Activate Return 

This guide explains how to activate a controlled return in Cario once the feature has been enabled and a consignment has been created with Controlled Returns selected. 

Purpose 

The Activate Return process allows you to formally trigger a return shipment against an existing outbound consignment. This ensures: 

• The correct return service is used 

• Return labels are generated and tracked 

• Full visibility of returned items, reasons, and actions 

 

Prerequisites 

Before activating a return, ensure: 

• Controlled Returns is enabled at the Customer Configuration level 

• User roles have permissions enabled for: 

• • Controlled returns – Activate return 

• • Controlled returns – Receive return 

• A consignment has already been created with Controlled Returns ticked 

 

Step 1: Create a Consignment with Controlled Returns 

1. Navigate to Consignments → Create New 
2. Complete the consignment details as normal (addresses, service, shipment dimensions) 
3. At the bottom of the screen, tick the checkbox for Controlled returns 
   
4. Acknowledge the dangerous goods declaration 
5. Click CREATE (or CREATE AND MANIFEST) 
   

Result 

• Two labels will be generated: 

• • ✅ The outbound (sending) label 

• • 🔁 The controlled return label 
    

These labels are linked to the same transaction for tracking and reconciliation. 

 

Step 2: Navigate to Activate Return 

1. Go to Controlled Returns → Activate Return 
   
2. Select the correct Customer 
3. Locate the return using one of the following: 
   1. Connote Number 
   2. Order Number 
   3. Find by Name 

Once entered, the eligible controlled return will automatically populate. 

 

Step 3: Review Collection & Delivery Details 

• Collect From: The original delivery location (return pickup point) 

• Deliver To: The configured Controlled Returns address 

• Optional: Toggle Drop at Depot if the return will be dropped off instead of collected 

Confirm the collection date, time window, and service if required.
 

Step 4: Complete Order Items Section 

Each return item must be clearly defined. 

For each item, complete the following fields: 

• SKU – Original product SKU 

• Description – Item description (optional but recommended) 

• Container – Packaging type (e.g. Carton) 

• Qty Ordered – Original shipped quantity 

• Qty To Return – Quantity being returned 

• Exchange SKU (optional) – Used if a replacement item will be shipped 

• Activate Notes – Internal notes (e.g. damage details) 

• Reason – Reason for return (e.g. Damaged, Incorrect item) 

• Action – Required action (e.g. Return, Replace, Inspect) 
  
  

All mandatory fields must be completed before activation. 

 

Step 5: Confirm Shipment Dimensions 

In the Shipment Dimensions & Weight section: 

• Confirm or enter the transport unit details for the return 

• Ensure weight and dimensions are accurate 

These details will be used for carrier rating and label generation. 

 

Step 6: Activate the Return 

1. Review all entered details 
2. Click ACTIVATE 

Result 

• The controlled return is activated 

• A return consignment is created 

• Status tracking is enabled for the return journey 

 

What Happens Next? 

• The return can now be: 

• Tracked like a standard consignment 

• Scanned via Event Scanning 

• Received via Controlled Returns → Receive Return 

 

Summary 

Activating a Controlled Return ensures returns are: 

• Properly authorised 

• Fully traceable 

• Linked to the original outbound shipment 

This creates a clean, auditable return workflow across warehouse, transport, and customer service teams.