General

NRG Provides PromoStandards Integration Services

 

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.


Airtable database inventory sync

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.

Product Detail and Inventory using PromoStandards in Claris FileMaker Pro

Order shipment information along with tracking can even be utilized for production scheduling so that you know when materials are delayed in transportation.

 

Inbound tracking using PromoStandards in Claris FileMaker Pro

Contact us if you’d like to discuss PromoStandards integration!

 

2023-10-31T16:26:08+00:00February 5th, 2023|Case Studies, General, Tools & Tips|
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Upgrading to FileMaker v19?

If you’re using an older version of NRGship FM for UPS, NRGship FM for FedEx, or NRG Ship Connect, it’s likely a good opportunity to upgrade NRG to the latest version before updating to FileMaker Pro v19. For single carrier products, you can easily update on your own by following the UPS or FedEx upgrade instructions. Upgrading multi-carrier Ship Connect is best done by NRG Support following our upgrade best practices.

There are many reasons to upgrade!

  • New functionality in NRGship
    • Interface improvements
    • Access the latest carrier option and services
    • More easily select connected thermal printers
  • NRG solutions utilize third-party FileMaker plugins
    • Plugins often should be updated for newer FileMaker versions for better performance and compatibility
    • Plugins get auto-updated when new NRG solutions are launched for the first time

Note that NRG solutions are built and tested to run on the latest versions of Claris FileMaker Pro. Versions of FileMaker Pro before v19 have been End Of Life since mid-2021 and earlier. Often when replacing your Mac or Windows PC, you’ll find that older FileMaker versions just don’t run properly and you will need to upgrade.

Contact us any time if you have questions or need help with your NRG update!

2023-02-24T21:38:08+00:00February 4th, 2023|FileMaker Shipping, General, Tools & Tips|
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Ship Connect now supports GLS

GLS is a west coast regional carrier that provides parcel delivery services in California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Utah. Regional carriers can reduce shipping costs 10 to 40% over working solely with major carriers.

In Ship Connect, you can now rate, ship and track packages with GLS alongside other major carriers. Our API integration with GLS includes support for carrier features like email notifications, signature options and COD.

Ship Connect: GLS

If you’re interested in hearing more about how NRG can connect your FileMaker database, ERP or ecommerce system with providers like GLS, please contact our sales department.

2023-07-06T16:12:02+00:00January 27th, 2023|FileMaker Shipping, General, Mac Shipping, Press Releases|
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NRGship Holiday 2022 Giveaway

 

To celebrate NRG Software being selected as a 2022 UPS Ready® Premier Partner, we’re giving away some UPS Be Unstoppable Gear. The giveaway signup ends on 12/21/22 at 11:59pm and the winners will be notified on 12/22/22. Seven winners will be chosen at random from all entries.

Prizes are as follows:
UPS Yeti Mug
UPS Coffee Mug
UPS Water Bottle
UPS Cap (Black)
UPS Cap (Brown)
UPS T-Shirt (Grey)
UPS T-Shirt (Black)

 

2023-03-07T22:57:50+00:00December 12th, 2022|FileMaker Shipping, General, Mac Shipping, Press Releases|
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Join us at AutoEnter Live 2022

 

AutoEnter Live

NRG Software will be a sponsor at the AutoEnter Live: a 2-day virtual conference for the Claris Community on July 19 & 20. This event is free to attend and is being hosted by Proof+Geist and Soliant Consulting. Register for free on the AutoEnter Live website.

As a long-time sponsor of FileMaker DevCon, we’re excited to connect with the Claris developer community again. Drop by our virtual booth to hear about best-practices for shipping with FileMaker Pro, including how to use our carrier-certified NRGship solutions, Claris Connect or integrations with other web services. You’ll see how you can have shipping labels created right from your database in under 10 minutes to simplify your workflow and reduce shipping errors. While you’re there, don’t forget to signup to win some UPS unstoppable gear.

 

 

2023-03-07T23:05:49+00:00July 11th, 2022|FileMaker Shipping, FileMaker Tips, General, Press Releases|
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Create device-agnostic HTML links for mapping data

We recently did a project where HTML emails were generated with a list of stops for a delivery route. During the testing phase, we found that creating map links across devices was not so simple.

Apple Maps Link

Apple’s iOS URL handler is maps: but the preferred method is to use https://maps.apple.com/ with the location data. If you use this URL instead, it will open in the Apple Maps app on iOS/macOS or redirect to Google Maps on Windows/Android.

