14 Best FileMaker Inventory and Accounting Integrations [2026 Updated]

Choosing the right integration for your FileMaker application lets you connect your inventory and accounting data into a single, cohesive system. By bridging the gap between your custom database and your financial software, you can eliminate manual data entry, automate tedious workflows, and get a clearer financial picture of your business. This guide details the 14 best FileMaker integrations for inventory and accounting for 2026, breaking down their specific uses, costs, and benefits to help you find the right fit.

1. QuickBooks Desktop & Online

As the dominant accounting software for small and medium-sized businesses, integrating QuickBooks with FileMaker is often a top priority. A connection allows you to sync invoices, customer data, payments, and purchase orders automatically, ensuring your accounting records always match your operational data managed in FileMaker. While a direct connection is not native, numerous third-party middleware tools and plugins make this integration straightforward for developers and consultants.

• Pros:
  • Creates a seamless flow of financial data, reducing double entry and errors.
  • Leverages QuickBooks’ deep accounting features, including robust reporting, bank feeds, and accountant access.
  • Widely supported by third-party connectors and a large community of developers.
• Cons:
  • Requires a third-party plugin or middleware, which adds to the cost and complexity.
  • Achieving a perfect real-time data sync can be complex and may require custom development.
• Pricing:
  • QuickBooks Online plans start at approximately $30 per month.
  • QuickBooks Desktop licenses are typically around $399 per year.
  • Integration costs will vary depending on the chosen middleware or plugin.

Who it's best for: Any business using FileMaker for operations and QuickBooks for accounting that needs to automate financial data synchronization reliably.

2. Xero

Xero is a popular cloud-based alternative to QuickBooks, known for its modern interface and strong API. Integrating Xero with FileMaker helps businesses automate their invoicing, expense tracking, and contact management between the two platforms. Like QuickBooks, the connection is usually made via a third-party service like Zapier, Make, or a custom-built integrator, allowing for flexible workflow automation between your custom app and your general ledger.

• Pros:
  • Exceptional cloud-first design and accessibility for remote teams.
  • Open API makes it flexible for building custom integrations.
  • Extensive app marketplace for connecting to other business tools.
• Cons:
  • Lacks a native, out-of-the-box integration; requires middleware or custom scripting.
  • Reporting features are considered less advanced than those in QuickBooks offerings.
• Pricing:
  • Plans begin at around $13 per month.

Who it's best for: Small to medium businesses that operate primarily in the cloud and need a flexible, modern accounting platform to connect with FileMaker.

3. Zapier

Zapier is not a direct inventory or accounting solution, but rather an automation platform that acts as a bridge between FileMaker and over 5,000 other apps, including QuickBooks, Xero, and Shopify. You can create "Zaps" (automated workflows) that trigger actions based on events. For example, creating a new sales order record in FileMaker could automatically generate an invoice in Xero or update an inventory count in a connected spreadsheet.

• Pros:
  • No-code platform makes it accessible to non-technical users.
  • Incredibly versatile with thousands of pre-built app connections.
  • Excellent for automating simple, recurring tasks and data transfers.
• Cons:
  • Can become expensive for high-volume or complex multi-step workflows.
  • Limited to the specific triggers and actions supported by the connected apps.
  • May not be suitable for real-time, two-way data syncing on a large scale.
• Pricing:
  • A limited free plan is available for simple workflows.
  • Paid plans start at $19.99 per month, scaling with the number of tasks.

Who it's best for: Businesses and citizen developers who need a simple, user-friendly way to automate data flow between FileMaker and other cloud services without writing code.

4. Make (formerly Integromat)

Similar to Zapier, Make is a powerful workflow automation tool, but it offers more advanced logic, data handling, and visual process building. It allows you to create complex, multi-step scenarios to connect FileMaker with numerous accounting, inventory, and ERP systems. Its visual interface lets you map out complex integrations, including conditional logic and data transformation, giving you more control than simpler trigger-action platforms.

• Pros:
  • Advanced data processing and workflow customization capabilities.
  • Visual scenario builder makes it easy to understand complex automations.
  • Often more cost-effective for high-volume transactions than competitors.
• Cons:
  • Has a slightly steeper learning curve than Zapier for new users.
  • Setting up initial scenarios can be more time-consuming.
• Pricing:
  • Offers a free tier with a good number of operations.
  • Paid plans start from $9 per month.

Who it's best for: Power users and IT teams who need to build sophisticated, multi-app integrations between FileMaker and their finance stack with granular control.

5. FileMaker Data API & Custom API

For organizations with access to development resources, using FileMaker Server’s built-in Data API is a powerful method for creating a direct, custom connection to any accounting or inventory system that also has an API. This approach offers complete control over the data exchange, enabling real-time, two-way synchronization tailored precisely to your business logic. It bypasses middleware, creating a more direct and often more performant integration.

