What are /r/filemaker's favorite Products & Services?

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One quick tip. You likely won't want a new record to get added to your core Customers table. Odds are you'll want to have a new Import Manager table that accepts data from the web. If you were to allow new records to be added to the Customers table, you would end up with duplicate records and spam. Updating existing Contacts or deleting spam is much easier done from a designated Import Manager table; where you can build some automated scripts that will identify duplicates and delete junk.

And while it is somewhat backwards, sometimes people opt to use a web-form service to collect the data. For example, Wufoo allows you to embed elegant and smart forms into any website. Once this data is collected, you use FileMaker's InsertFromURL[] script step to connect to the API and download the data.

One benefit of using a middle-man to collect the webforms, you'll never have downtime. Your solution, server, hosting, or internet will go to shit inevitably but if you use a 3rd party to collect the data, you'll have a 0% failure rate. Some clients don't care...if their cost to acquire a prospective customer is low. Clients that are spending $100s per inquiry will care.

Some details that will help us to help you:
- What API Are you using?
- What exactly are you struggling with? Building the cURL? Troubleshooting error codes? Scripting for the mass sms?
- What do you have done so far and what have you got working?

If you have no idea where to start, start by reading up on APIs and using cURL with FileMaker. A few Google searches will get you some helpful blogs.

Make sure you read through the API documentation for what endpoints to make the call to and what cURL details need to be provided (keys, authorization codes, request type, etc).

Try using a program like Postman (https://www.postman.com/) to get successful API calls before you start building it in FileMaker. Once you have it working there, you have all the information you need to pass through FileMaker to make the call correctly. Troubleshooting API requests in FileMaker can be time consuming and tedious.

For the most part they will be fine. The current script workspace was introduced in 14 and hasn't changed much. Version 15 was not too interesting IMHO. Version 16 introduced JSON and card windows and some other good stuff but it's just additional, in general it's very similar to 14. 17 not real interesting with the exception of the new master detail portal. This may help:

https://www.filemaker.com/products/filemaker-pro-advanced/version-comparison.html

Hmm, that seems odd. I know you said you've used FM in the past, but when you do an import, your "Found Set" is the set of records you imported. This could certainly make it look like it was overwriting your current set of records.

If you look at this image:

https://www.safaribooksonline.com/library/view/filemaker-pro-13/9781491901823/httpatomoreillycomsourceoreillyimages2048207.png.jpg

You can see there is a "Found Set" of 2 (I just pulled a random image from the web, your version of FileMaker might look a little different). After you do the import, what does that part of the screen look like?

Arq is exceptional.

If you want to do something similar to the Windows method, you’ll need to get into launchd. I can’t recommend Launch Control enough.

You can automate exporting of your records via script that runs on a timer. That can be done natively in FMP.

If you want to automate making a copy of the entire database file, that would need to be set up outside of FMP, like with an Apple Script or some backup software, but that shouldn't be done while the file is open. If you only use it during the day and are ok with nightly backups then that should work fine.

You could use something like CrashPlan to set an off site backup that runs at night and backs up to a PC at home.

Have not tried to connect with GSX. Lots of FileMaker devs test drive API connections in Postman, and then when they get everything figured out, transplant to FileMaker.

Some developers have posted Postman collections, such as this collection from Lesterius. Grabbing some of those collections and running them will acquaint you with how API interactions work, and then you can try to Map that experience to the GSX API.

What version is the server you are trying to connect to? We have seen this behavior if the server is not one of the 17 supported ones, which are FileMaker Server 17, 16, and 15 (https://www.filemaker.com/products/filemaker-pro-advanced/17-technical-specifications.html).

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In addition to a server version mismatch we have also seen this when the install of 17 was bad, a reinstall fixed it in those cases. Make sure you are installing 17v4.

I'm a very long-time, multiply-certified FileMaker developer. I urge you to consider Airtable. Sounds like it might be a good fit for her needs.

FileMaker Go will only work on iOS devices, so it ain't gonna work on a Surface or ChromeBook. Even if you deploy through WebDirect, because FileMaker layouts are not adaptive, you may have to build dedicated layouts for your expected layout sizes (and then write scripts to detect the platform and route to the appropriate layout).

