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!

The Requirement

The client that manages their business processes via a set of FileMaker files, has different access levels for different users based on their specific assigned roles. The client has a demand to restrict access for specific users, to lock a record immediately after they create it. Once the record is committed and accepted, it cannot be modified. Here is an approach that explains how this was achieved for designated users.

The Process

FileMaker has built-in security feature to manage uncompromised access. To assign access to users with only create access and no modification access, a new privilege set is created under ‘Create Record Privileges’, with ‘View’ and ‘Create’ set to ‘yes’, and ‘Edit’ and ‘Delete’ set to blank as shown in the image. Field Access privileges is set as per requirement, in this instance, ‘Field Access’ is set to ‘all’.

In ‘Edit Privilege Set’, ‘Layouts’ level privilege is set to ‘All modifiable’, while ‘Value Lists’ are set to ‘All view only’ and Scripts set to ‘All executable only’. The ‘Available menu commands:’ is set to ‘All’.

By following this approach, users with Limited access can create records and edit records that are created during the current active user session. Any other records created in earlier sessions, users do not have access to edit.

However, the catch is that this approach makes new records created during the active user sessions editable, which was not the specified requirement.

To be in par with client expectations, security settings were tweaked, restricting access to edit new records immediately after creation. The limited value under the Edit option was selected, with a condition so that only users with a specific privilege set can edit the records, in line with the client requirement.

However, we discovered that this setting can vary as per the client requirements, and this approach may not always work. Consider a scenario where a user mistakenly commits a record. In this case, they won’t be able to edit the record again. Here is a probable solution.

The Global Fields

Global fields can be used to collect data temporarily through a separate Form. Data is saved using a script that is executed through a button. A confirmation can be obtained to save data along with a warning, indicating a record that cannot be edited once it is created. This way, users can decide when to save data.

FileMaker security settings, along with the Global fields give the expected results. For more information, feel free to contact our FileMaker experts.

Claris FileMaker 19 introduced a new script step called “Perform JavaScript in Web Viewer,” and JavaScript function, FileMaker.PerformScript(). Using this we can use the features which are readily available in JavaScript in FileMaker.

In this blog article, we will explore the “Perform JavaScript in Web Viewer” script step. Using this new feature, we are adding the jQuery datatable in our FileMaker application.

Demonstration

In our FileMaker application, we have a list of companies and their contacts. On the company list layout we display the list, and for selected companies, we display their contacts in the jQuery datatable. Using jQuery debatable, we get all the inbuilt features available with it. For e.g. We get the sort, search functionality and pagination. We don’t have to write separate code in FileMaker !

Please see the below screenshot

Let’s take a look at how we can achieve this in FileMaker application.

• Add a web viewer on the layout and give it a name.
• Embed the JavaScript function/code as a calculation result in the Web Viewer.

The screenshot above displays a JavaScript function called “showContacts” that performs the following:

• Accept one parameter from FileMaker script.
• Format the parameter in a proper format.
• Create the datatable and pass the above parameter as data to it.

In the Web Viewer, also add all the JavaScript libraries required for datatable.

Now create the script in FileMaker with “Perform JavaScript in Web Viewer” script step. This script  will call the JavaScript function that we wrote in the web viewer. In this script, create the data in JSON format, and pass this as a parameter to the JavaScript function.  Please refer to the screenshot below.

Using this new FileMaker feature, we can work on the functionalities which are readily available in JavaScript in our FileMaker application.

If you are looking for support with FileMaker, or FileMaker integration, then feel free to contact our FileMaker certified developers. For more details, please visit –https:// www.metasyssoftware.com/filemaker

FileMaker and JavaScript Integration:

JavaScript provides a variety of libraries which can be used to create interactive dashboards, charts, maps, calendars and many more other features. This can be achieved in FileMaker also by embedding JavaScript via Web Viewer with the help of the newly introduced ‘Scripting with JavaScript in Web Viewer’ feature. This feature will allow FileMaker and JavaScript to interact with each other.

The FileMaker JavScript integration can be mainly divided into two parts:

• From a FileMaker script to JavaScript in a web viewer

The newly introduced ‘Perform JavaScript in Web Viewer‘ script step, will allow calling a JavaScript function in a Web Viewer from FileMaker script. You can also pass parameter data to this JavaScript function from FileMaker if needed.

Below example will give an idea of what can be achieved using this feature:

Now in FileMaker 19, data can be passed to the JavaScript function, which is further used to draw the given chart. In the above example, the data points, i.e. the Sales data of various brands are stored in FileMaker and then passed to the JavaScript function to generate the doughnut chart.

• From JavaScript in a web viewer to a FileMaker script

You can call a FileMaker script from a JavaScript function in the Web Viewer, using the newly introduced ‘FileMaker.PerformScript’ function. You can pass parameters to this script which is optional.

In the above example of the chart, which shows Watches Sold (brand wise), we can further leverage by calling a FileMaker script from a JavaScript function. For, e.g. clicking on a specific brand to show the sales data of that brand on a layout in FileMaker. The JavaScript function does not wait for any response from the FileMaker script. Since the script runs in the current context, it is better to set a proper context in which it should run.

Add-ons:

• Add-ons are ready to use Components or Modules, provided by Claris, which will make the developer’s life easy.
• These are commonly used Components which are generally needed by many applications. For eg.Notes, Action Items, Phone numbers.
• Add them under the Add-ons tab of Object Pane, drag them on your layout whenever needed and you are done.

• This will save your time in creating a new table, relationship, scripts, value lists which otherwise would have taken more time if you would have been adding explicitly.
• Add-ons can be uninstalled easily by right-clicking the Add-on and uninstalling it. Uninstalling an Add-on will delete it from all the layouts where it was added. Deleting related tables/fields/records is optional though.

