UNIFY user manual
This manual describes how to use the web interface of Heidler UNIFY. UNIFY brings the shipping data of all connected locations together in one place. You search, filter and evaluate shipments without having to sign in to the individual HVS32.
The prerequisites for installation and operation are listed on the page UNIFY requirements.
Signing in
UNIFY is called up in a browser:
https://<servername>/sm/ui/
No additional program is required. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox are supported in a current version.
First sign-in
You receive your user name and initial password from your location administrator or from HSC support. The initial password is shown only once and is not stored. On your first sign-in UNIFY asks you to set a password of your own.
Forgotten password
UNIFY does not send e-mails. A forgotten password is reset by your location administrator in the User Administration.
Signing out
The circle with your initials in the top right corner contains the entry Logout.
Structure of the interface
Header
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Location selector | Determines which location's data is shown. Only locations you are authorised for are offered. Suspended locations are marked. |
| Initials (circle) | Opens the personal menu with Toggle Dark Mode, Language and Logout |
Dark mode and language (German/English) apply to you personally. Dark mode is stored in the browser of the respective workstation. When signing in on another computer, the light appearance is active again.
The program areas are listed on the left. Clicking an area expands the screens it contains.
| Area | Screen | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Deliveries | Administration | central research across all shipments and parcels |
| Dispatch Data | Output Lists | log of the output lists created |
| Carrier Files | log of the files handed over to the carriers | |
| Tracking | Live Tracking | current shipment status at the carrier |
| Statistics | evaluation of delivery times and delays | |
| Setup | User Administration | create and maintain users (administrators only) |
| Location administration | clients of the locations (administrators only) | |
| Connections | credentials for the DataGatewayServer (administrators only) |
Which areas you see depends on your role. The screens under Setup only appear with the corresponding permission.
Administration
Deliveries → Administration
Administration is the central screen. It shows the parcels of the selected location in a table and offers quick search, filters and evaluations above it.
Key figures for the filter result
Total Entries and Total Weight are shown above the table, the number per status below the table on the right:
| Key figure | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Total Entries | number of matches |
| Total Weight | sum of the weights of all matches |
| Approved / Approved (Today) | parcels released for collection |
| EDI File Created | parcels for which a carrier file has already been created |
| Canceled | cancelled parcels |
Clicking a status counter restricts the table to that status.
Quick search
By default the search field above the table searches tracking no., parcel ID, delivery note no., customer no. and consignee.
The Search Parameters symbol next to the search field lets you define which fields the quick search covers. If nothing is selected, all of the fields listed are searched. Restricting it to a single field, the tracking no. for example, speeds up the search on large data sets.
Filter
The Filter button opens a panel on the right containing all filter options. The filter applies to the whole table and to the key figures.
Filter fields
| Section | Fields |
|---|---|
| Information | Delivery number, Customer number, Tracking number, Parcel ID, Client, Carrier, Carrier type, Status |
| Address | Destination name, Customer name, Destination country, Destination zip code |
| Content | Contains dangerous goods, Contains articles |
For text fields the drop-down next to them determines how the search works:
| Option | Effect |
|---|---|
| Partial word | the text entered has to occur somewhere in the field (default) |
| Exact | the field has to match the text entered exactly |
For numeric fields Greater than, Equal and Less than are available.
Period
The period filter refers either to the Shipping date or to the Print date. For the period itself there are three modes:
| Mode | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed date range | You enter From and To as specific dates. If both are left empty, no time restriction applies („All time“). | 01.03.2026 – 31.03.2026 |
| Last X days | rolling period that moves along each day. Direction (Last/Next) and number are adjustable. | Last 30 days |
| Calendar period | rolling period along calendar boundaries, made up of unit (day/week/month) and reference (current/previous/next). | Last month |
The default is „Last 30 days“. The two rolling modes are intended above all for saved filters: a filter „Last 7 days“ still returns the last seven days months later, whereas a fixed date range would return a period long past. Below the setting, Results in today shows which concrete period the rule currently produces.
Advanced Filter Information
If the standard fields are not sufficient, open the Advanced section. There you build additional conditions row by row:
- select a field from the drop-down
- select the search option (Partial word/Exact or Greater/Equal/Less)
- enter a value
Add inserts further rows. All rows apply together. A shipment has to meet every condition.
Sum results
With the Sum results option UNIFY combines the parcels of a shipment instead of listing every parcel individually.
Applying and resetting the filter
- Apply applies the filter and closes the panel.
- Reset filter fields clears the entries without closing the panel.
- Reset filters above the table restores the initial state.
Saving filters
Filters you need regularly can be stored permanently and called up again with a single click.
