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FileMaker has been widely adopted by small and medium enterprises in various sectors to address a wide range of business needs. Users have …
Starting at $21 per month per user
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What is Claris FileMaker?
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.
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Pricing
Platform Subscription
$21
Cloud
per month per user
Individual desktop license
$594
On Premise
one-time fee
Entry-level set up fee?
- No setup fee
For the latest information on pricing, visithttps://www.claris.com/filemaker/pro
Offerings
- Free Trial
- Free/Freemium Version
- Premium Consulting/Integration Services
Starting price (does not include set up fee)
- $21 per month per user
Product Demos
FileMaker/HTML5/JavaScript GPS Map Demo (iPad)
YouTube
Text Parsing in FileMaker : Live Demo - Example 1
YouTube
FileMaker Pro 11 Course for Beginner
YouTube
Product Details
- About
- Competitors
- Tech Details
- FAQs
What is Claris FileMaker?
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.
FileMaker Pro is a low-code tool so users don’t have to be developers to make an app. Using FileMaker Pro, any problem solver can:
Drag and drop to create layouts.
Use built-in templates and add-ons.
Run apps on Windows and Mac.
Create mobile apps.
Share apps on phones, tablets, and laptops.
Make instant reports on the fly.
FileMaker Pro comes with built-in templates delivered through a marketplace. And Claris FileMaker Go for iPad and iPhone is a solution presented as ideal for mobile teams in the field or away from a desk. It can be used to (for instance) check inventory in the warehouse, create invoices during client visits, or perform inspections onsite.
FileMaker Pro comes with built-in templates delivered through a marketplace. And Claris FileMaker Go for iPad and iPhone is a solution presented as ideal for mobile teams in the field or away from a desk. It can be used to (for instance) check inventory in the warehouse, create invoices during client visits, or perform inspections onsite.
Claris FileMaker Video
What is FileMaker Pro?
Claris FileMaker Competitors
Claris FileMaker Technical Details
| Deployment Types | On-premise, Software as a Service (SaaS), Cloud, or Web-Based |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac |
| Mobile Application | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Claris FileMaker starts at $21.
Reviewers rate Support Rating highest, with a score of 8.6.
The most common users of Claris FileMaker are from Small Businesses (1-50 employees).
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Community Insights
TrustRadius Insights are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, 3rd-party data sources. Have feedback on this content? Let us know!
- Business Problems Solved
- Pros
- Cons
- Recommendations
FileMaker has been widely adopted by small and medium enterprises in various sectors to address a wide range of business needs. Users have leveraged FileMaker to solve business problems and automate processes, such as time tracking, invoicing, reporting, and more. The software has become mission-critical for companies, with every employee using it on a daily basis. It has been utilized for office administration, invoicing, expenses, data collection, contact management, and inventory management. Companies have found FileMaker to be a versatile tool that eliminates islands of technology by providing a central database that can be accessed on any device from anywhere. It has been deployed on Mac and Windows desktops, web browsers, and native iOS and Android applications.
In addition to its versatility, FileMaker Pro has proved valuable in specific industries. For example, it has been used in the medical sector for solutions like managing patient records and tracking medical data. Agricultural businesses have employed FileMaker to streamline processes related to crop management and inventory tracking. Similarly, transport companies have utilized the platform for tasks like logistics planning and fleet management. Additionally, FileMaker Pro's flexibility has made it useful in designing questionnaires, developing web applications, and creating custom solutions tailored to meet specific requirements across various domains.
Furthermore, FileMaker Go mobile platform has enabled fast and cost-effective custom application development for iOS devices. It has allowed businesses like Merch Media to manage contact information efficiently while processing orders and managing detailed data. Peer Bearing Company has customized FileMaker Pro to fit their specific needs, making it their primary software solution. In the education sector, FileMaker Pro has facilitated staff management, activity tracking logs, billing processes assistance, student progress monitoring, homework logging, report card generation collaboratively.
