By Kevin Hammond Posted on August 18th, 2009 in FileMaker, Hosting

FileMaker Server Plug-Ins and Schedules

If you're using a FileMaker robot, get ready to say good-bye to it: FileMaker Server now has the ability for server-side plugins to be installed and scheduled to run FileMaker scripts or System Level operating system scripts based on your schedule setup.

Installing FileMaker Server Side Plugins

When we used the FileMaker Server Help Manual, we found Installing FileMaker Server-Side Plugins a bit tricky (we used FileMaker Server 9 Help Manual at the time of this writing).

To get started, you need to install the plug-ins in the FileMaker Server --> Database Server --> Extensions folder just as you would with FileMaker Pro clients. The path on Windows: C:\Program Files\FileMaker\FileMaker Server\Database Server\Extensions

In the FileMaker Server console --> Database Server area, you will find the Server Plug-Ins tab. Make sure you check "Enable FileMaker Server" to use the plug-ins. After you do this, the plug-ins will not automatically appear in the FileMaker Server Console area. You will need to stop and restart the server in order for the plug-ins to appear.

Once the plug-ins appear, enable the plug-ins via the checkbox next to each plug-in.

Scheduling FileMaker Server Scripts

In the FileMaker Server Schedules, simply click Create a New Schedule. This brings you to the Task Scheduling Assistant, a very easy to use wizard consisting of 8 steps.

Select the task "Run Script", then choose either a ScriptMaker script or System-Level Script. Our example is a ScriptMaker script.

Next, you simply specify the FileMaker file on the server you wish to use and enter in the Account Name and Password you will be using. Alternatively, you may choose to use the Guest Account if it's enabled.

NOTE: You do not need to use plug-ins to use the FileMaker Server scripts. You may wish to automate a report to be sent via email using a FileMaker email plugin for example.

Select the script you wish to run in your schedule and provide a script parameter if desired.

FileMaker Server Script Compatibility

FileMaker Server-side scripts work like Instant Web Publishing scripts where some scripts steps are not compatible (e.g. message boxes). In the Edit Script window you can select Show Compatibility, "Server" to see which steps are not compatible in your scripts.

FileMaker Server Email Notification

You can enable email notifications to be sent when the script schedule is processed. Emails will then be sent when errors occur or when the script runs successfully.

A few helpful tips for when your test server-side schedules using plug-ins:

The Event.log located in the FileMaker Server sub-folder "Logs" will provide you excellent details about what occurs when a FileMaker Server schedule is run. In FileMaker Server 10 you can view the Log in the Server Admin Console now.
When running a server-side script schedule, the file "Startup Script" will run prior to the script you selected. Make sure your startup script is web compatible.

Best wishes to you on your FileMaker Server automation. For those of you who use a FileMaker robot standalone machine, challenge yourself to find a way to integrate your automation with FileMaker Server.

Did you know we are an authorized reseller for Claris FileMaker Licensing?
Contact us to discuss upgrading your Claris FileMaker software.

Kevin Hammond

Kevin is CEO and Business Project Manager for DB Services. He also a founding member of the FileMaker Partner Council and certified in FileMaker 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, and 8. Kevin is passionate about FileMaker as a custom application platform and is constantly on a mission to improve how he approaches each assignment.

"We were actually able to add more features than we thought would be possible within our budget. We always experienced a ‘can do’ attitude and DB Services was incredibly patient and easy to work with."

Courtney Hartman

Art Director

"The new FileMaker custom website interface is very user-friendly and easy to follow for our clients. In addition, it is much faster than the old Instant Web Publishing (IWP) interface. Thank you and all the others who have helped us out at DB Services. I am very grateful for the excellent service you provide us. Its nice to know we can call you for help if we have an issue."

Wayne Capek

President

"We needed a solution that would simplify the administration of our responsibilities under our contract with the State of Indiana. We have seen a dramatic increase across the state in the number of potential foster and adoptive parents that have begun the preparation and training process. This increase has resulted in a significant opportunity for children available for adoption. That’s a big win for everyone! And it’s all because we can refer potential parents to the proper state contacts efficiently and quickly."

Chris Morrison

Executive Director

"Thank you for all of your expertise and valuable help. I am so grateful to have found DB Services."

Linda Findlay

Owner

"Thank you for our new database system. We transitioned from a carbon copy paper based system to a digital database. The software has saved us time and money. We used to archive all our jobs in cabinets, now we can look up a job in seconds from anywhere. The software allows us to easily email estimates to our customers in pdf format. In a year there was a return on investment just from eliminating the purchasing of our carbon forms."

Todd Cartmel

Owner

"The new system allows us to create and track jobs for customers along with inventory, something we had been doing with separate word and spreadsheet files. Because it’s now so intuitive, new staff members are able to begin using the database immediately without our usual training session and ‘cheat sheets’ for getting around within the file."

Tom Andrews

President