At KyoLogic, we’re FileMaker experts. We believe it’s a powerful platform that allows small to midsize firms the ability to create virtually any piece of software we need. It’s had an incredible impact on the software development space, and drastically expanded the audience for custom applications.
Claris, FileMaker’s developer, recently released a new piece of software that has the potential to be equally game-changing: Claris Connect. It can integrate seamlessly with applications developed in FileMaker, but it’s true purpose is to integrate with… well, just about everything else. Claris Connect can even function independently of FileMaker, but it’s the combination of the two platforms that really creates amazing opportunities for workflow.
Claris Connect itself is designed to create connections— which it refers to as flows— between otherwise independent pieces of software. It fills a unique software need known as iPaaS (integrated Platform as a Service). It allows users to automate otherwise time-consuming tasks. For example, one flow may automatically upload specific documents to your team’s cloud storage as soon as they arrive in your inbox, even pinging your team over chat that there’s an update. Everything from Slack to PayPal to Twitter can be integrated into these flows, leaving your team to focus on the most important tasks.
It’s the symbiotic relationship it forms with FileMaker, though, that allows for truly comprehensive solutions. While FileMaker could “talk” to these platforms previously, it would have to do so through the FileMaker Data API. It was generally time-intensive and cumbersome, and involved creating additional plug-ins or scripts to get two applications to interface. Now all of that is unnecessary. It’s the equivalent of daisy changing a series of power strips to plug a computer into a wall outlet, versus being able to plug the computer directly into the outlet itself.
Through Claris Connect, any custom FileMaker application can now “plug” into this suite of powerful business tools. Oftentimes, businesses that require custom tools would choose to run every aspect of their business through a series of FileMaker nodes. It’s effective, but it’s also costly, especially when other, potentially more cost-effective solutions exist.
Claris Connect allows for these custom solutions to plug into an existing work ecosystem. It means less time, money, and resources spent creating new applications. Your new sales software, internal report system, or HR portal can lean on applications like Slack or DocuSign.
Similarly, the ability to create scripts in FileMaker means templates in Connect can be customized even further. If there’s a gap in a particular workflow, FileMaker can fill in those missing links. For instance, in a flow where Shopify orders automatically create a Quickbooks invoice, FileMaker can act as the hub, updating contact info and invoices and sending an automated message when the order is fulfilled.
Together, these two offerings mean any business can create incredibly complex systems to maximize their resources and ensure their employees can focus on other areas of opportunity. If you’re looking for ways to see how FileMaker and Connect can change the way your business operates, you can contact KyoLogic here.