The software's impact extends beyond individual company functions as well. For instance, it has played a role in event planning by assisting with tasks like food and beverage tracking or organizing catalogs and libraries. Studios have relied on FileMaker Pro for production staff to search inventories and generate layouts. It has also been used as a replacement for Microsoft Access databases, providing improved reliability and multi-user access.
Overall, users have found that Claris FileMaker is an effective tool for solving various business problems, automating processes, and improving productivity across different industries. Its flexibility, adaptability to different platforms, and ability to streamline workflows have made it a valuable asset in managing data, creating custom solutions, and facilitating collaboration.
Seamless Integration: Several users have praised Claris FileMaker's ability to seamlessly integrate with other applications, specifically highlighting its commendable integration with the finance application MYOB. This integration feature has eliminated the need for manual data entry, saving time and improving accuracy in timekeeping processes.
Data Integrity and Confidentiality: Reviewers have expressed their satisfaction with Claris FileMaker's capability to maintain data integrity and confidentiality through its integration with MYOB. This aspect is highly valued as it ensures the security of sensitive financial information.
Improved Productivity: Many users have found that the integration between Claris FileMaker and MYOB has enhanced their overall productivity. The ability to integrate with other applications has significantly improved workflow by saving time and increasing efficiency. Users appreciate how easily Claris FileMaker integrates with MYOB for various business needs and requirements, showcasing its versatility and adaptability.
Confusing and Not User-Friendly UI: Several users have expressed dissatisfaction with the user interface of Claris FileMaker, describing it as confusing and not user-friendly. They have encountered difficulties in editing calculations and scripts, as well as creating print layouts compared to other software like Crystal Reports.
Lack of Essential Features: Reviewers have pointed out that Claris FileMaker lacks certain important features. These include a built-in version control mechanism, a centralized security module for multiple files, and a modular code structure. Developers find it challenging to work without these features, which impacts their productivity.
Limited Customization Options: Some users feel that FileMaker Pro is not customizable enough, particularly from the user side. They encounter difficulties in customizing the program's appearance and sending rich text emails. This limitation hinders their ability to tailor the software to their specific needs.
Users commonly recommend the following:
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Learn and explore: Users suggest learning what FileMaker is good at and how to get the best out of it. They recommend attending the DevCon conference to collaborate with other users and learn about the platform's features.
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Start small and customize: It is advised to begin with a small project to understand how FileMaker works and how easy it is to modify. Users suggest playing around and experimenting with FileMaker or hiring a certified developer for assistance. Updating to the latest release of FileMaker is also recommended.
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Consider customization and collaboration: Users highlight FileMaker's ability to connect to big data, design creatively, and build on a reliable data engine. They recommend hiring third-party developers for advanced customization. FileMaker is seen as a great platform for diverse mobile teams to build custom apps. Additionally, users highly recommend FileMaker for its seniority, usability, reliability, and the vast number of people available for collaboration.
Attribute Ratings
Reviews
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January 06, 2022
It is very useful, smart to use, and saves time
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Develop cross-platform database applications (Windows, Mac, iOS, and web).
This allows my company to launch an application that allows all employees to communicate with customers to provide the best services and technical support to improve the performance of the service provided to the customer and to communicate with customers and employees in solving problems or making suggestions
- Ease of creating a database for employees
- It is easy for developers and IT specialists to improve the performance and manufacture of applications
- Ease of following up on customers and monitoring their opinions, whether positive or negative
- Some updates in languages, including Arabic, are missing
- When sending long emails, it is not the easiest thing
- It needs to be a little faster
August 23, 2021
The Problem Solvers Problem Solver
FileMaker is used widely at this large company serving many different departments in many different capacities. This in itself speaks highly of the product in that it can be used to serve so many different needs. Obviously, a company of this size has many large enterprise solutions but those do not handle the needs of individual departments that need highly customized solutions to streamline their operations. Spreadsheets and documents can only be stretched so far before they become their own issues. FileMaker fills in that large gap between what spreadsheets can easily handle and where the large enterprise application takes over. That is a large gap and that is also FileMaker's sweet spot!
- Adaptable to most any use.
- Easily scale from small tasks to very large complex solutions.
