Archive for category Tools & Tips
Connect WordPress Ninja Forms to Claris FileMaker Pro
Posted by andyknas in FileMaker Tips, Tools & Tips on September 20, 2021
We recently saw a posting on a FaceBook group requesting some help with sending WordPress form data from Ninja Forms to Claris FileMaker Pro thru the Data API without the need for the paid add-on Ninja Forms Webhook plugin. Even with the Ninja Forms Webhook plugin, you’d still need server-side code that would take the form data and convert it into a format that could be used with the Data API.
Soliant Consulting has an article with code for FileMaker 17 but the poster had issue getting it to work with FileMaker 19.
FileMaker Webhooks
We’ve built FileMaker webhooks for a varity of needs in the past and have found that creating a generic table to accept data is an easy way to add future functionality without having to change a lot of PHP code. Processing of the data is then handled inside of FileMaker with common scripting.
We created a github project for this free Ninja Forms plugin in hopes that it will benefit other FileMaker Pro users.
This project consists of two parts – the first is a WordPress plugin that you modify for your FileMaker Server host, and then upload to your web server. The second part is a FileMaker database that accepts the submitted form data. Please consult the readme file that is included with the download for a walkthru of configuring the plugin.
Our Approach
In order to simplify submission of multiple forms, we take an approach where we use a simple table that has two basic fields – the form name, and the form data as JSON.
There is then a script, Process Webhook, that gets invoked and that can be used to parse out the data for other needs. For example, if the form_title value is “Contact Me” then the script could create an entry in a “To Do” database for a salesperson so that they make contact with the person who submitted the form. Using a common table also allows for business logic in the processing script – for example, you don’t want create duplicate records in your CRM or you may want to add some filtering for invalid data.
If you’re interested in hearing more about how NRG can help connect your FileMaker database with WordPress, please contact our sales department.
Ship from QuickBooks Online with NRGship for UPS
Posted by andyknas in Mac Shipping, Tools & Tips on August 23, 2021
NRGship has found ways to make it a snap for you to create UPS labels from your invoices or contacts with QuickBooks Online.
NRGship for UPS offers several methods with macOS data detection capability. Learn how you can ship from your QuickBooks Online invoices below or visit NRGship for more helpful tips. NRGship Pro for UPS provides direct intgeration to QuickBooks Online invoices for even quicker shipping.
Ship from QuickBooks for Mac with NRGship
Posted by Chris Larson in Mac Shipping, Tools & Tips on August 23, 2021
While there are no directly integrated shipping options from QuickBooks for Mac, NRGship has found ways to make it a snap for you to create UPS labels from your invoices or contacts.
NRGship for UPS offers several methods with macOS data detection capability. Learn how you can ship from your QuickBooks invoices below or visit NRGship for more helpful tips. NRGship Pro for UPS provides direct intgeration to QuickBooks Online invoices for even quicker shipping.
Updating FileMaker data with Zebra mobile devices
Posted by andyknas in FileMaker Shipping, FileMaker Tips, General, Tools & Tips on July 27, 2021
We were recently working on a project where we needed to verify order fulfillment and staging prior to pickup by the shipping carriers.
In most instances, we’d use FileMaker Go on an iPod Touch or iPad for mobile users, but this project required that we scan barcodes quickly for optimum performance.
As a proof of concept, we created a simple FileMaker Web Direct interface so that staff could scan boxes as they were packed, and before they were put onto a pallet. The Zebra TC20 is an Android 8.1 device that accesses Web Direct with it’s Chrome browser thru a wireless connection. The TC20 is ruggedized and features a built-in barode scanner which is perfect for use in a warehouse environment.
In the video below, you can see how this streamlined interface works. The user can choose from two scanning modes – one to verify packing and the other to mark which pallet the package is on awaiting pickup. We used just a single field for barcode scanning to reduce the overall complexity.
One option we considered was using FileMaker Go on an iPod Touch or iPad. We decided not to go this route for a variety of reasons:
- Scanning barcodes is trickier with multiple appearing on the package. We wanted to reduce the chance of false-scans using the camera on the mobile device
- External barcode scanners on iOS can be clunky to use. With the Zebra it’s one device to manage.
- Using the the iPod Touch or iPad would require a ruggedized case
- There’s greater chance of loss of device with an iPod Touch or iPad with seasonal staff
- Using a iPod Touch sled like the Linea Pro adds considerable cost and requires the use of custom plugins along with the iOS App SDK.
Another alternative to using Web Direct is building a native web app that communicates with the FileMaker backend using the Data API to update order status.
Please contact our Sales Department for further information if you’d like help creating a mobile warehouse solution.
What’s the best way to ship from FileMaker Pro?
Posted by andyknas in FileMaker Shipping, Tools & Tips on March 26, 2021
With NRGship and FileMaker Pro you have two options for shipping and choosing between them often depends on what makes sense for your workflow.
Integrated shipping is our preferred method and it allows you to utilize the full capabilites of NRGship across your organization on the desktop or iOS. We often suggest that things start during order entry with address validation. This ensures that the recipient information is correct before the order ever hits your shipping department, and allows you to have a clean address in your backend CRM for future use. From your order, it’s easy to add simple rating functionality based on the content of your order so that you can charge your customer based on the estimate, or provide expedited service options based on a certain delivery date. Once the order has shipped, cost information can be returned back to the order along with the tracking number. The tracking number then provides visibility right on the order without having to check the carrier software or website. With integrated shipping you can seamlessly utilize the power of your shipping carriers without ever leaving your own database.
Keyed shipping most closely resembles the process you would have using carrier software integrated with FileMaker. You would key in an order number and the data would appear in the shipment. The shipping staff then adds packages, validates the address, runs rates and produces the shipping label. After shipment, the cost information is returned back to your order so that you have visibility across your organization. Since NRGship is built with FileMaker Pro, you can leverage it’s functionality to provide far more complex shipping than you could with the carrier software alone.
NRGship is a Carrier Certfied provider that powers hundreds of businesses who ship UPS, FedEx and USPS with FileMaker Pro without the need to setup external services or perform complex API coding. Contact our sales staff to setup a time for a demo of NRGship and see how it can improve your entire business.