To display a map for a specific address, you would use a link like <A href=”http://maps.apple.com/?address=1,Infinite+Loop,Cupertino,California”>Map</A>

To display a map with a given latitude and longitude, you would use a link like <A href=”http://maps.apple.com/?ll=50.894967,4.341626″>Map</A>

For more information on Apple Maps links, check out the Apple Developer Documentation.

Google Maps Link

Sometimes mobile users don’t like the Apple Maps application and would prefer to use Google Maps instead. On iOS, there is no way to set a default Maps application so the workaround is to use a universal URL, simpliar to the Apple Maps URL. If the Google Maps app is installed on iOS or Android, the link will open in the app, otherwise it will open the map in the default web brower.

To display a map for a specific address, you would use a link like <A href=”https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=1,Infinite+Loop,Cupertino,California”>Map</A>

To display a map with a given latitude and longitude, you would use a link like <A href=”https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=50.894967%2C4.341626″>Map</A>

For more information on Google Maps links, check out the Google Maps Platform Documentation.

Encoding

Note that all maps links should be properly URL encoded. Each mail application handles links differently and you must encode or you may face issues. If you are using Claris FileMaker Pro, a function like GetAsURLEncoded can be used to encode your link data.

Preferences are always nice

If possible, add a preference for each email recipient so that you can dynamically create the map link based on their desired map provider.

While our primary development efforts at NRG revolve around shipping and carrier APIs, we often assist other Claris developers with projects related to other APIs. Contact our sales department for more information on our custom development services.

2023-02-24T21:38:08+00:00February 2nd, 2022|FileMaker Tips, General|
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It’s time! InsureShield™ Shipping Insurance is NOW available!

InsureShield shipping insurance has you covered.  InsureShield shipping insurance from UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc, is now available in NRGship Pro for UPS and coming very soon to NRG Ship Connect for FileMaker. Now you won’t have to worry when a package is lost, damaged or taken by porch pirates – you can quickly take care of your customer and provide them with the exceptional customer experience they’re used to receiving. 

The claims experience is fast and easy!
You’ll now be able to submit and manage your claims right through the NRGship platform. And, most claims are paid in 4 days or less1 – leaving you and your customers happy. 

Watch a quick video on how to file a claim or visit our website to see how simple and easy claims are with InsureShield coverage. 

Protect your bottom line.  Select InsureShield shipping insurance to protect your shipments against loss and damage plus get these additional benefits:

  • Superior protection to carrier liability
  • Online claim filing 24/7
  • Fast claims with most claims paid in days, not weeks   
  • Pay as you ship and keep money in your pocket
  • Protection against porch piracy
  • Affordable  

The brighter side of shipping is finally here. Protect your margins, reputation and your time with InsureShield shipping insurance.  To take advantage upgrade and download NRGship Pro for UPS now. If you have questions about the coverage, you can email an InsureShield specialist at isconnect@ups.com.

Upgrade Now!

1   Figures are based on aggregate insurance claim payment data collected by UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc. during the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2021. Individual results may vary.

Insurance coverage is underwritten by an authorized insurance company and issued through licensed insurance producers, including UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc. (“UPSCIA”), a subsidiary of UPS Capital Corporation (“UPS Capital”). The insurance company, UPSCIA and its licensed affiliates reserve the right to change or cancel the program at any time. You may be offered the opportunity to insure eligible ship­ments under a policy of insurance (the “Policy”) issued: (i) directly to you; (ii) to UPS Capital; or (iii) to the sender/ publisher of this communication. Where the Policy is issued to UPS Capital or such sender/publisher, such Policy extends coverage to your eligible shipments, but you are neither an insured nor an additional insured under such Policy. In the event of a loss covered under such Policy, any resulting claim payment shall be directed to you as a loss payee. Where insurance coverage is made available through a third-party platform, details regarding the terms and conditions of that coverage is provided by UPSCIA. This information does not in any way alter or amend the terms, limitations or exclusions of the applica­ble Policy and is intended only as a brief summary. Insurance coverage is not available in all jurisdictions and coverage is governed by the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions set forth in the applicable Policy.
2023-02-24T21:38:08+00:00September 26th, 2021|General|
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Here’s how to create FileMaker server-side Snapshot Links

 

Have you tried to create Snapshot Links in your server scripts but they fail when users try to open them? When creating Snapshot Links with server-side scripts, the IP of the host is used to create them which leads to invalid Snapshot Links for clients running outside the local network. Often, the host IP is an internal IP number which is not accessible to the outside world. When these Snapshot Links are emailed to users, they throw an error when they try to open them. Snapshot Links created using the FileMaker Pro application don’t have this issue because the links are built using the host used to access the database file, which should be a fully-qualified domain name (FQDN) if you’re using best practices.

