We have a freezer repository containing ~ 200,000 samples. A hosted FileMaker 16 database tracks sample locations along with associated experimental data. Everything works great on Mac computers. We are planning significant work in this repository (pulling and returning many samples).
Hence, we would like to use an iPad running FileMaker Go so that changes to this database can be made on the fly while working near freezers. In addition, we might enclose the iPad in a protective sleeve to prevent it from becoming contaminated from infectious sample material on protective gloves. The database accesses Excel files on a shared network drive in order to automate the lookup of multiple samples.
We have tested our database on an iPhone running FileMaker Go, but I don't know whether the iOS is capable of allowing FileMaker to read in data from a networked Excel file. Research indicates some iOS apps allow one to open shared files on a network drive directly, but I don't know if anyone has determined if FileMaker Go can open an Excel file from an iPad using one of these apps to establish the network connection.
Any help/guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Per the documentation for Import Records: FileMaker Pro 17 Advanced Help
So the import of .xlsx files is not possible by default. You need to get that data into a .fmp12 file format to import it, or import it on the server so it's pre-hosted for the user.
On the server it's possible, but still a little tricky since the FMS only deals with files that are in the appropriate documents or temporary directory.
One way to script that is a server script that does something like this:
The above is a very basic script that gets a copy of the file from the network location, sticks it into a place where FMS can read it, then imports it (with a basic error check). It requires the free BaseElements plugin since Export Field Contents in FileMaker is not server compatible. BaseElements Plugin – BaseElements Plugin Help Centre