With Airtable, she'll have easy access to her data on any platform (provided she has a 'net connection). Will even work on her phone. Airtable is low code/no code. FileMaker is not nearly as easy as Claris wants you to think, and the same can be said of Airtable, too. Some aspects of database design are inherently difficult for many people. (Data modeling is a cross between set-theory math and Aristotelian metaphysics.)

With Airtable she'll also be able to connect her data easily to other platforms, using integration/automation technologies like Zapier or Make (formerly Integromat).

William

thanks for the reply. I have a work filemaker server. But this is a separate business project and (real estate records with photos of legal docs) You make great points. not to mention if I get disconnteted for any reason... boom... corrupted.

My idea is a fail.... I think I will use a USB stick that is very stubby.

Keep the file on there... and set-up something to auto backup 2 times a day.

thanks for the reply. I have a work FileMaker server. But this is a separate business project and (real estate records with photos of legal docs) You make great points. not to mention if I get disconnected for any reason... boom... corrupted.

A) Admin Console is only meant to open the database if it is currently closed on the server, to make it available for clients eg FM Pro, FM Go, Webdirect.

B) This is a permission issue. Turn on Network Sharing in File Menu > Sharing > Share with Filemaker Clients > Turn on and and specify which users can access the file via network sharing and Filemaker Pro Clients. These users must be allowed to access fmapp under File Menu > Manage > Security > Advanced Settings > Extended Privileges.

C) You may use the host machine's IP address to access your file with Filemaker Pro clients without an SSL certificate if your Filemaker Server is local. If you are using a browser to access the Filemaker Server locally via Webdirect then the default Filemaker Certificate can be used or create one for free at letsencrypt.org.

D) You need to expose your Filemaker Server to the internet for your foreman to access your hosted files on the road. For this you need a fixed IP or use Dyn.com to manage your dynamic IP. You must also open port forwarding on your router to point certain ports to the host machine's IP address, depending on which client your foreman plans to use.

HTH

Based on what you said, seems to me you absolutely do not need FileMaker.

Google Sheets probably not the right tool. Google's Tables app isn't ready for prime time.

I suggest you look into Airtable. It has a free version that would be way better than putting data into Google Sheets because it's a true database. And if you could spring for one of the non-free account levels ($10 or $20/month respectively) you'd get a lot more. But the free version is quite capable. You can even create and edit apps on your smart phone.

William

p.s. I'm a multiply certified FileMaker developer -- been building large FileMaker apps for (sigh) decades.

I've included a sample file here: https://gofile.io/?c=wvDYby

This isn't the actual solution I'm working on, I'm just using this file to conceptualize what I'm after.

I feel like there's a lot of workarounds to make FileMaker work, but sometimes the flexibility that FileMaker has to be able to do those workarounds is great.

This project will ultimately end up involving importing and exporting data to/from various sources, in very unusual and specific formats. (More workarounds! 😄)

I've been using FileMaker for about 15 years now. I have a fairly good understanding of relational databases, and have used Access, SQL and other platforms. For whatever reason, I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this. I might just be over thinking it.

I did a quick mock-up of kinda what I'm envisioning. Once I understand the concept, I can adapt it to my solution. It's an fmp file, here: https://gofile.io/?c=wvDYby

1. Merging I thought about the approach of using scripting as well. My only concern was that it would require constant updating as new fields are added.

I'm not sure how to execute it, but I wondered if there might be a way to have a person record, pointed to a "master person" table. Use the 'master person' to link to records, and have it point back to the person record thats deemed the 'primary' (not sure if I'm explaining this well).

1. Different reports in one portal Tabs and multiple portals was something considered, but I would ideally like the reports in one portal. I know this can be accomplished in SQL with a union query. Ideally, I'm looking for a way to do that in FM.

2. Cross-referencing records I've considered an used a similar approach when working with some school data (student enrollment, etc.), and it worked well.

Another similar approach used in the past is to use a script trigger to create a duplicate record (with the parent/child fk's reversed).

