The world of e-commerce is rapidly evolving, and businesses need to adapt to keep up with the ever-changing landscape. As a Claris FileMaker expert, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is for businesses to streamline their processes and create seamless integration between their systems.
One integration that has proven to be a game-changer for many businesses is connecting their Claris FileMaker solution with their Shopify e-commerce site.
In this blog post, we’ll review the significant benefits that this integration can bring to your business, making it more efficient, profitable, and customer-centric.
For those of you familiar with Claris FileMaker and Shopify, you know that both platforms are powerful tools in their own right. Claris FileMaker is an excellent solution for managing complex data, automating workflows, and building custom web applications, while Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform that makes setting up an online store a breeze. However, when you combine these two platforms, you unlock a whole new level of potential for your business.
The pain point many businesses face is the disconnect between their sales, inventory, and customer management systems. The result can be inefficiencies, errors, and, worst of all, a less than completely pleasant customer experience.
Integrating Claris FileMaker and Shopify can help you address these challenges and transform your business operations for the better. So let’s dive in and explore the power of this integration and how it can make a significant difference in your business.
The Power of a Claris FileMaker/Shopify Integration
→ Streamlining the Order Process
Simplified customer experience
As a consumer who has used numerous Shopify sites and as a developer assisting our clients, I’ve seen how combining FileMaker with Shopify can transform an order management process, making it more efficient and user-friendly. When customers place orders using the native Shopify UI, they enjoy a smooth buying experience, leading to increased conversion rates and customer satisfaction. The built-in templates and in-depth learning resources provided by Shopify allow for easy customization of the shopping experience. Integration with FileMaker helps continue this straightforward customer experience into fulfillment and customer service.
Seamless data transfer
Once an order is placed, your FileMaker system receives the information automatically via the Shopify API. This connection eliminates manual data entry, ensuring your FileMaker database stays current with the latest orders.
The seamless integration between the two platforms boosts efficiency, accuracy, and saves time. Multiple Shopify API endpoints can be incorporated for added functionality.
→ Enhancing Business Operations
Managing purchase orders effortlessly
A FileMaker/Shopify integration takes the headache out of purchase order management. As customer orders from Shopify draw down inventory, FileMaker automatically handles case quantities, vendor-specific part numbers, and other chosen requirements.
This automation not only saves time, but also minimizes errors, streamlining order processing and fulfillment.
Comprehensive business operation management
FileMaker excels in managing various aspects of your business, and when integrated with Shopify, it can take care of shipping, commission reports, tax reporting, and order status tracking. Additionally, FileMaker can handle custom charts and business logic tailored to your company’s unique needs. This approach to managing your e-commerce business ensures smooth operations and better decision-making based on accurate data.
Improved sales rep communication
An integration between FileMaker and Shopify also enhances communication between sales reps and the rest of your team. Automated emails or text messages keep the representatives informed about incoming Shopify orders, allowing them to stay updated without manually checking for new orders.
This increased visibility of the order process leads to better collaboration and overall efficiency within your organization.
→ Synchronizing Product Catalogs
Automatic product updates
When a new product is added to your Shopify store, FileMaker automatically generates a corresponding product entry in your database. This step ensures that your FileMaker solution remains up to date with your Shopify product catalog, eliminating the need for double data entry and reducing the risk of discrepancies.
If you manage your products in FileMaker, the integration can be written in a way to push products to Shopify as well.
Realize the ROI of Digital Transformation: A Claris FileMaker Shopify Integration Case Study
Below we discuss a successful real world case study demonstrating the power of the Claris FileMaker and Shopify integration. The business ROI of this powerful feature is substantial. To learn more about how to calculate your own ROI of digital transformation, start with part one of our blog series, The Age of Digital Transformation And Why It Matters.
Read through to part four and download a free tool to help guide your own improvement in this crucial area.
Background
Haversack Sales is a successful manufacturer’s representative located in the Pacific Northwest and focusing on exciting specialty food items. Their sales representatives call on retailers and distributors in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Montana, Idaho, British Columbia, and Alberta.
They have been using Claris FileMaker as long as the firm has been in business which, as they say, “is longer than we’d like to admit”.
(What is a haversack, you say? Check out the definition and some examples.)
Challenges Faced by Haversack Sales
Prior to Shopify, Haversack’s sales reps would call on customers and complete orders onsite, with the customers often selecting from catalogs. It was a time-consuming process and Haversack wanted something different.
Their goal was to allow customers to place some of their own orders online, especially when that was the customers’ preference, and to allow the sales reps to focus more on introducing new products and consulting with customers.
Implementing the Claris FileMaker and Shopify Integration
To address these challenges, Haversack Sales opted to implement a Shopify e-commerce site integrated with their own FileMaker solution. Customers now enter orders directly in Shopify, and payments are handled through the platform. Then orders are pulled into FileMaker via the Shopify API, automating the entire process.
Results
Whether products are entered into either Shopify or FileMaker, the integration process automatically keeps the product data in the two systems synchronized. Both customer and vendor purchase orders are automatically generated in FileMaker as the orders from Shopify are pulled in, saving significant time for the sales reps.
During the initial development of the Shopify site, a custom feature in FileMaker was created to help reconcile products that exist in both systems with different product IDs. This addition was only needed during the startup of the e-commerce site.
Impact on Business Operations
With the successful implementation of the Shopify e-commerce site and accompanying integrations with their FileMaker solution, Haversack has realized their goals stated at the outset of the project, and then some.
→ Elevated Customer Experience
Most importantly, improvements in customer satisfaction have been realized by providing customers with a way to easily create orders directly when desired, rather than always contacting a sales representative. Customers receive fast, accurate communications regarding their online orders and can check status for themselves, if desired.
→ Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity
Sales representatives have seen a significant improvement in productivity as they no longer have to create purchase orders for every order their customers place. In addition, they get automated notices of sales and are able to focus their efforts on growing those sales rather than simply taking orders.
→ Improved Decision-Making and Reporting
Business management has improved in multiple ways – more rapid order processing, fewer data entry errors, and more accurate reporting.
→ Scalable Solution for Business Growth
Scalability and business growth have improved as Haversack is able to process more orders with the same staff.
Haversack’s successful use of Claris FileMaker with Shopify highlights the potential for significantly improving business efficiency, streamlining processes, and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Embrace the Power of FileMaker/Shopify Integration Today
Integrating Claris FileMaker and Shopify can transform your company’s business operations, streamline processes, and elevate the customer experience. From enhanced efficiency and automation to improved decision-making and reporting, this powerful integration offers numerous benefits that can help your business grow and thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
At Portage Bay Solutions, we are experts in creating Claris FileMaker solutions for our clients and setting up seamless integrations, including with Shopify. If you are ready to unlock the full potential of your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
We would be delighted to help you integrate your Claris FileMaker web application with Shopify, or any number of other third-party options, and support the success of your business.