• Pros:
  • Offers complete customization and control over the integration logic.
  • Can be designed for high-performance, real-time data exchange.
  • More secure since it eliminates reliance on a third-party middleware service.
• Cons:
  • Requires significant technical expertise in both FileMaker and API development.
  • High upfront investment in time and development costs.
  • Requires ongoing maintenance to manage API or software updates on either end.
• Pricing:
  • FileMaker Data API access is included with FileMaker Server licensing.
  • Costs are primarily related to development, implementation, and maintenance.

Who it's best for: Businesses with in-house technical teams or a development budget that require a highly specific, secure, and permanent integration solution.

6. Sage Business Cloud

Sage offers a suite of accounting and business management solutions, and Sage Business Cloud Accounting (formerly Sage One) is a popular choice for growing businesses. Integrating it with FileMaker allows for the synchronization of sales data, invoices, banking information, and inventory levels. This connection ties custom business operations built in FileMaker directly to Sage's scalable accounting backend, providing strong financial management tools as a company grows.

• Pros:
  • Provides strong combined inventory management and accounting features.
  • Highly scalable platform suitable for growing businesses.
  • Supports multi-currency transactions and international business needs.
• Cons:
  • Integration generally requires third-party connectors or custom API work.
  • User interface can feel dated compared to some cloud-native competitors.
• Pricing:
  • Pricing is provided through custom quotes based on business needs.

Who it's best for: Growing small to medium-sized businesses that need a scalable accounting solution with robust inventory features to pair with their FileMaker applications.

7. Fishbowl Inventory

Fishbowl is an advanced inventory management software designed primarily for manufacturing, wholesale, and distribution businesses. Integrating Fishbowl with FileMaker allows companies to manage complex inventory processes—such as bills of materials, work orders, multi-location tracking, and barcoding—while syncing sales and purchasing data with a FileMaker CRM or order management system. It typically also integrates with QuickBooks or Xero to complete the inventory-to-accounting data pipeline.

• Pros:
  • Advanced features for manufacturing and warehouse management.
  • Offers detailed inventory control, order management, and material requirements planning (MRP).
  • Seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks, bridging a common gap for inventory-heavy businesses.
• Cons:
  • Integration with FileMaker requires middleware or a custom-developed connecting script.
  • Significant upfront cost compared to other subscription-based inventory tools.
• Pricing:
  • Perpetual licenses start at approximately $4,395, with costs increasing based on users and features.

Who it's best for: Inventory-intensive businesses in the manufacturing and warehouse sectors that need granular inventory control beyond what typical accounting software offers.

8. NetSuite

Oracle NetSuite is a comprehensive Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform that consolidates accounting, inventory management, CRM, and eCommerce into a single system. For large organizations that use FileMaker for specialized departmental applications, integrating with NetSuite centralizes data across the entire enterprise. This allows information from custom-built FileMaker solutions to flow into the company's core ERP system for unified financial reporting and resource management.

• Pros:
  • A true all-in-one ERP that centralizes almost all business functions.
  • Extremely powerful and built for scalability at the enterprise level.
  • Highly customizable to meet complex business requirements.
• Cons:
  • Very expensive, with high implementation and subscription costs.
  • The complexity makes implementation long and challenging.
  • Overkill for small or medium-sized businesses.
• Pricing:
  • Based on custom enterprise-level quotes; typically in the tens of thousands of dollars annually.

Who it's best for: Large enterprises with comprehensive ERP needs that use FileMaker for niche applications and require this data to sync with their central business management platform.

9. TradeGecko (Now QuickBooks Commerce)

QuickBooks Commerce is an inventory and order management platform built for modern eCommerce and wholesale businesses. Integrating it with a FileMaker sales and fulfillment app enables a powerful multi-channel retail operation. It syncs inventory levels across all your sales channels (like Shopify, Amazon, and your B2B wholesale portal) and consolidates orders, ensuring accurate stock counts and preventing overselling.

• Pros:
  • Excellent for unifying inventory management across multiple online and offline sales channels.
  • Natively connected to the QuickBooks ecosystem for smooth accounting syncs.
  • Includes features for managing price lists, warehouses, and sales reporting.
• Cons:
  • Accounting features are limited; it's designed to be used in tandem with QuickBooks Online.
  • As a pre-packaged suite, it offers less workflow customization than a fully custom FileMaker build.
• Pricing:
  • Plans start at $39 per month, varying based on the number of channels and orders.

Who it's best for: Small and medium-sized eCommerce businesses that sell across multiple channels and need a centralized hub for inventory and order management.

10. Cin7

Cin7 is a connected inventory management platform designed for multi-channel retailers and wholesalers. It unifies stock with sales channels, including POS systems, eCommerce sites, and 3PL warehouses. Integrating Cin7 with FileMaker can help manage customers, complex order configurations, or unique production steps that feed into Cin7's sophisticated inventory and supply chain engine. It automates inventory updates, order fulfillment, and reporting across the business.

