How do fulfillment apps work with Shopify?

Fulfillment apps work with Shopify by connecting the store to external warehouses, 3PL providers, or fulfillment services. They automate the flow of orders from Shopify to the service responsible for picking, packing, and shipping.

A typical workflow is:

1. Customer places an order on the Shopify store.
2. The fulfillment app receives the order details from Shopify.
3. The app sends the order to the connected warehouse or fulfillment provider.
4. The provider picks and packs the products.
5. The order is shipped to the customer.
6. Tracking information and fulfillment status are sent back to Shopify.
7. Shopify updates the order and, where applicable, inventory levels.

Fulfillment apps can therefore reduce manual order processing and help merchants manage multiple warehouses, inventory synchronization, shipping, and tracking from their Shopify store.