Porterchain OS
Merchant Setup
Onboard and configure locations and preferences in Porterchain OS.
The Merchant Setup module enables merchants to onboard quickly, define operational locations, and configure business preferences that govern how deliveries are priced, processed, and managed. This setup ensures consistency, scalability, and control across all logistics operations.
The goal is to translate a merchant’s real-world operations into a structured, intelligent system that Porterchain can execute reliably.
1. Merchant Onboarding
1.1 Merchant Profile Creation
During onboarding, the merchant provides core business information:
- Legal business name
- Trade name (if applicable)
- Business email (primary communication channel)
- Contact person details
- Business category (e.g., retail, medical, food, e-commerce)
This information establishes the merchant’s identity within Porterchain OS and is used for billing, communication, and reporting.
2. Location Configuration
2.1 Location Setup
Merchants can add one or multiple operational locations. Each location represents a physical pickup or dispatch point.
For each location, the merchant configures:
- Location name (e.g., Downtown Warehouse, Store #12)
- Full address (used for zone and distance calculations)
- Operating status (active / inactive)
2.2 Multi-Location Support
- Each location can operate independently
- Pricing, services, and availability can vary by location
- Enables scaling without structural changes
3. Service Preferences
3.1 Delivery Service Types
Merchants select which delivery services are enabled per location:
- Same Day Delivery
- Next Day Delivery
- Emergency Delivery (2–4 hours, admin-controlled pricing)
Only selected services are shown to the merchant during order creation.
3.2 Availability Rules
- Services can be enabled or disabled per location
- Changes take effect from the next day to ensure operational stability
4. Pricing Configuration
4.1 Transparent Pricing Structure
Pricing is displayed with a full breakdown:
- Base price
- Weight-based price
- Service-level adjustments
This ensures clarity and trust for merchants at all times.
4.2 Pricing Governance
- Custom insurance values are not allowed
- Only predefined insurance tiers can be selected
- Emergency delivery pricing requires admin override
- Pricing updates apply starting the next operational day
5. Communication Preferences
5.1 Notification Channel
- Email is the sole communication method
- Used for order updates, delivery status, and system notifications
This ensures consistency and auditability of communications.
6. Operational Constraints
6.1 Driver Capacity
- The system supports up to 300 parcels per driver per day without configuration changes
- Driver assignment is handled automatically, with admin override available for emergency cases
6.2 Emergency Handling
- If no nearby driver is available, admin can manually assign any driver
- Ensures service continuity during critical deliveries
7. Review and Activation
Before activation, merchants can review:
- Locations
- Enabled services
- Pricing structure
- Communication settings
Once confirmed, the merchant account becomes active and ready to accept delivery orders.
Outcome
After completing Merchant Setup, the merchant operates within a controlled, intelligent logistics framework where:
- Locations are clearly defined
- Pricing is transparent and governed
- Services are predictable and scalable
- Trust is built through consistency and clarity
This foundation allows Porterchain OS to deliver reliable, intelligent logistics at scale.