Tap-to-Pack is only compatible with Packing App v1.1.0 and higher. To download the latest version, go to the My Account > Apps page and download it for your operating system.
Tap-to-Pack replaces keyboard and mouse interactions at your packing stations with a dedicated hardware controller. Instead of clicking through the ShipHero packing app, your packers press physical buttons to print labels, complete orders, flag issues, and select box sizes.
The result is faster, more accurate packing with fewer errors and less screen time. This article introduces Tap-to-Pack and lists the components included in the kit. For setup and configuration details, see:
- Tap-to-Pack Hardware Installation Guide
- Configuring your Tap-to-Pack Profiles
- Troubleshooting a Tap-to-Pack Station
The ShipHero Packing App must be running Version 1.0.0 or later to support Tap-to-Pack profiles. If you do not see Tap-to-Pack in your settings, contact ShipHero support.
How Tap-to-Pack Works
Each packing station uses a Tap-to-Pack controller (the Main Hub) connected to the station computer. The controller has built-in buttons for common packing actions and supports Button Hubs for box selection. When a packer presses a button, it triggers the corresponding action in the ShipHero packing flows.
Admins configure button functionality by creating Profiles in ShipHero. A profile maps each physical button to a specific action or box size. Different stations can run different profiles depending on the workflow of that location.
How Box Buttons Work
Box buttons function in two ways. If an order has a pre-assigned box, the corresponding button lights up automatically to guide the packer. If no box is assigned, the packer taps the button for the box they choose, which updates the order in ShipHero.
How Boxes Get Assigned to Orders
There are three ways to assign boxes to orders before they reach the packing station:
| Method | Description/Action |
|---|---|
| Automation Rules | Create a rule that triggers based on order criteria to automatically set the box at import. |
| Bulk Edit | Use the Manage Orders page to filter orders and assign a box to multiple shipments at once. |
| Order Details | Manually select a box for a specific shipment directly from the individual Order Details page. |
What's in the Box?
A Tap-to-Pack kit includes the hardware needed to set up one packing station, organized into two layers.
Before starting, open the box and confirm all components are present.
| Box Layer | Components Included | Layer Image |
|---|---|---|
| Top Layer |
|
|
| Bottom Layer |
|
Hardware Components Explained
Each component is described below.
- Main Hub: The Tap-to-Pack controller that connects to your computer. It has a speaker, NFC reader, and 8 built-in buttons for common packing actions like printing labels, completing orders, and flagging issues. The back of the Main Hub has four ports: two center ports that connect to your computer, and two outer ports that connect to the Button Hubs.
- Button Hubs: Two smaller hubs that hold external buttons. Each Button Hub supports up to 8 buttons and connects to the Main Hub via USB-C. Hub 1 handles one set of buttons, Hub 2 handles another. The hubs mount to your packing station shelf with included adhesive.
| Button Hubs (H1 and H2) | Button Hub: side profile |
|---|---|
- External Box Buttons: 16 LED buttons included in the kit. These are the buttons your packers press to select box sizes. Each button plugs into a numbered slot on a Button Hub. The slot number determines what action the button performs based on your profile configuration.
-
Additional Accessories: A few extras to make setup more convenient.
- 2x USB-C to USB-A adapters for connecting the Main Hub to your computer
- 4x 10-foot USB-C extension cables for positioning Button Hubs further from the Main Hub
| USB-C to USB-A adapters | 10-foot USB-C extension cables |
|---|---|