UPS XML Interface

[ShawnR]

Has anyone had any luck on using the UPS XML interface? Are there are files out there to help with this? I am looking to work with Package Tracking, freight est, and days in transit calc, and maybe others if I can get these 3 to work. Any pointers or examples would be great.

Shawn

[doingITgood]

hi shawn,

i've only managed to access the xml api by using the nettools plugin. i get alle the info i need, now i just need to find a way to import the xml data in filemaker. ik need a stylesheet to do this, but have no experience on making stylesheets

[LaRetta]

UPS provides on-site assistance to link with them. You might give them a call. I admit I was impressed with their dedication to assist connection for our Users. They provide detailed information on everything from hardware requirements to field mapping and even do (most) of it for you if you wish - at no cost!

UPS pulls our invoicing information and then sends us tracking numbers, etc. which just downloads directly into our tables (silently behind the scenes). We even capture shipping costs from it. And it updates constantly. Links are provided on our layouts. Staff can view an invoice, click the link and it displays transit information (that is data residing within our file) and can even print out Proof of Delivery receipts.

They are also very familiar with FileMaker and vs. 7 (at least the people I'm working with at UPS are). They have been wonderful to work with.

LaRetta

[ShawnR]

I have now been able to get the Tracking Info, and Time In Transit info to work well. Still have to do a little fine tuning.. I will start on the POD next. I am using TROI URL to make the secure connection, and then TROI TEXT to parse the XML into the correct fields. How did you get the Signature graphic decoded? The only thing I can think of / find would be TROI CODING... I hate to use so many plugins, but if that is the only way.

[ShawnR]

It seems that the Troi Coding does NOT work with encoded graphics, only text. Any info you could provide on the signature graphic would be great!

Thanks

Shawn

[ShawnR]

I contacted UPS as you recommended, and they were of zero help. They pointed me to their documentation.

doingitgood,

Take a look the at the TROI Text plugin. It will help you parse out the info from the xml response you get from UPS.

[LaRetta]

Hi Shawn,

"I contacted UPS as you recommended, and they were of zero help."

We already had a UPS computer onsite. They knew we were a business already established with them. AND, the person who came out knew all about vs. 7 (he adored FileMaker and had studied it himself). I saw their documentation on vs. 7.

As with any business, who you end up connecting with will make all the difference in things such as this. But the reps I've worked with were very helpful indeed. I would keep on their butts. Some reps know their jobs and truly care about providing good assistance; some just put in hours. Know what I mean?

But I was told (by them) that it is their job to provide all necessary connections at no cost and that's exactly what they did for us via ODBC.

LaRetta