• Pros:
  • Strong omnichannel features, connecting online, offline, and third-party logistics.
  • Built-in modules for POS, B2B wholesale portals, and warehouse management.
  • Direct integrations with major accounting platforms and shipping carriers.
• Cons:
  • Setup and configuration can be complex and may require implementation assistance.
  • Can be more expensive than simpler inventory management solutions.
• Pricing:
  • Based on custom quotes, varying with business complexity and order volume.

Who it's best for: Established retail and wholesale businesses that need to manage inventory across multiple locations and sales channels with a high degree of automation.

11. Gusto

While not an inventory tool, Gusto is a leading platform for payroll, benefits, and HR. Many custom FileMaker solutions are built to manage employee time tracking, project costing, or HR records. Integrating with Gusto allows for the automated transfer of hours worked, commission data, and employee details directly to the payroll system, reducing manual errors and ensuring compliance. This connection is usually handled through a service like Zapier or a custom API script.

• Pros:
  • Simplifies and automates all aspects of payroll, tax filing, and HR compliance.
  • Easy-to-use interface for both administrators and employees.
  • Integrates well with major accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero.
• Cons:
  • This is a specialized tool for people operations and does not address inventory or core accounting.
• Pricing:
  • Plans typically start around $40 per month plus an additional $6 per employee.

Who it's best for: Businesses looking to connect their custom FileMaker employee or time management application directly to a modern payroll and HR system.

12. Tallyfy

Tallyfy is a workflow and process management platform that helps businesses standardize and track repeatable tasks. When used alongside FileMaker, it can manage the workflow surrounding inventory and accounting events. For example, a new purchase order created in FileMaker could trigger a multi-step approval workflow in Tallyfy, ensuring all checks are completed before the order is sent to the vendor. It excels at adding a layer of human task management and accountability to data-driven processes.

• Pros:
  • Excellent for automating and tracking human-centric business processes like approvals.
  • Provides visibility into process bottlenecks and staff responsibilities.
  • Simple interface that non-technical users can adopt to build and manage workflows.
• Cons:
  • Functions as a workflow tool, not a system for tracking inventory data directly.
  • Works best when integrated alongside your existing inventory and accounting platforms.
• Pricing:
  • Plans are user-based and start around $9 per user per month.

Who it's best for: Organizations that want to formalize and automate the human approval and follow-up processes associated with their inventory and accounting activities.

13. Custom FileMaker Plugins & Extensions

The FileMaker platform has a rich ecosystem of third-party plugins that extend its native capabilities. For inventory and accounting, dedicated plugins exist that can establish direct connections to accounting software, payment gateways (like Stripe or PayPal), and shipping carriers (like FedEx or UPS). Building with a plugin can often be faster and more stable than building a completely custom API integration from scratch, as the plugin developer handles much of the backend complexity.

• Pros:
  • Can create highly tailored and performant connections without middleware.
  • Leverages pre-built functionality, shortening development time.
  • No ongoing subscription fee for the connection service itself (just the plugin license).
• Cons:
  • Requires a FileMaker developer to implement and maintain the solution.
  • You become dependent on the plugin developer for updates and support.
• Pricing:
  • Costs include the plugin license fee (which varies greatly) plus all related development and implementation expenses.

Who it's best for: Organizations with FileMaker development resources looking to create a specific, direct integration without the maintenance overhead of managing a full custom API connection.

14. Third-Party Middleware & Connectors (e.g., CData, ZappySys)

Dedicated data integration platforms like CData provide ODBC/JDBC drivers and connectors that enable FileMaker to communicate with almost any enterprise database, ERP, or accounting system on a technical level. These tools offer highly reliable, enterprise-grade data synchronization that can handle large volumes of data. They serve a different need than no-code platforms like Zapier, providing the foundational technology for developers to build robust, scalable connections between FileMaker and enterprise systems like SQL Server, SAP, or Oracle.

• Pros:
  • Provides enterprise-level data connectivity and bi-directional synchronization.
  • Supports a vast range of databases and enterprise applications.
  • Highly reliable for critical, high-volume data workloads.
• Cons:
  • Requires extensive technical expertise to configure and implement.
  • More expensive than simple automation tools.
  • Requires ongoing technical monitoring and maintenance.
• Pricing:
  • Pricing models vary significantly but are typically based on annual subscription per connector.

Who it's best for: Businesses and enterprises requiring a highly robust, scalable, and technically sound integration between FileMaker Pro and other backend databases or ERP systems.

Final Thoughts

By connecting your FileMaker application to the right external software, you can transform it from a standalone database into the central hub of your business operations. Whether you need a simple no-code automation to push invoices into Xero or a complex, custom-coded integration with NetSuite, there is a solution available to fit both your technical resources and your budget.

As you integrate these systems, complex compliance and tax questions will inevitably arise—from calculating sales tax nexus exposure for multi-channel sales to deducting capitalized inventory costs under IRC Section 263A. When these situations require definitive answers, searching through outdated blogs and forums isn't enough. You can get instant, citation-backed answers to your tax questions with financial research tools built for professionals, like Feather AI, which ensures you have the accurate source material needed to advise clients with confidence.