Automate PDF Tracking Number Extraction to Google Sheets

Automate PDF Tracking Number Extraction to Google Sheets with Precision

Transform the way you handle tracking numbers by automating their extraction from PDF attachments in Gmail, seamlessly logging essential details into Google Sheets. This n8n workflow empowers you to streamline processes and focus on what truly matters.

What this workflow does

• Monitors your Gmail account and identifies unread emails containing PDF attachments.
• Downloads the first PDF attachment and confirms its format to ensure compatibility.
• Utilizes okraPDF’s OCR capabilities to analyze the PDF, converting content to text for data parsing.
• Extracts potential tracking numbers using advanced regex techniques.
• Logs critical data — including email metadata and tracking details — into a designated Google Sheet, offering a comprehensive overview.

Use cases

• E-commerce Logistics: Automate the input of shipping tracking numbers from order confirmation emails directly into Google Sheets to keep your logistics team updated.
• Customer Service Operations: Streamline responses by having a centralized sheet of shipment tracking details extracted from customer correspondence.
• Inventory Management: Enhance record-keeping by automatically documenting incoming shipment details, ensuring a reliable inventory tracking system.

Technical details

• Integrations/nodes used: Gmail Trigger, HTTP Request, If, Set, Wait, Sticky Note.
• Create and connect your Gmail account with OAuth2 credentials to enable email monitoring and attachment downloading functionalities.
• Secure an okraPDF API key to facilitate OCR parsing via the /v1/files, /v1/parse, and job status endpoints.
• Link Google Sheets using OAuth2 credentials and configure your target spreadsheet to ensure seamless data logging.
• Prepare your destination sheet with appropriately mapped fields such as From, Subject, Attachment, Received At, Tracking Numbers, Status, Job ID, and Text Preview.