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Productive Computing

A blog by PCIPal in Affiliate Blogs

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Entries in this blog

What is a Webhook?

How do webhooks integrate with the Claris Platform? What is a Webhook? A webhook is a method for one system to send real-time data to another system as soon as an event occurs. It functions as an automated notification between applications over the internet.  And if you are wondering how they compare to APIs, they are similar but webhooks only send data in one direction. They are great “listeners” of data. You set up your webhook to react when something happens on the web. You then c

Are Claris Connect custom connectors really that special? You bet they are!

Since Claris Connect was officially released to the public back in 2020, this technology extension to the Claris FileMaker Pro platform has gone through a major evolution.  When we were first introduced to it, we saw its potential to make connections to other systems via open APIs easier and more accessible than writing traditional code, and as a plug-in vendor, we saw it as a major rival to replace a large swath of FileMaker plug-ins available – some of which are ours. However, what was
  • PCIPal

Learn Claris Connect Fundamentals

Take our updated course to connect with Claris! Are you ready to take FileMaker automation to the next level? Claris Connect enables you to streamline everyday business tasks and processes through automated workflows. Our course, Claris Connect Fundamentals, shows you how to seamlessly integrate FileMaker with external third-party apps such as Mailchimp, SendGrid, and more. We updated our course to cover new Claris Connect features and explore additional apps and functionality designed

Connect FileMaker to the Shopify API

See how to run an online store from your Claris FileMaker solution Have you thought about setting up an online website or business?  There are lots of e-commerce options for selling merchandise online, and Shopify is just one of the options available to you. Since we have received many questions about Shopify and its compatibility with FileMaker, we created a free video and sample file to get you started with integrating the two to build an online shop from your FileMaker solution. C

3 Reasons to move FileMaker to the cloud

For those of you who are still using on-premises servers, eventually you will be faced with the choice of replacing/upgrading your aging FileMaker Server hardware or moving it into the cloud. Here are 3 reasons to consider why you should move your on-premise FileMaker server to the cloud: Less Hassle to Install and Configure If you have ever installed and set up FileMaker Server before, configured the SSL certificate, and opened up firewall ports, you know it takes time and experience.

Connect Claris FileMaker to the Calendly API

Do you find yourself taking time away from work because you are jumping from your solution to emails to your calendar before scheduling a meeting with a client, potential job candidate or team member?  What is Calendly? Calendly is an online scheduling platform where people can see your schedule and choose a time to meet with you based on the time options you share. Benefits of Calendly You can connect all your calendars to avoid double-booking and set up your availability for ap

Connect Claris FileMaker to Freshdesk API

Use our free sample file to connect to the Freshdesk ticketing system If you are looking for customer support software, check out Freshdesk and see how connecting it to FileMaker with the Freshdesk API will help you improve communications and better manage your team’s time and tasks. Freshdesk is a web-based ticketing system that gathers customer support emails in one place, lets you assign tickets to team members, and provides a central location for your client correspondence. With the

It’s Time to Clean up your Claris FileMaker Database!

Your business has grown and evolved over the years, and your Claris FileMaker database has been keeping pace with you the entire time. Unlike other applications, this solution you built does everything you need, it fits your business rules, rather than forcing you to adapt your workflows to an off-the-shelf application. You built it yourself way back when by grabbing a QuickStart guide, locked yourself in your office, started by hammering out a few tables, a few layouts, and a couple of scri

How a health assessment can help your Claris FileMaker database

Assessing the good, the bad and the ugly of your FileMaker system If you have a Claris FileMaker database that plays an important role in your organization, you know there are some good things about it, some bad things, and maybe even some things that are ugly enough to cause real problems for you and your business if left unaddressed. This is the scenario we see every day. To help customers identify, sort through and prioritize those issues, we have developed and refined a very unique
  • PCIPal

Your Hosting Options for Claris FileMaker

If you and your team are accessing your company’s Claris or FileMaker system from desktop computers, mobile devices or a web browser, you’ll need a FileMaker hosting solution. While there are other hosting options for Claris FileMaker available, Productive Computing’s FileMaker hosting service can give you tremendous peace of mind while also saving you and your team time. If you are considering hosting your on-premise Claris or FileMaker Server to the cloud, think about the kind of service t

A User’s Guide to Claris & FileMaker Terminology

Are you new to FileMaker Pro or Claris Pro? Have you been asked to work in a custom solution but get stumped by the Claris and FileMaker terminology? And you may even be wondering “what is a solution”? If you do a search for “FileMaker glossary,” you will find a lot of information geared toward FileMaker developers and you may end up more confused. This blog is for you, a non-developer, — someone using FileMaker Pro or Claris Pro systems in your daily activities.  Having the right names for
  • PCIPal

Sending & Receiving MMS with FileMaker

As a business owner, communication with your customers and your employees is key. While FileMaker has long supported sending plain text emails, many businesses find that more immediate communication is critical to their workflow. These include:  Alerting a customer that their order is ready for pick-up once a job is marked “complete.”  Sending photographs of equipment condition at the end of the workday.  Confirming availability with an employee to staff an upcoming event. Now that F

How Investing in Claris FileMaker Hosting Can Improve Business Outcomes

Your business depends on your Claris FileMaker solution. But if you are hosting FileMaker locally (on server hardware in your home or office), you are putting that critical piece of your business infrastructure at unnecessary risk – and making more work for yourself and your team.  Making the investment in offsite Claris FileMaker hosting, with a company like Productive Computing (PCI), is ultimately a safer, more secure, and more efficient option for your data.  See our hosting options
  • PCIPal

