Claris Partners Filemaker > Metasys Software Pvt Ltd.

Claris FileMaker 2023 Features

meta_prasad — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 06:46:23 +0000

In April 2023, Claris released the latest iteration of its FileMaker platform, known as Claris FileMaker 2023. This release marks the evolution of FileMaker from the previous Claris FileMaker 19.6 platform. FileMaker version numbering now aligns with the calendar year. In this article, we will go through some of the new features of Claris FileMaker Pro 2023.

Internal Executable version number – As previously mentioned, the new iteration is designated as FileMaker 2023, a departure from the anticipated FileMaker 20. It’s essential to note, however, that the internal executable version number will be labeled as 20.1.x. Consequently, querying Get (ApplicationVersion) or its related variants will yield the result as seen below

Audit Logging: A valuable addition in FileMaker 2023 is the inclusion of the OnWindowTransaction script trigger. This file-level script trigger facilitates meticulous tracking of record modifications. Configuration of this script trigger is through the File Options dialog. The feature holds significant potential for constructing data audit logs, enabling the capture of record creation, editing, and deletion actions. The script linked to this trigger activates following the completion of a transaction. This script trigger, denoted as ‘OnWindowTransaction’, is operational in both Browse and Find modes.
Perform Script on Server with CallBack script step: This is a new script step introduced in the 2023 version. This singular script step enables us to perform a script on the server with a callback script. The callback script is executed on the client’s system upon the conclusion of the server-side script’s execution. This mechanism proves invaluable in notifying end-users upon the completion of server-side tasks. A practical example includes the execution of the ‘SendNotification’ script after the ‘PSOS’ script wraps up, as depicted in the screenshot below

Trigger Claris Connect Flow script step: Using this new script step, we can easily initiate Claris Connect flows from the Claris FileMaker version. This script step is compatible across all FileMaker products. We can simply specify the Claris Connect webhook URL, API key and JSON Object that needs to be sent along to the webhook URL.
ReadQRCode() – This feature is built on the existing function to capture the QR code found in the image to a specified container field. In the past it worked with MacOS only and is now extended to the Windows platform too.
GetLiveText() – This is an existing function which returns the text found in the image in the specified container field. This function is still iOS and macOS only. But it can now run server-side if your FM server is hosted on macOS. The list of languages supported have been expanded.
New Functions: In 2023, some new functions have been added. For eg. BaseTableNames(file) – Returns a list of all base table names in a file. BaseTableIDs(file) – Function Returns a list of all base table IDs in a file. GetBaseTableName(field) – Returns the base table name of a field reference.

In this article, we have focussed on some of the important features of FileMaker 2023.

To know more about our capabilities in FileMaker

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How MetaSys Software Helped Merge Multiple FileMaker Files to a Single FileMaker Formula File – Case Study

meta_prasad — Tue, 16 May 2023 05:17:14 +0000

Our client, is in the textile business and manages their manufacturing processes using multiple FileMaker application files. We helped them migrate from the FileMaker 5 version to the then latest FileMaker version. Their biggest pain point was, they had thousands of Formula files as separate FileMaker files. Each Formula file contained a formula/recipe for a program used by this 24×7 operation.

The shop floor used a base template that was modified for each specific program. Each program had different processes. The layout design, as well as the placement of processes and some values on the layout, varied from program to program. Some formulas required added steps like preheating before adding specific dye material, whereas some formulas need it after adding the material. Due to these differences, they maintained separate Formulas or Program files.

This blog describes how we provided them with a solution by addressing their pain points.

The Old Process:

For every new formula, the user had to create a copy of the FileMaker file, rename it and make modifications to suit the new program.
The user had to manually enter the Program Number.

The Pain Points:

A huge number of files as a new file had to be created for each new Program.
Time was spent in creating new formula files.
Files could not be hosted on one FileMaker server since there were more than a thousand files generated.
Manual backups were needed.
Risk of file corruption.
Additional memory needed to store and back up files.
Upgrades were time consuming and difficult in a 24×7 operations.

The Solution:

We provided them with a solution which reduced the number of files required.
Instead of creating new FileMaker files for each new Program, we suggested they create a new layout in the same FileMaker file.
Each layout name was to follow a naming pattern starting with the Program number. Ex. for Program number 111, the layout name would be 111.
The naming convention could also include specific attributes of the Program which helped in easy identification.
Program numbers were auto-generated, and manual entry and duplication avoided.

So, instead of creating new FileMaker files each time, few common FileMaker files were created for different fabric types (ex. Cotton, Polyester) and then hosted on the FileMaker server. These files would then be used to create new layouts. The common files were further customized as needed and they were matched to the behavior of separate files—for example, functionality to find a specific program and to generate a found set that belonged to it.

We found the batch number as defined in the Program. Every time a new layout was created for a program, the system would generate a default record for that Program.

Result:

Formula files were reduced to 4-5 from thousands.
Files were hosted on the server and were more secure.
No manual backup needed.
No risk of damage or corruption of the files.
Time was saved since no new files needed to be generated for every program.
Auto-generated program numbers made it more user friendly.
Since then the client has been able to upgrade to the later FileMaker versions very smoothly.

MetaSys has a large team of experienced and certified FileMaker developers,with experience in FileMaker 5 to the latest FileMaker versions. For any queries, please feel free to contact us.

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ReadQRCode(): A New function by FileMaker 19.5

meta_prasad — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 12:31:42 +0000

Claris has launched its FileMaker 19.5 version. This launch improves the platform’s performance, security, and dependability. The latest version of FileMaker has various new features, one of which is its QRCode compatibility.

QR Code stands for Quick Response Code which can store a large amount of content. It contains information in two dimensions, horizontal and vertical. Any type of smartphone device can scan and understand QR codes, providing businesses with a fast and direct way to guide users to go to a specific web page or link.

What if you had an inventory database providing details of the product via an API and you wish to read the contents of the QR Code for all your items? FileMaker now has the ability to read the contents of the QR Code without using any plug-in or third-party code or scanner.

QRCode Feature in FileMaker 19.5

Consider a scenario where you have QR Code images stored in your FileMaker database and you would like to retrieve the details stored in it. For instance, a books inventory application where the QR Code images of books are stored in the FileMaker application. Now to retrieve and store the details in the application, you would either need a QR Code scanner and then manually enter data or you might need a plug-in to do this. With the release of FileMaker Pro 19.5.1, your job becomes much easier. In the new version, the function ReadQRCode()will do the job for you. It is easy to use and understand too.

In the example below, we are reading a QR code, which contains the URL of a book. This URL contains a purchase link of the book. We can fetch other details of the book as well, provided it is contained in the QR code. We need a container field to store the QR code image. The user can manually insert it or scan it from the FM Go application

The ReadQRCode script, using ReadQRCode() function, will set the URL in the respective field. This script can be called on button click or as an OnObjectModify script trigger for the container field.

We have given a ‘Go’ button to navigate to the URL read by the ReadQRCode() function.

It will redirect the user to the purchase page of the book that has its details and reviews.

Note that this function is supported on macOS, iOS 15, and iPadOS 15 devices.

MetaSys Software has a sizeable group of certified FileMaker specialists with the knowledge of versions 5 through 19. For over 20 years, our clients have enjoyed working with us. Among the systems, we have deployed and managed with FileMaker are cruise booking systems, inventory management systems, and project management systems. To know more about what we offer in FileMaker, contact us now!

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