Some companies use systems such as SAP HANA or Micosoft Dynamics, but still do not want to do without the flexibility of a system such as FileMaker or the gFM-Business ERP software do without. In this article, we show you how FileMaker apps and gFM Business can be connected to SAP or Microsoft Dynamics.
Connection of SAP HANA to gFM-Business
In order to gFM-Business ERP Software on SAP HANA there are various possibilities. One possibility is to connect a direct Interface between the two systems. This can be achieved by using standard protocols such as ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) or JDBC (Java Database Connectivity). For use on macOS computers, check whether a corresponding ODBC or JDBC driver is available.
Another option is to use a middleware layer that acts as an intermediary between the gFM business software and SAP HANA. Such a middleware layer can be implemented using SAP Process Integration (PI) or SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI), for example. These middleware layers enable the integration of different applications and systems by facilitating communication between these systems and converting and synchronizing data.
Another option is to use a data warehouse system such as SAP Business Warehouse (BW) to integrate data from the gFM business software into SAP HANA. This involves transferring the data from the ERP software to the data warehouse system and loading it into SAP HANA from there.
Connecting gFM-Business to Microsoft Dynamics
For the connection of the gFM-Business ERP software with Microsoft Dynamics there are several possibilities. One option is to create a direct interface between the two systems. A bidirectional interface can be created by using standard protocols such as ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) or JDBC (Java Database Connectivity). Check in advance whether a Mac-compatible ODBC or JDBC driver is available if the software is to be used on macOS computers.
Another option is to use a middleware layer that acts as an intermediary between the gFM business software and Microsoft Dynamics. Such a middleware layer can be created, for example, using Microsoft BizTalk Server or Microsoft Power Automate. These middleware layers enable the integration of different applications and systems by facilitating communication between these systems and converting and synchronizing data.
Another option is to use a cloud-based integration platform such as Microsoft Azure Integration Services to achieve seamless integration between gFM Business and Microsoft Dynamics. Azure Integration Services offers various services such as Logic Apps, Service Bus and Azure Functions that can be used to integrate applications and systems.
However, it should be noted that connecting gFM-Business to SAP HANA or Microsoft Dynamics can place specific demands on the configuration and development of the system. It is therefore advisable to consider working with an experienced consulting or IT services company to achieve the best possible integration.
What options does Claris FileMaker offer?
FileMaker offers various options for connecting databases to SAP HANA or Microsoft Dynamics. Some options are:
- Use of ODBC/JDBC connectionsFileMaker supports direct access to External data sources via ODBC/JDBC connections. This option allows users to connect to SAP HANA or Microsoft Dynamics and retrieve or update data from these systems.
- Use of API interfacesBoth systems offer API interfaces that allow users to retrieve, update or delete data. FileMaker can use these API interfaces to import or export data from SAP HANA or Microsoft Dynamics.
- Use of middleware solutionsThere are various middleware solutions such as SAP Process Integration (PI) or Microsoft BizTalk Server, which can act as an intermediary between FileMaker and SAP HANA or Microsoft Dynamics. These solutions offer advanced functions such as data conversion, transformation and synchronization.
- Use of cloud-based integration platformsFileMaker can also be integrated with cloud-based integration platforms such as Microsoft Azure Integration Services or SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI). These platforms offer seamless integration of different applications and systems via APIs, data flows and connectors.
In our Support forum we have written an article with a link to a blog post by Bernhard Schulz, which deals with a concrete example of a connection from FileMaker to SAP.
Interfaces from Claris FileMaker to other systems
FileMaker offers a variety of options for communicating and exchanging data with other systems. Here are some examples:
- ODBC and JDBC interfacesFileMaker enables the import and export of data from other databases using ODBC and JDBC interfaces.
- XML import and exportFileMaker can import and export XML files to exchange data between different applications.
- REST APIWith the FileMaker Data API, data from FileMaker databases can be retrieved and updated via a REST interface.
- Web ViewerFileMaker supports the integration of Web Viewers, which make it possible to display websites and web apps in FileMaker solutions.
- E-mail integrationFileMaker can send and receive e-mails via SMTP or IMAP servers.
- Integration of cloud servicesFileMaker offers integration with cloud services such as AWS, Azure or Google Cloud to store and process data in the cloud.
- Integration of third-party toolsFileMaker offers a variety of third-party plug-ins and extensions to synchronize or integrate data with other systems.
It is important to note that the availability and functionality of these interfaces and integrations may depend on the specific version of FileMaker being used.
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Markus Schall has been developing individual databases, interfaces and business applications based on Claris FileMaker since 1994. He is a Claris partner, FMM Award winner 2011 and developer of the ERP software gFM-Business. He is also a book author and founder of the M. Schall Publishers.
