KAKOBUY: How to Use Conditional Formatting to Flag Delayed Shipments
Streamline your logistics monitoring by automatically highlighting parcels that have exceeded their expected delivery times. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Why Flag Delayed Shipments?
In e-commerce and logistics, time is critical. Quickly identifying delayed packages allows your team to:
- Proactively inform customers
- Identify recurring issues
- Prioritize customer service efforts
- Maintain accurate inventory forecasts
- Identify recurring issues
Conditional formatting turns a sprawling spreadsheet of shipment data into a clear, actionable visual dashboard.
Preparing Your Data
For this to work, your KAKOBUY shipment data should be organized in a table with (at least) these columns:
- Order ID
- Shipment Date
- Expected Delivery Date
- Actual Delivery Date
- Carrier & Tracking Number
- Status
Ensure your dates are stored as proper date values, not as text.
Step-by-Step: Applying Conditional Formatting
We will create a rule that highlights rows where the Actual Delivery DateANDExpected Delivery Date
Highlight all the rows in your shipment table. For example, select from cell A2 to F100. In Excel or Google Sheets, navigate to Format Conditional Formatting. Create a new rule using a custom formula. This is the core logic. Assuming Column DColumn C
Explanation:$D2) is empty Select a bold format, such as a light red fillred text. This will make delayed shipments instantly visible. Click "Apply" or "Save." Any rows where the delivery is pending and the expected date has passed will now be automatically highlighted. The format will update daily as Step 1: Select Your Data Range
Step 2: Create a New Conditional Formatting Rule
Step 3: Enter the Custom Formula
=AND($D2="", $C2<TODAY())""AND$C2) is less than today's date (TODAY()). The dollar signs ($) lock the column reference so the rule applies correctly across the entire row.Step 4: Choose a Highlight Format
Step 5: Apply and Review
TODAY()
Advanced Tips & Automation
- Add a "Delay (Days)" Column:=IF(AND(D2="", C2<TODAY()), TODAY()-C2, "")
- Different Colors for Severity:
- For Google Sheets:Google Apps ScriptZapier
- Different Colors for Severity:
Conclusion
By leveraging conditional formatting, KAKOBUY operations and customer service teams can transform raw delivery data into a powerful visual management tool. This simple yet effective technique ensures delayed shipments are identified the moment they become a problem, enabling faster responses, happier customers, and a more efficient supply chain. Start implementing this today to keep your deliveries on track and your customers informed.