Streamline Email Communication with Sendgrid Integration
FileMaker’s built-in “Send Email” function is a powerful tool for automating communication, often used to generate draft emails directly in your system’s email client, such as Outlook or Mail. However, with recent updates to Windows and Microsoft’s push toward M365 cloud products, some users have encountered reliability issues, particularly when using Outlook on Windows. This is where Sendgrid comes in—a secure, fast, and highly reliable alternative for email automation in FileMaker solutions.
Use Case 1: Overcoming Windows and Outlook Bugs
The common “Send Email” function in FileMaker works by launching your default email client to create a draft. Unfortunately, changes in how Microsoft handles integrations with Outlook have resulted in a frustrating bug for many users—a spinning wheel or delays when trying to open draft emails. This issue isn’t unique to FileMaker but affects other programs that interface with Outlook as well.
Switching to Sendgrid resolves this issue entirely. By integrating FileMaker with Sendgrid’s API, you can bypass reliance on local email clients, ensuring smoother and more reliable email automation.
Use Case 2: Automating Large Email Campaigns
For businesses needing to send bulk, customized emails, Sendgrid offers significant advantages. One standout feature is domain verification, which increases trust and decreases the likelihood of emails landing in spam folders. Integrating Sendgrid with FileMaker allows for the easy creation and sending of personalized messages, including individual attachments.
For example, one client automated their monthly invoicing process using Sendgrid and FileMaker. Previously, generating and sending hundreds of invoices took over a day; with the integration, the entire process now takes minutes.
How It Works
Setup: Setting up a Sendgrid account involves verifying your email domain with your IT team to ensure messages are trusted.
Scripted Workflow: In FileMaker, a script gathers recipient details, message content, and attachments, presenting them for review in a user-friendly card window.
Rich Formatting: Sendgrid supports HTML, so your emails can include images, graphics, and styled text.
API Integration: After review, FileMaker securely connects to Sendgrid’s API to send the email.
Tracking Results: The Sendgrid admin console provides insights into delivery success, invalid addresses, and even recipient engagement, such as email opens.
Why Sendgrid?
Reliability: No more disruptions from Windows or Outlook updates.
Time Savings: Automate repetitive tasks like invoice delivery or mass emails with a few clicks.
Data Insights: Analyze your email campaigns with tracking features like delivery reports and open rates.
Security: Sendgrid uses encryption for data transfers and ensures your emails are secure.
How Long Does It Take to Set Up?
Setting up the Sendgrid account and verifying the email domain: A couple of hours.
Creating the FileMaker integration and automating workflows: 1–2 days, depending on complexity.
The Benefits Are Clear
Reliable: Avoid compatibility issues with future Windows or Outlook updates.
Efficient: Automate the delivery of single or bulk emails, saving hours of manual work.
Insightful: Gain visibility into email performance with tracking and analytics.
Secure and Fast: Emails are encrypted and sent almost instantly.
Whether you’re looking to resolve Outlook reliability issues or streamline large-scale email campaigns, integrating Sendgrid with FileMaker is a game-changer.
Ready to explore how this can transform your workflows? Contact us today.