The most recent build of NRGship Pro for UPS allows you to quickly connect NRGship to your Squarespace website for batch downloads of order data. After shipment, your order status will be updated and tracking numbers will be displayed in the Squarespace backend.
We recently saw a posting on a FaceBook group requesting some help with barcode scanning in Claris FileMaker Pro. Handheld barcode scanners provide far greater speed and accuracy with data capture vs using a camera on a mobile device. Barcodes are fantastic for quick entry of invoice numbers, pick slips, skus, inventory location and so much more. Previosuly we’ve talked about data capture with Zebra mobile devices however a USB or bluetooth scanner can also be connected to your desktop or mobile device. While there are a plethora of barcode scanners available, Zebra barcode scanners are very rugged and provide the ability to configure to send pre/post scan data which provides for much more robust integration. We also recommend barcode scanners with 2D capabilities so you can leverage smaller QR or other similar symbologies that can pack larger amounts of data in a small space. By purchasing a scanner with 2D functions can you future-proof your hardware investment.
Zebra DS2200 Series Barcode Scanner
Zebra DS2208 – USB 1D/2D For around $100 this cabled scanner will provide a lifetime of use.
Zebra CS60 – Bluetooth Companion 1D/2D While a little more costly, this scanner can connect to a desktop or mobile device and provides durability and the ability to charge thru QI inductive charging.
Zebra/Motorola Symbols DS6878-SR 1D/2D – Budget Option This discountinued model is available on Amazon at a huge savings and can be used cabled or wireless.
In the video below we walkthru how to implement barcode scanners in Claris FileMaker Pro. By using pre-scan options available on Zebra scanners you can execute a FileMaker script before the scanned data is passed. This allows you to send the cursor to a specific layout/field or display a dialog for data capture so that your users aren’t required to click in specific fields before scanning.
Contact us if you’d like to discuss using barcodes with FileMaker Pro!
NRG Software is excited to announced that current builds of all NRGship solutions are compatible with the Claris FileMaker Pro 2023 release that offers improvide performance, scalability and enhanced security. Internal testing has not uncovered any issues. As with any upgrade, we suggest customers test their integration before upgrading production systems. Customers using NRG Ship Connect should email sales@nrgsoft.com for upgrade information.
As always, we highly suggest updating NRGship alongside any Claris FileMaker Pro upgrades.
NRGship Pro for UPS recently added support for printing QR codes at the bottom of ship labels. The QR code can be used to provide scannable links for a variety of needs like product information, discounts, or simplified returns.
By switching to longer UPS 4×8 label stock, you can now choose to print a shipment label header, custom label messaging (perfect for gift boxes!), 4×2 logo or the new QR code messaging.
EcoShip is a nonprofit in the Chicagoland area that collects gently used shipping material and distribues them to over 250 local businesses and individuals.
The process is simple:
EcoShip also has a library of videos to help promote use of sustainable materials.
While there are other businesses who offer shipping materials for a discount, we believe EcoShip is the only nonprofit in this space.
We spent the day checking out many of the exhibitors at ProMat 2023 in Chicago. There was so much cool tech with robotics and warehouse automation. We stopped by and chatted with many of our hardware partners like Chicago Tag & Label, Bixolon, Zebra Technologies, Toshiba, DataLogic, CubisScan and Rice Lake Weighing Systems.
Contact us if you’d like to discuss implementing advanced automation to simplify your warehouse and shipping needs.
Goodbye, 2010.
A question was recently posted about the limitation of FileMaker’s native scripting which only allows importing single images from a mobile device’s camera app. Using a WebView and simple JavaScript, we can utilize a HTML form which can import multiple images. Those images are then converted to Base64 text and passes to a FileMaker Script which then parses them out into multiple records. This method will work in the FileMaker app, in FileMaker Go, or in WebDirect for iOS and Android users.
I started out by searching for a suitable form and existing JavaScript for the image capture. I found a lot of samples, but had issue getting JS file objects converted over to Base64. This sample was perfect as it already had code which turned the images into JSON and Base64 which would be super easy to parse in my FileMaker script.
I created a simple database to store the HTML data which the webview would render. I then added another field for the actual images. When the form is submitted, it calls FileMaker.PerformScriptWithOption and passes the JSON data. The FM script then performs some substitution on the form data so it parses properly so that it can decode the Base64 data into the container field.
You can download our sample file here. The file has a default user/pass of admin/admin.
Another option to research for multiple uploads is elemental_dropzone. Usability is similar for file browser image selection, but the JavaScript looks to be more complex.
Contact us if you’d like to discuss any of your complex FileMaker Pro needs!
6/8/2023 – Sample file updated, initial version only properly parsed PNG images, now parses JPEG files too.
When looking for a trusted business solution, you can count on NRG solutions for your FedEx shipping.
NRG is part of the FedEx Compatible Solutions Program, which integrates FedEx shipping capability into many of the most popular business software systems, like FileMaker Pro.
That means you can ship and manage shipments with the software you already use every day.
FedEx tests the shipping functionality of each solution to make sure it provides the reliability you expect from FedEx – with fast processing, powerful tracking and a broad array of services.
Recent changes to NRGship Pro for FedEx include:
Contact us any time if you would like to discuss which NRG solutions meet your needs!
For the past few years, NRG has been doing custom development for the promotional products industry using PromoStandards. As a Service Provider/Integrator Member, NRG has a deep understanding of PromoStandards. Companies that use PromoStandards enter a movement that's bringing integration, automation, and efficiency to the supply chain.
Recently we participated in the PromoStandards Hack-A-Thon and worked with our group to write PHP code which reached out to PromoStandards Product and Configuration/Pricing endpoints to determine if contract pricing was correct. NRG staff is also excited to attend the 1st Annual PromoStandards Tech Summit in Tampa this February.
Another recent project that we completed is a web-based tool which syncs supplier inventory information against SKUs in an Airtable database. The sync process occurs nightly without user intervention. Optionally, staff can update on-demand and drill down to view specific supplier information.
By integrating PromoStandards with Claris FileMaker Pro solutions, businesses can take advantage of endpoints that simplify workflow like product pricing, order creation, order status and order shipment.
Order shipment information along with tracking can even be utilized for production scheduling so that you know when materials are delayed in transportation.
Contact us if you'd like to discuss PromoStandards integration!