Snippet from a Snapshot Link file showing the internal IP numbers

Using the Data File script steps that have been available since FileMaker 18, you can easily read in the Snapshot Link file, replace the IP number for 127.0.0.1, and then send the Snapshot Link in an email from a server script.

In the sample script below, we first go to the proper layout, record and sort order that we want the user to be on when they open the Snapshot Link. We then save the Snapshot Link. Once saved, we open the file and read the contents. The contents then have a simple subsitute to replace 127.0.0.1 with the valid FQDN of the host. We then write the file back to disk and send it out as an email attachment. Problem solved!

Using FileMaker Data File script steps to fix the Snapshot Link file

NRG Software has utilized Snapshot Links to automate server-side reminders for common business needs like Reorder Emails, CRM follow-ups, etc. Please contact us if you’d like to discuss adding server-side automation to your FileMaker Pro solution.

 

2023-03-07T23:01:36+00:00August 26th, 2021|FileMaker Tips, General|
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InsureShield™ Shipping Insurance vs Carrier Liability: What’s the difference?

 

You’ve heard about InsureShield™ shipping insurance, but may be wondering how it differs from standard carrier liability.

The short answer, it’s a night and day difference.

Carrier liability is the standard liability offered by the carrier for a shipment, in the event of loss or damage (e.g. up to $100 for small package, or $25/lb. for LTL). Excess liability is excess-value coverage (e.g. more than the carrier’s standard liability), up to the cost of the shipment.

Carrier liability is based on small-print terms and a web of governing statutes, some of which date to the 1930’s. At their core, all the statutes allow carriers to limit their exposure and exempt a variety of situations from their liability.

Here are the key points of differentiation between carrier liability, excess liability and InsureShield shipping insurance offered through UPS Capital.

InsureShield shipping insurance provides coverage beyond carrier liability and excess liability. InsureShield shipping insurance covers the following1:

  • Reimbursement up to the full invoice value of the goods, plus shipping
  • Concealed damage coverage when reported within 90 days
  • Expedited reshipment up to 20% of the insured value of the goods

To learn more or add InsureShield shipping insurance to your account, click here.

1 Information on insurance services and coverage provided by UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc.

Insurance Disclaimer

Insurance coverage is underwritten by an authorized insurance company and issued through licensed insurance producers, including UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc. (“UPSCIA”), a subsidiary of UPS Capital Corporation (“UPS Capital”). The insurance company, UPSCIA and its licensed affiliates reserve the right to change or cancel the program at any time. You may be offered the opportunity to insure eligible shipments under a policy of insurance (the “Policy”) issued: (i) directly to you; (ii) to UPS Capital; or (iii) to the sender/ publisher of this communication.  Where the Policy is issued to UPS Capital or such sender/publisher, such Policy extends coverage to your eligible shipments, but you are neither an insured nor an additional insured under such Policy. In the event of a loss covered under such Policy, any resulting claim payment shall be directed to you as a loss payee. This information does not in any way alter or amend the terms, limitations or exclusions of the applicable Policy and is intended only as a brief summary. Insurance coverage is not available in all jurisdictions and coverage is governed by the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions set forth in the applicable Policy.

 

2023-03-07T23:03:57+00:00August 25th, 2021|General|
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NRGship Pro for UPS now supports QuickBooks Online

Recent updates to NRGship Pro for UPS include support for QuickBooks Online. Now you can easily ship from QuickBooks Online with ease from your Mac. Once configured, simply enter an order # to have destination information auto-populated. You can then capture weights from a digital scale and output labels to thermal printer or other device. After shipment, the order will be updated in QuickBooks so that tracking data is displayed for full visibility.  Contact NRG Sales for further information on integration with QuickBooks Online.

Connecting NRGship Pro to QuickBooks Online
How to ship QuickBooks Online invoices from NRGship Pro
2023-02-24T21:38:08+00:00August 23rd, 2021|General, Mac Shipping, Press Releases|
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