Claris' FileMaker is presented as a Workplace Innovation Platform, and is used to create a custom app. Manual processes can be automated with Claris FileMaker Pro, and apps can be created to manage contacts, track inventory, organize projects, etc.
I've used Microsoft Access, and it doesn't compare to Filemaker. The Filemaker software system is robust and had the ability to expand and work with other programs. I have a small business, and I can say that for a small to medium sized business, I do not think there is a …
Easy to get started and Includes starter solutions for every situation by Anyone with access can edit the program by using many plugins available to extend functionality such as Changing field/database/script names after the fact is free specially For the most part, drag and …
FileMaker Pro is the chaotic, cumbersome and non-integratable little sibling of MS Access. And even MS Access can't be taken serious in a medium sized company. FileMaker Pro can not even be compared to serious products like OutSystems and Sitecore. It's also not free... whereas …
20 years ago we had to choose between Microsoft Access and Claris FileMaker Pro. We chose FileMaker Pro because it was easier to use. As our systems have evolved around FileMaker Pro we haven't looked at any competitors as we're too far along to start over again with a new …
The only other program I have used that has any type of similar functionality is ADP Workforce Now. I would prefer ADP Workforce Now overall because it is more user-friendly and can also accept tons of data, run reports, and more. However, FileMaker Pro has functionalities …
Quick Base is internet-based and easily programmable by the end-user. Because of that, it is not as customizable as FileMaker. We had very specific purposes that were more easily accomplished in FileMaker (eg. Auto-calculating fields were more fool proof-ly accomplished in …
We previously had deployed QuickBase. However, we realized that QuickBase would not allow us to construct our app the way we worked. That is where FMP came in. Its ability to adapt to the way we work made transitioning very easy.
We've been working with Filemaker Pro since I started here so I didn't have much a choice, but based on my past experience dealing with custom databases, it's the easiest, most user-friendly program I've ever worked on. It provides exactly what you need, when you need it, in …
Unlike traditional databases, you get an all inclusive solution which allows end-user screens and workflows which can be developed via scripting. With the exception of SQL Server, Filemaker also allows you to setup scheduled scripts which can run on a recurring basis. In …
Since we had implemented FileMaker Pro early on with the company, I have not used any other database software on a regular basis. Some others have used Zoho Creator with success, but since the cross-platform and program functionality of FileMaker is well established we have …
I am now using WORKetc for my CRM, and there are more benefits to me and my business using this software than using FileMaker Pro. WORK Etc Benefits: CloudBase, App, Email Response Update Project Automatically, Invoicing, Reports, Tags, Some quick add features Work Etc. Cons: …
I chose FileMaker over a custom DB with Azure and SQL Server because of the low code nature of FileMaker. And we needed ease of access with Apple products so we didn't use Microsoft Access.
We were already using FileMaker. When we get to the point of needing to scale or rebuild, we are likely to move to AWS but keep FileMaker for prototyping.
The most direct competitor to FileMaker Pro is Microsoft Access. If you understand the way Microsoft Access works, then you can probably get more functionality and features in Microsoft Access. With that said though, FileMaker is much easier to learn and develop in. I tried …
I find now that I can't use Excel. It drives me nuts. For me it is now just a method for importing data and a method for exporting data that Excel users want to see.
I used to work with Access some years ago, and liked the rigid structure. It had rules that were easy to adhere to, and once learnt, it was a powerful way to collect data.
When I discovered FileMaker, I had to completely unlearn what I had thought were the boundaries of data …
FileMaker is still the quickest way to go from zero to having a minimum viable working solution. Simple solutions can be built in as little as a afternoon of development. It is the only tool I am aware of which allows tech savy end users with domain knowledge to build bespoke …
Filemaker Pro has better performance over a network. More users can access the databases over a network; are able to store more data in a single field, it does not require a programming language to write complex scripts, and there are more design tools to make your interface …
MYOB has great accounting features but doesn't have the customisability or features to create the business management system that will do what you want it to do. Using a FileMaker Pro solution for business management and MYOB/XERO for the accounting is a great combination.
If your company is really small, I can understand the need for a product like this. However, I would go for MS Access... FileMaker Pro can not be integrated with other systems (like MS Access can at least be handled by C# for instance, and can be integrated with MS Excel or even SQL server). I'm really not sure in what scenario one would choose for FileMaker Pro. If your application or company grows bigger, you're going to have a problem to move to another environment. Also, the fact that only one person can work with the backend at any given time is a problem in a somewhat larger company.
The relational database management system makes the program highly customizable to fit the needs of any product. You can add a ton of information to each record and update your inventory on a regular basis with an Excel import or manually inside of the record. It has the capability to incorporate barcoding, which can manage your available inventory with ease.
The scripting language allows FileMaker to automatically calculate complex algorithms automatically or generate report outs with the click of a button. This allows for greater UI, especially with active users who are not familiar with writing code. Almost all of our internal data is linked to the FileMaker database
The server license allows many users to update the database in real time, which is handy if your inventory is constantly changing. We have users with Macs, PCs, iPhones and handheld tablets linked to our FileMaker database and they are updating the information constantly throughout the day.
If you invest some time into formatting and scripting the database, there is a high ease of use for users without knowledge of any programming or FileMaker itself.
Developer features need to be beefed up - namely adding the ability to search code for a phrase or keyword and the ability to do the same in the "relationship graph" in the database.
Add ability for users to edit the same table record at the same time by version control.
Allow Filemaker Server to use more than 1 core; currently multi-processing is not supported and it can be tricky to find just the right server to support the application you've built to the fullest capacity.
It it not really up to me but my opinion does have some weight in the decision and the reason I would renew my use FileMaker Pro 8.5 is because I am finally getting used to it! Now that I have been working with the program, tasks have become quicker and projects are getting done faster. File Maker Pro 8.5 really is a versatile tool and I think we are just scratching the surface with it's abilities.
The usability rating I'm providing is for the development interface - the usability of the application you build is relative to how much effort is put into the application. Filemaker needs to roll out some features that are "modern" sooner rather than later. They do roll out new features every year, but at a slow pace. We generally get 1 new TRULY useful feature every year. They need to step it up some!
The forums are great with lots of helpful experts and the staff monitor them to provide help where needed. There have been a couple of unique technical issues I've had to deal with that I haven't been able to get resolved so I chose to score this a 9 instead of a 10.
Suggest you use an iterative R.A.D. or AGILE development approach. (i.e. rather than writing a gigantic spec for a system, then building it). FileMaker facilitates quick prototypes. Developing an example, then allowing users to "try it out" is a snap.
FileMaker is still the quickest way to go from zero to having a minimum viable working solution. Simple solutions can be built in as little as a afternoon of development. It is the only tool I am aware of which allows tech savy end users with domain knowledge to build bespoke apps for their businesses without undertaking professional software development training.
We are a more agile company because of FileMaker. A few of us who are tech-savvy enough to manage the database (but are not professional developers) can make needed adjustments to our database without having to employ an in-house developer or contract with a 3rd party. As our business processes evolve and change, it's easy to update the database to accommodate those changes.