Connect FileMaker with Claris Connect
Claris Connect is a powerful automation tool from Claris that makes it possible to link different services and applications together and create automated workflows. For FileMaker users, Claris Connect can help to seamlessly integrate external applications into FileMaker solutions.
Table of contents
- Connect FileMaker with Claris Connect
- Wide range of services with Claris Connect
- Connect FileMaker with Claris Connect
- FileMaker ERP software with merchandise management, CRM and billing, flexibly customizable.
- 1. requirements
- 2. setting up the FileMaker database
- 3. connect Claris Connect with FileMaker
- 4. add DocuSign connector
- FileMaker Crash CourseLearn FileMaker quickly and effectively in 20 chapters.
- 5. automation of the invoicing process
- 6. testing and optimization
- Frequently asked questions about FileMaker and Claris Connect
- Summary
Wide range of services with Claris Connect
Claris Connect offers a variety of connectors that are of particular interest to German users and can contribute to the automation and integration of business applications. DATEVone of the leading providers of tax and financial software in Germany, can be integrated into workflows, for example, to automate accounting processes and seamlessly synchronize financial data between different systems. Also Shopwareone of the most popular e-commerce platforms in Germany, can be integrated into Claris Connect to automatically manage orders, customer data and stock levels.
Furthermore Google Workspace and Microsoft 365which are widely used in many German companies, which enables the integration of emails, calendars and document management into automated workflows. For companies that rely on Slack or Microsoft Teams Claris Connect can automate messages or notifications and improve workflows. Finally, you can also Mailchimp or Sendinblueboth popular tools for email marketing in Germany, to CRM systems such as FileMaker via Claris Connect in order to automate and target marketing campaigns. These services offer German users a wide range of options for optimizing processes and increasing the efficiency of their business activities through automation.
Connect FileMaker with Claris Connect
The following guide describes how to use Claris Connect with FileMaker and provides a concrete example suitable for German users: the automation of an invoice process using FileMaker and DocuSign.
FileMaker ERP software with merchandise management, CRM and billing, flexibly customizable.
More information
1. requirements
Before you start, you should ensure that the following requirements are met:
- Claris Connect accountYou need an active account with Claris Connect.
- FileMaker licenseMake sure that your FileMaker solution supports the use of Claris Connect.
- DocuSign accountFor this example, you also need an account with DocuSign to enable digital signatures.
- FileMaker databaseA simple FileMaker database containing customer information, invoice data and status fields.
2. setting up the FileMaker database
In FileMaker, you create a database that is used for the invoice process. The following fields are required for automation:
- Customer nameText field for the name of the customer.
- Invoice numberAutomatically generated number for each invoice.
- Invoice statusText field (e.g. "Signature pending", "Signed", "Sent").
- Invoice document (container field): Container field for the PDF document of the invoice to be uploaded.
- E-mail addressText field for the customer's e-mail address.
- Invoice amountField for the invoice amount.
3. connect Claris Connect with FileMaker
- Registration with Claris ConnectLog in to your Claris Connect account.
- Create new projectCreate a new project in Claris Connect for integration with FileMaker and DocuSign.
- Setting up the FileMaker connector:
- Select "+ New Flow" in the dashboard.
- Give the flow a suitable name, e.g. "Invoice dispatch and signing".
- Select "FileMaker" as the application for the trigger.
- Select the "Record Created" or "Record Updated" action as the trigger event. This means that the workflow starts when a new invoice is created or an existing invoice is updated.
- Connect FileMaker database:
- Log in with your FileMaker server credentials.
- Select the FileMaker database and the layout that contains the invoice data. In our example, a layout is used that contains the fields for customer name, invoice status and the invoice PDF.
4. add DocuSign connector
Now add DocuSign as the second service that is to sign the invoice:
- Add DocuSign as an action:
- Add a new action in your Flow and select "DocuSign" as the app.
- Select the "Send Document for Signature" action.
- Connect Claris Connect to your DocuSign account.
- Document configuration in DocuSign:
- Link the PDF document that was saved in the FileMaker container field to DocuSign.
- Define the recipient (based on the e-mail address stored in FileMaker).
- Add the corresponding signature fields that the recipient must sign in the document.
FileMaker Crash Course
Fast and effective FileMaker
learning in 20 chapters.
Participate free of charge
5. automation of the invoicing process
Automate invoice dispatch:
- As soon as a new invoice is created in FileMaker and the PDF is uploaded, the file is automatically forwarded to DocuSign.