Creating a filter
- set up the filter as required
- at the bottom of the filter panel define the Filter Scope – the visibility and, if required, the Default flag (see below)
- in the dot menu next to Clear Fields choose the entry Save Filter
- assign a Filter name
- confirm with Save Filter
Under Filter information the save screen shows once more what is being stored – the period and the underlying date field, for example.
Scope
The scope determines who can see the filter:
| Scope | Visible to | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Only for me | your own account only | personal working filters |
| For this location | all users of the currently selected location | filters the whole team of a location needs |
| For the whole organization | all users across all locations | company-wide standard evaluations |
Which scopes are offered depends on your role. Location and organisation filters require the corresponding administrator permissions. Filters you are not allowed to change are shown without the edit and delete symbols.
Default filter
A filter marked as Default is applied automatically when the Administration screen is opened. If there are several default filters, the following order applies:
- your own filter (Only for me)
- location filter
- organisation filter
A personal default filter therefore takes precedence over a setting made by the location or the organisation.
Using saved filters
The Saved Filters list is located above the table. A click applies the filter. The dot menu on an entry gives you Edit filter and Delete filter.
Passing filters on
Export Filter stores the current filter as a file, Import Filter reads it back in. This is how filters can be passed on to colleagues at other locations or sent to support when a problem has to be reproduced.
Adjusting the table
The table can be adapted to your way of working in terms of column selection, order and width.
Sorting
Clicking a column heading sorts in ascending or descending order.
Column configuration
The Configuration button opens the column configuration on the right.
| Control | Effect |
|---|---|
| Search field | filters the list of columns by column name – helpful given the large number of available columns |
| Checkbox in front of the name | shows or hides the column in the table |
| Handle (grip symbol on the left) | moves the column to another position by dragging; the order in the list corresponds to the order in the table |
| Fixed | freezes the column at the left edge so that it stays in place when scrolling horizontally. Fixed columns automatically move to the front when the settings are applied |
| Details | determines whether the field is preselected in the Details dialog. This column exists in the Administration screen only |
Apply activates the settings and stores them for your user account. They are therefore available again after signing out and at another workstation.
The column configuration is stored separately per screen: Administration, Output Lists, Carrier Files and Live Tracking each have their own setting, even though they use the same controls.
Note: The column configuration applies to your own account only. Unlike filters, a location-wide or organisation-wide column default is not provided. If a team is to work with a uniform view, set up a saved filter with the scope For this location instead.
Entries per page
Below the table you set how many rows are shown per page (default 15). This is also where you page through the result pages.
Working with rows
Pinning
The pin symbol pins a shipment to the top of the table. Pinned shipments stay at the top regardless of filter and sorting, for instance to follow a case throughout the day. Only Pinned Items hides all remaining rows. The number of shipments that can be pinned at the same time is limited; the interface reports when the limit is reached.
Right-clicking a row offers to copy individual values: Copy tracking no., Copy delivery note no., Copy parcel ID.
Details dialog
Clicking the details symbol opens all fields of the shipment.
| Control | Effect |
|---|---|
| Search field | searches the fields shown for a column name |
| Hide Empty Fields | hides fields without content |
| Show Only Differences | with several rows selected: shows only the fields in which the shipments differ |
Which fields are shown initially is controlled by the Details column in the column configuration.
If you select several rows and then open the details, the dialog places the values side by side in columns. This allows two shipments to be compared directly – with Show Only Differences only the deviating fields remain.
Dangerous goods and articles
If a shipment contains dangerous goods or article data, this is marked in the table. Both are opened from the action bar: select a row, then choose Dangerous Goods or Articles.
- Dangerous Goods – UN number, HVS ID, description (German/English) and quantities
- Articles – EAN, BTN, customer article number and description
Actions on a parcel
If you select one or more rows using the checkboxes, the action bar appears below the table. The number of selected rows is displayed.
| Action | Effect |
|---|---|
| Print label / Reprint | triggers the label printing in the HVS32 of the location |
| Cancel | cancels the parcel |
| Lock / Unlock | locks the parcel against further processing or releases the lock |
| Release | releases the parcel |
| Online Track | opens the shipment tracking at the carrier |
| Erase Personal Data | anonymises the personal data of the shipment |
These actions have two prerequisites: a configured DGS connection for the location (see Connections) and the DGS permission for your user account. The DGS column in the User Administration shows whether your account has that permission.
If either is missing, the buttons remain visible but are disabled and state the reason: if the permission is missing, a note to contact your administrator; if the connection is missing, a reference to Setup → Connections – the latter only if you are allowed to enter that connection yourself.
Shipment context: If the selected parcels belong to shipments that contain further parcels, UNIFY asks whether those should be included as well. This avoids cancelling or reprinting only part of a multi-parcel shipment.
Exporting data
Export CSV and Export XLSX output the current filter result as a file. What is exported is the filter result with the columns in the selection and order you have configured.
With a large number of matches the creation can take a moment; UNIFY points this out and downloads the file as soon as it is ready.