I'm holding out hope there might be a way to achieve this via relationship (like a selfjoin or something?)

🤔 I'll keep working away. Thanks for your insight! Much appreciated!

No problem, everyone's got to start somewhere. It sounds like you need another table as well, a join table. This join table's job is to just list the attorney's attached to the lit hold, so in essence it's 'joining' the employee table and the lit hold table.

Tables: Employee - Employee ID, Employee Name info Lit Hold - Litigation Number/ID, date maybe? Join - Litigation Number/ID, Employee ID

This arrangement allows you to have "one to many" attorneys listed for each lit hold.

I whipped up a quick example database to show you what I meant. It may be a bit oversimplified but the basics are in there.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zpe3mgq1zq22iqy/IUZAvFn5pR

There are several Scoop.it accounts about Filemaker, I have one. I have a ProtoPage with a FMP tab here http://www.protopage.com/davidanders#TCG/Filemaker Filemaker and some developers have Youtube Channels. Some are listed in the link below. I was active on the old FMP forums not since the switch to FMP Community. One of my old list of links is here, with screwed formatting. https://community.filemaker.com/message/208690#208690?commentId=222931#222931

My Seattle Library card gives me free access to Lynda.com howto videos.

There are a few ways to fix this but none are great.

1. Update the opening script to show and lock the toolbar. example
2. Use 3rd party software to disable the scroll wheel for FMP. Try KatMouse. I've heard that the MonkeyBones plugin also offers this option but I've never seen it in action nor seen it documented.
3. Place a 1-row self-joining portal that covers the whole clickable layout where this is a problem. I've never seen anyone use this option but it does work so this is mostly FYI.
4. As /u/HuckleberryJazz said, change the layout to a list view layout. Again, lots of downsides but it does work.

It sounds like the most efficient solution would be to have a hand-held, wireless barcode scanner to scan/lookup a record then quickly enter an inventory quantity and be ready to scan the next item.

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>It is 2020, there HAS to be a better faster way!?
>
>what is the fastest way to take yearly inventory counts with 2010 or previous FM

Well, there is a better way with newer versions of FMP, but it sounds like you want a solution without upgrading. FileMaker Go would be very useful here but you would need FMP12 or newer.

Without upgrading, a laptop and hand-held barcode scanner are probably your best option. Or you could use some other mobile app/device to scan and collect data, then import that into FMP. AppSheet would be a good option.

Oh, this is happening before you even enter the host, I thought it was after you clicked the host. You need to re-install but first make sure to remove all traces of the current version, with something like https://freemacsoft.net/appcleaner/

Are you sending a lot of email from the server? It's possible your server IP got blacklisted as potential spam. MXToolbox can tell you if you've been blacklisted. That would be the first thing I would check.

Look into a third party named PdfToolkit. Call it from a send event script step, just like you would from the command prompt. I can help you with the syntax.

Pdf toolkit homepage

This solution only works in Windows. I'm positive there is a free mac equivalent if needed.

Edit: I just read above you have a mac client. I'll investigate a way to use applescript to fuse pdfs.

Edit2: Found this Link with a sample Applescript. Editing it to make it automatic should be a piece of cake. Of course, call it with a Perform Applescript from FileMaker.

FileMaker 18 can still connect to FM Server 16 hosts. Is there a problem hosting a file for development on triple8?

https://www.filemaker.com/products/filemaker-pro-advanced/18-technical-specifications.html

You could get by with less than what I suggest here, pretty much any PC that support ECC ram will run server 2016 and most mother boards have RAID support, but for for not crazy money you can build a server that should perform well for years. I looked high and low and wrung my hands and this is what I'm building:

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Supermicro TN4T Server

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z7O7EAS/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

supports 128GB of ECC ram (i'm running 64)

512 GB M.2 SSD for OS FMS and internally stored containers (my solution stores a few documents in internal containers)

1TB SSD for referenced Containers

2x 2 TB hard drives for backups configured as a mirrored raid at.

Off machine backup to a NAS (Synology DS413) on our LAN

Off site backups to Backblaze.

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Fire at will.

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We use this one in our warehouse. Everyone seems to like it.