- The customer receives an e-mail with a request to sign the invoice digitally.
Status update in FileMaker:
- After the customer has signed the invoice, the status is updated in DocuSign.
- You can set up a second trigger in Claris Connect that reacts to the "Document Signed" event in DocuSign.
- As soon as DocuSign confirms the signature, Claris Connect updates the invoice status in FileMaker to "Signed".
Final dispatch:
After the invoice has been signed, you can add another action, e.g. an automated email to the customer containing the signed invoice as a PDF attachment.
6. testing and optimization
Once all the steps have been set up, you should test the entire workflow. Create a new invoice in FileMaker and check whether the file is sent correctly to DocuSign and whether the status changes in FileMaker are automatically updated after the signature. If necessary, adjust the logic or field assignments.
Frequently asked questions about FileMaker and Claris Connect
- What is Claris Connect and how does it work with FileMaker?
- Claris Connect is an automation platform from Claris that allows you to integrate different applications and services to automate workflows. It provides a native connection to FileMaker, allowing you to automatically synchronize FileMaker data with other applications such as Google Drive, Slack, MailChimp and many other services.
- How can I connect FileMaker with Claris Connect?
- To connect FileMaker to Claris Connect, you need a Claris Connect account. From the Claris Connect dashboard, you can then select FileMaker as one of the applications and establish the connection by using the FileMaker API or webhooks. The integration is done with just a few clicks, without in-depth programming knowledge.
- What data can I synchronize between FileMaker and other services via Claris Connect?
- You can synchronize various data, including customer information, orders, contacts, products, calendar data and much more. Claris Connect automates the exchange of this data between FileMaker and other applications.
- How do I set up a workflow in Claris Connect for FileMaker?
- You create a new workflow in the Claris Connect dashboard and select FileMaker as the source or target. Then you define triggers (e.g. when a new record is created in FileMaker) and actions (e.g. sending an email or adding a contact in another service). The workflows are fully customizable and can integrate different apps and services.
- Can I synchronize data between FileMaker and other apps in real time via Claris Connect?
- Yes, Claris Connect enables real-time synchronization between FileMaker and other applications. As soon as a trigger event occurs (e.g. the creation of a new record in FileMaker), the defined workflow is executed immediately and the action is performed in another application.
- Which authentication methods are used for the connection between FileMaker and Claris Connect?
- Claris Connect uses the FileMaker Data API to connect to FileMaker databases. You must provide API credentials such as username, password and server URL to establish a secure connection.
- Can I send e-mails automatically from FileMaker via Claris Connect?
- Yes, Claris Connect allows you to send automated emails. You can create a workflow in which, for example, an email is sent via a service such as Gmail or Outlook as soon as a new record is created or updated in FileMaker.
- Can I use Claris Connect to transfer data from FileMaker to cloud services such as Google Sheets?
- Yes, you can transfer data from FileMaker to cloud services such as Google Sheets, Dropbox or OneDrive via Claris Connect. For example, a workflow can be set up so that new FileMaker records are automatically saved in a Google Sheets spreadsheet.
- How can I automate the sending of SMS messages from FileMaker via Claris Connect?
- Claris Connect supports integration with SMS services such as Twilio. You can create a workflow where an SMS is automatically sent when a specific record is created or modified in FileMaker, e.g. to confirm an order or appointment.
- How secure is the connection between FileMaker and Claris Connect?
- The connection between FileMaker and Claris Connect is made via the FileMaker Data API, which is encrypted with SSL/TLS. You can also set access controls and privileges in Claris Connect to ensure that only authorized users have access to workflows and data.
- Can I also synchronize FileMaker data with internal applications via Claris Connect?
- Yes, Claris Connect not only enables integration with cloud services, but also with internal applications that support API access. You can create workflows that transfer data from FileMaker to an internal application or vice versa.
- Is Claris Connect difficult to use if I have no programming knowledge?
- Claris Connect is user-friendly and requires no programming knowledge. Workflows are set up via a graphical user interface where you can select triggers and actions using drag-and-drop. It is specifically designed to allow users with no prior technical knowledge to create automations.
Summary
With Claris Connect and FileMaker, you can automate a wide range of business processes and seamlessly integrate external services. The platform's intuitive user interface and flexibility make it easy to implement complex workflows, such as automated invoice sending and signing. For German users, services such as DocuSign, DATEV and cloud storage applications are easy to integrate into the automation, enabling companies to work in a modern and efficient way.