 Card Windows via WebDirect:

• Introduction of Card Windows to FileMaker was one of the best feature released with FileMaker 16. Looking at its usability and UI capability, there was a high demand for it to be available via WebDirect.
• Card windows are now available via WebDirect.
• This will not only help FileMaker developers in quickly building Modal popup windows but will also give rich user experience to Web users.

Create new FileMaker apps in FileMaker Cloud:

This is a small but essential feature which allows developers to directly create apps on the FileMaker Cloud Server. It will save developers time .No more do you have to code locally and then upload to the cloud. Developers need to login with their Claris ID under ‘My Apps’ section of Launch centre. They can create the new app from the templates available and save it to FileMaker Cloud Server for access by other team members.

FileMaker Go and Siri shortcuts:

This new feature of Integration of FileMaker scripts with Siri shortcuts is a blessing for FileMaker Go 19 users. Many of the critical tasks can now be accomplished with a simple tap or a voice command. This feature allows donating the FileMaker scripts to Siri shortcuts.

• Your FileMaker app should have fmurlscript extended privilege enabled for FM Go user.
• The script that is needed to be assigned to a FileMaker shortcut should be enabled for shortcut donation as shown below by right-clicking on it.

• In Shortcuts app of the iOS device, create a new shortcut for running a FileMaker Script.
• Select the script to run; give a meaningful name to the Shortcut.
• You can also add this shortcut on the Home screen in case you don’t want to use voice command
• You are now ready to use the Shortcut with the voice command “Hey Siri <<Shortcut name>>”
• This will directly open the FileMaker app in FileMaker Go and execute the script.

Note: You need to have Auto Login enabled or credentials saved in the keychain.

• A FileMaker file can be disabled under ‘Manage Shortcuts Donations’ settings in FileMaker Go.

Support for NFC tags:

NFC tags are commonly used nowadays and supported by most of smartphones. NFC tags contain a small amount of information. The data stored can be a text or URL’s which uses protocols like HTTP, tel, fmp and mailto. The data can be  contact details of a person, website URL or payment related

FileMaker 19, has introduced the script step ‘Configure NFC Reading’ which allows reading NFC data and helps in storing it in FileMaker via ‘FileMaker Go’. It also supports continuous reading of the tags. In this script step, you have to pass a script which gets called when an NFC tag is scanned/read. Use Get(ScriptParameter) function in the called script to get the required data.

 FEW MORE…:

There are many other exciting features which are listed below:

• Load a Core ML model

The ‘Configure Machine Learning Model’  script step will load a given machine model. This function is used along with ‘ComputeModel’ function which provides data to a given model

• A new Icon

FileMaker 19 now has  a new classy icon along with the Application name is now changed to ‘FileMaker Pro’. If you are using Get(ApplicationVersion) function in your solution which is referring to “FileMaker Pro Advanced” based on  the old name, then don’t forget to update itto the  new name.

• Layout navigation in Layout Mode

Now when working in layout mode, you can switch to other layouts easily. Using the keyboard shortcut, opens a popup ‘Open Quickly’ box wherein you can enter the name of the layout to which you want to navigate.

• Setup a file to Open when FileMaker starts

In Edit >> Preferences, you can set a file that should open every time FileMaker start.

• Fields can now be formatted to display in Scientific notation ex. 1.2345678E+7
• Using {{PageCount}} symbol will print the number of pages on the layout.
• FileMaker 19 has three features explicitly introduced for macOS users
• Dark mode support which can be detected with the use of ‘Get ( SystemAppearance )’ function. This function was earlier ‘Get(HighContrastColor) ‘.
• Install the FileMaker Pro by dragging the installation file to the Applications folder, thus making the installation easier.
• Support for High-Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF) when using containers on macOS, iOS, iPadOS.

If you have any project to be built by using this latest FileMaker version, or to upgrade from a previous version , please feel free to contact us.

FileMaker integration is made easy due to two powerful features. Firstly, the enhanced cURL options which make it easy to interact with many systems by facilitating many common file transfer options. Secondly, the native functions to create and extract data from JSON, which makes interactions with web services easy. These features allow FileMaker to be integrated with almost any third party products that provide the APIs for communication, including Shopify.

Step One: Create a private app in the Shopify account.

• We can connect to a Shopify account by creating a private app. Shopify requires an API Key, the API password of the private app, and the store name for authentication.
• The screenshot below shows how to create a Private app and how to get the API key and API password.

• Give the appropriate API permissions required by your private app.
• As described in the Shopify documentation, Shopify authenticates private applications using the following URL format: https://{apikey}:{password}@{hostname}/admin/api/{version}/{resource}.json

Note that the ‘hostname’ refers to the store name, and ‘version’ refers to the API version in use.

Step Two: Store the required Shopify details in FileMaker

• In the FileMaker database, create the fields to store the API Key, API Password, Store Name and API Version, as shown in the screenshot below.

Step Three: Write the script

• Write a script in FileMaker which will create the product in the Shopify account using the Shopify details mentioned in Step 2. For this step, we will use the cURL and JSON features of FileMaker.
• In the script, first create the JSON array with Product details such as Product Title, Product Description, Vendor etc.
• Next, format the URL (using the URL format mentioned in Step 1) with your Shopify account details. Then use this URL in the FileMaker ‘Insert from URL’ script step and pass the JSON array using the cURL option in it.
• Please see the below screenshot for reference.

After these three steps, we are ready to publish our product from a FileMaker database to a Shopify account. If you are experiencing issues with FileMaker, or FileMaker integration, feel free to contact our FileMaker certified developers. For more details, please visit – https://www.metasyssoftware.com/filemaker