Integration of Salesforce to FileMaker Pro

Integration is the process by which 2 different systems interact by sending/receiving messages. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are used for communications, and these are usually SOAP or REST.

REST or SOAP protocols are APIs that are used while integrating two systems.

FileMaker Pro

FileMaker is a cross-platform database system from Claris International, a company owned by Apple Inc. It incorporates a database with a user interface and security features, allowing customers to transform a website by dragging new features into screens. The FileMaker Data API (application programming interface) is built on the REST (representational state transfer) structure, which allows FileMaker to access external data systems or web services.

 

Key Feature of FileMaker Pro.

     1. Create

FileMaker is a low code tool to develop pro code power. With FileMaker, we can create applications by drag and drop layouts, pre-built templates, and mobile applications, and can create instant reports on the fly.

2. Share

 The custom-developed application can be hosted on a computer and shared on-premise.

Also, by its cloud services and hosting anyone can access it from anywhere and empower their businesses with FileMaker.

3. Access

You can access your applications using computers, mobile devices, and web browsers simultaneously in real-time and it will sync with other systems in Realtime.

4. Integrate

We can integrate FileMaker with FileMaker Connect or by custom APIs.  With Integration tools, we can change the data with the built-in utilities and we can Convert CSV files, work with dates, build JSON objects, and more.

 

What is Salesforce CRM?

Salesforce is a single customer view for a variety of insights and reporting, Dashboards visually display working data, Customer-focused automation, efficient service, customized processes, simplified connectivity.

 

Integration techniques while integrating FileMaker system and Salesforce system.

5. Integration scopes should be well documented.
6. Always keep in mind the limitations of both systems.
7. Always try to implement the integration steps on sandboxes and after complete testing, move it to production systems.
8. Always create a separate connection between sandboxes and production instances during integration process and keep the backup of the data.
9. Always store the credentials in a single place and try to refer from there.
10. Always keep in mind the API callouts and its limitation otherwise it can cause a lot of problems.

 

Steps to Integrate Salesforce system and FileMaker system.

1. Identification of fields and objects -
   1. While integrating these two systems we first have to identify which FileMaker data will be stored in which of the salesforce objects.
   2. This step is highly important because in the future we can use these salesforce objects for various purposes.

2. Accessibility -
   1. Data Security is one of the main aspects in today’s digital world.
   2. Salesforce and FileMaker both provide a powerful data management tool which helps you manage data across multiple platforms with a high level of security.
   3. Before syncing the data (In both ways) one should always generate security, tokens and create a successful connection.
   4. We can Start/Stop the integration process by creating a field in custom settings and manipulate it in the Apex codes.

    3. Accessibility - 

1. With the advanced salesforce features, we can sync the FileMaker data to Salesforce and vice versa.
2. It allows you to manipulate the data in both environments and it will always be in sync.
3. While syncing the data one should always look for unique fields which will be common in both environments.
4. We can achieve this by writing an Apex code that will gather all the data from the FileMaker server and if any changes are made in the salesforce, then we will push them into the FileMaker system.
5. During integration, we need to send and receive our data in the JSON format as shown below.

4. Final steps -

1. Once data is synced between both the systems, we can decide the usages of this integration. In salesforce with this data, we can generate Reports, Dashboards, track sales, provide services to the users whereas in FileMaker we can use this integration to build the custom application, managing contact information, track assets, organize project and events etc.
2. With the help of this integration, we can empower our businesses with the power of two giant cloud solutions and create custom solutions on the fly.
3. Flexibility is a key feature when it comes to cloud solutions and with this integration, we can keep both the systems in sync and manage it to store, access, visualize the data easily.

 

Benefits of Salesforce and FileMaker Integration.

As trusted salesforce consulting partners, we would like to highlight some uses of the benefits of Salesforce and FileMaker Integration:

1. With the data from FileMaker, we can customize the salesforce services and use this data to increase productivity.
2. We can use Einstein tools to improve business and product quality.
3. With Sales cloud objects in salesforce, we can improve the sales process and put it on an automatic mode.
4. FileMaker Pro utility provides small businesses with a powerful tool in the investment segment and salesforce can help it.

 

Takeaway

The Salesforce system helps you to work efficiently and produce much higher throughout by providing All-in-One functionality and thus saves more time whereas FileMaker has its own benefits. With the integration of these two systems, we can achieve high business growth. Data is organized and presented by a CRM platform like salesforce leads to a better understanding of customers. This can result in much better communication between businesses and their customers, much of which can be handled using automated services, which helps you offer better and more efficient customer services.