Using JSON with Claris FileMaker

If you have done any development work in Claris FileMaker or worked with APIs, you may have heard references to JSON but not been aware of how to use JSON with Claris FileMaker.  JSON, which stands for JavaScript Object Notation, is the universal standard for moving data between two systems, especially via APIs. Essentially, it is a format of JavaScript but is NOT limited to JavaScript. It is plain text formatted with characters and symbols that identify and describe that text.  An understandi

How to Send Emails from Claris FileMaker (Plain Text and HTML)

Does your team need to send emails from Claris FileMaker? There are three methods you can use to send emails from FileMaker. Some are free and simple, while more advanced options require paid third-party products.  Let’s dive into the best ways to send plain text emails, format HTML, and send HTML emails through FileMaker.  Sending a plain text email from FileMaker The good news is that, if you want to send very basic plain text emails from FileMaker, it’s easy for a developer to s

My Thoughts on the Future of Claris

Claris recently made some really big announcements and I thought I’d share some specific thoughts on the future of Claris. My journey with FileMaker started way back in 1991 so needless to say I’ve had the privilege to experience first-hand a LOT of news and innovations over the years. Truth be told, some of the announcements during that long journey would leave me wondering, “Hmm, is that all there is? What about XYZ feature and aren’t they forgetting about the XYZ situation?”  But this time t

The History Of QR Codes—And How To Create Them In Seconds In FileMaker

From coffee shops to flyers to the workplace, QR codes are everywhere. But how long have QR codes been around, and why are they better than their predecessor, the barcode?  Let’s dive into the history of QR codes, as well as how businesses can quickly generate QR codes using a simple FileMaker setup. Use our sample file to connect The history of the QR code The barcode was originally patented in 1951, so we’ve been using barcodes for decades. However, in

Find Data Fast: Improving FileMaker Quick Find Searches

There’s a reason why Google owns over 92% of the search engine market: it’s quick, dynamic, and helps users find the information they need. It even suggests and refines searches depending on what you type into the search bar.  Users have come to expect this kind of efficiency, but if you’re looking for this functionality in FileMaker, it can be tough to set up on your own. However, with the right approach, you can make FileMaker searches easier for both your developers and users.  Curious abou

Sending Texts From FileMaker With Twilio

Are you sending text messages to your customers? Although 54% of consumers prefer to chat with brands via text message, only 11% of brands use texting to communicate. Texting may sound too complex, or too costly. But with open rates at 98% (compared to 20% for email), text message marketing is a great way to get in touch with your customers with less hassle. Learn why text messages are so critical for your business, as well as how you can start sending texts through FileMaker with the Twilio A

How a FileMaker Maintenance Support Program Can Work for You

Your business relies on your FileMaker solution, which means that when it needs an upgrade or a major overhaul, you can't put it off. These types of big projects are exactly what the Custom Development Team at PCI works on every day. But what about…everything else? Time and time again, we see clients with wishlists that get deprioritized in favor of just keeping things running. A new button, a report that's easier to read, a portal upgrade -- these are the things that always hang out at the bo
  • PCIPal

3 Critical Reasons to Use BaseElements

Are you trying to optimize your FileMaker solution? FileMaker allows you to build just about anything, but it can be time-consuming to manage all of your code and files. Instead of doing this work manually, you can use the BaseElements analysis tool—it analyzes files and spots issues that would otherwise take a lot of time to do yourself. Whether you’re a developer looking for a way to save time or you’re a business owner who wants to verify that your solution is running smoothly, BaseElements
  • PCIPal

Setting Up FileMaker with a Weather API

As you may know from experience, the weather has a tremendous impact on your ability to do business. With a weather API in FileMaker, you can quickly adjust your plans to keep your team safe and productive, no matter what. How APIs work An application programming interface (API) allows programs to talk to one another. In an increasingly digitized world, APIs are the glue that allows so many of our favorite applications to work together. Most APIs use a text-based language like JSON to standar

Interested in Using the FileMaker Barcode Add-On With Your FileMaker Solution?

Data moves our world. Tools like barcodes make it possible to transmit this essential data much more quickly. Thanks to the latest versions of Claris FileMaker, it’s possible for your organization to not only process barcodes, but to also: Generate barcodes. Store and retrieve information. Scan barcodes in the field with the FileMaker Go app. Let’s dig into how barcodes can improve your organization and how FileMaker’s built-in barcode add-on makes everything simpler.

Mastering FileMaker Server – Learn best practices for hosting your own FileMaker files

Did you see our course, Mastering FileMaker Server? Productive Computing University revamped its FileMaker SSL course to address much more than installing SSL certificates in FileMaker Server. Installing SSL certificates on FileMaker Server was no picnic back in the day, and thanks to recent updates, a 2-3 hour course solely providing instructions on SSL certificates may no longer be necessary. Now that it’s easier to install SSLs with FileMaker Server, PCU updated the course with an expanded l
  • PCIPal

Five Great Interviews from DevCon 2017

With the holidays right around the corner, Devon 2017 feels like a long time ago. If you are missing that exciting buzz experienced at DevCon, we invite you to take a listen to FileMaker Talk’s podcast from DevCon – “ Live at DevCon in Phoenix 2017” . You need to open it up in iTunes, but it will certainly transport you right back to Phoenix (lazy river and 99-degree weather not included).   The podcast starts out with Matt Navarre interviewing Jesse Barnum from 360Works. J

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