Dispatch Data
Output Lists
Dispatch Data → Output Lists
Log of the output lists created, with date, carrier and the number of parcels contained. The list makes it possible to trace which shipments were part of which daily closing.
Filter, quick search and column configuration work as in the Administration screen.
Carrier Files
Dispatch Data → Carrier Files
Log of the files handed over to the carriers: when which file was created and transferred, and what status the transfer has. The screen serves to clarify matters when a carrier reports not having received any data.
Tracking
Live Tracking
Tracking → Live Tracking
Shows the current status of the shipments at the carrier.
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Created | shipment created, not yet with the carrier |
| Handed Over | handed over to the carrier |
| In Transit | out for delivery |
| Delivered | with the consignee |
| Delayed | estimated delivery time exceeded |
| Error | error at the carrier or in the transfer |
In addition to the usual filters, Filter by delays is available – either all delays or from a certain duration onwards (1 day to 2 weeks). The period refers either to the status history or to the estimated delivery time.
The details symbol in the row opens the Order details. They contain the current status, the complete shipment history with a timestamp for each step, as well as consignee, consignor and the shipment data. If the history is collapsed, Show more reveals the earlier steps.
Tracking statistics
Tracking → Statistics
Here you compose your own evaluations. The page is empty to begin with; + Add new statistic creates a card, and while doing so you choose:
| Setting | Choice |
|---|---|
| Performance metric | Number of shipments, Number of errors, Average delivery duration, Number of delays |
| Chart type | doughnut/pie chart, bar chart, line chart, summary |
| Group by | carrier, dispatch types or clients |
| Selection | which carriers, dispatch types or clients are included |
The cards can be rearranged by drag and drop. Every card has a filter of its own and can be edited or removed through the dot menu.
Setup
The following screens are available to users with administrator permissions only.
User Administration
Setup → User Administration
Here you create and maintain the users of your locations. Only users of the locations you are responsible for are displayed.
Roles
| Role | Permissions |
|---|---|
| User | administration screen and evaluations within the assigned clients |
| Location administrator | in addition, user administration of their own location |
| Organization administrator | in addition, administration across locations |
You can only assign roles below your own: a location administrator creates users, an organization administrator additionally creates location administrators.
Creating a user
- choose Create user
- enter first name, last name, user name and e-mail
- select the role
- assign clients – at least one is required; the clients of the location are available
- save
UNIFY generates an initial password. It is shown only once and is not stored. Copy it and pass it on to the user. It has to be changed at the first sign-in.
Assigning an existing user
If an employee works at several locations, no second account is created. Assign the existing account to your location as well, using Add user. The user keeps their previous locations and their role.
Further actions
| Action | Effect |
|---|---|
| Reset password | generates a new initial password |
| Block / Unblock | blocks the account or releases the block after too many failed sign-in attempts |
| Sign out | ends all open sessions of the user |
| Remove from location | removes the user's assignment to this location |
The status of an account is shown in the table: Active, Blocked or First login pending.
Location administration
Setup → Location administration
Here you maintain the clients of your locations. The locations themselves are created by HSC during the setup.
Maintaining clients
For each location the clients are kept with a client number (digits only) and a name. The clients control which data a user is allowed to see: in the User Administration every user is assigned the clients whose shipments they are to see.
Clients can be added at any time. When a new client is set up, enter it here and then assign it to the users concerned.
The search field filters the list by identifier, name or client.
Connections
Setup → Connections
Here the credentials for the DataGatewayServer are kept – one row per location. They are a prerequisite for the actions on a parcel.
| Field | Note |
|---|---|
| Applies to | multiple selection possible. Every selected location receives a row of its own with the same values. Useful when several locations use the same server |
| Scheme / Host / Port | host as computer name or IP only – without http:// and without a port. The port is the REST port of the DGS (default 9035, see UNIFY requirements)
|
| Client ID / Client secret | credentials. An empty secret means unchanged when saving; for a location without an existing secret the entry is mandatory |
| Label printer / List printer | leaving this empty means: HVS32 prints where the record says it should. If an output channel is entered here, it is used for the reprint (max. 30 characters) |
Test checks the connection before you save it. The host of the DataGatewayServer changes when a server is moved – this screen is where you adjust it.
What is stored where?
| Setting | Applies to | Persists |
|---|---|---|
| Column configuration (per screen) | yourself only | yes, with the user account – at other workstations as well |
| Saved filters | depending on the scope: you, the location or the organisation | yes, with the user account or the location |
| Dark mode | yourself only | in the browser of this workstation only |
| Language | yourself only | in the browser of this workstation only |
| Pinned shipments | yourself only | yes, with the user account |
| Current filter, sorting, page | yourself only | for the current session only |
Further information on installation and operation: UNIFY requirements