support — contact the PackStation support team for further help.

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Quick Summary

PackStation is designed to work alongside ShipBridge without disrupting your existing workflow:

• Set it up once — bind your device and enter credentials
• Let it run in the background — it stays in the system tray while you use ShipBridge
• Pack normally in ShipBridge — no changes to your process
• Automatic recording — every order is captured without extra steps
• Monitor if you want — keep the PackStation window visible alongside ShipBridge, or minimize it entirely

The bottom line: ShipBridge stays your primary packing tool. PackStation runs alongside it to record and document every order — no workflow changes required.

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Need help? Contact your administrator or the PackStation support team.