- Create fine grained user roles.
- Connect to other applications using a REST based API.
- Allow other solution to connect using a REST based API.
- Not great for use by multiple developers at the same time.
- Could benefit from built-in audit logging of field level changes.
August 16, 2021
Can't beat this amazing platform!
Claris' FileMaker software suite provides the backbone of our entire business operation, and virtually all transactions company-wide are handled by the database built on the FileMaker platform. It handles everything from CRM, to generating quotes, contracts, invoices, and handling all equipment inventory needs, etc.
- multi-user support
- database integrity
- simple user interfaces
- speed
- efficiency
- better utilization of web/cloud support (its coming, but roll out has been slow it seems like)
May 09, 2021
Obsolete and impossible to integrate or migrate.
We use FileMaker Pro as a backend and front end for our second hand car store. It has a low learning curve, which makes it ideal for non-developers to maintain both the front end and product store. One might compare this to Microsoft "Access" software. Like "MS Access" it offers a fast environment, but after a while, when your company starts to grow, it may become rather obsolete and cumbersome when it just does not fit into a professional environment. Nowadays it has become one of our legacy products that we can't "just" get rid of.
- Offers a fast way to store things like "products" on which screens can be build in a fairly easy way.
- There is a low learning curve, which means that non-developers can use and maintain this.
- It offers separate environments (test and production), that are fairly easy to keep synchronized.
- Data is stored in a "hidden" layer that is very difficult to port to a "real" database. This makes it difficult to query using standardized query language, and difficult to import/export to other relational databases.
- There can be only one session open at any given time. This makes it impossible for more than 1 person to maintain it at any given time.
- The user interface is a bit chaotic, and the environment itself seems overly complex. Compared to, say, MS Access this makes it a seemingly very professional tool, when in fact it's a rather amateur way of exposing data. Much like MS Access, but MS Access does not pretend to be any more than that.
May 03, 2021
Database Management Doesn't Have to be a Pain
Our company has used FileMaker Pro for many years. Our primary client-tracking solution is a FileMaker Pro database, and it is used by every employee at our company on a daily basis. Because of this, FileMaker Pro has become mission critical for us. Its accessibility makes us more agile as a company as our workflows and processes evolve over time.
- Intuitive, user-friendly database management
- Powerful scripting features
- Easy to create attractive layouts from templates
- I'd like to see more granular control of user access, such as the ability to allow certain users to modify a field while others are only allowed to view it, etc.
February 29, 2020
Gets the job done but has some issues
We use FileMaker Pro (KeyStone) to maintain schedules and keep employee records. It allows us to maintain a large amount of information in one space and has the capability to run a variety of reports and other features that are useful to me. It is being used by only a few individuals across a number of different departments.
- This program is able to store a large amount of information that is easily accessible.
- This program can run a variety of reports that can be helpful with my everyday tasks and projects.
- This program has very easy search functions.
- This program can be difficult if you have an environment that is distracting because it does confirm changes. They are automatically saved.
- This program can be frustrating when entering data in multiple fields because the tab button does not send you to the next field, it jumps around.
June 29, 2019
FileMaker Pro
FileMaker Pro is used as our ERP system, and is being used by the entire company. It keeps track of customers, vendors, and inventory.
- FileMaker does a good job of allowing customization to layout and design for ease of use.
- FileMaker allows us to control who can access certain areas in the system for security and business needs.
- FileMaker is user-friendly for data entry purposes.
- Building reports can be cumbersome.
- We're unable to print a doc generated in FileMaker without having to download the pdf every time.
- You're unable to sync a line added to a purchase order after the PO has already been synced to QuickBooks.
November 16, 2018
FileMaker Pro Library Software Review
We use FileMaker Pro to help organize our catalogs of backgrounds and props. We also built a custom set up to help maintain a library of animal talent for our shoots. It helps us to search by MANY different methods as well as generate quick PDFS that we can send to clients and other people in the studio. Most of the production staff in the studio uses FileMaker Pro. You do have to have the system stored on a server so that many people can access that, but for a larger company like ours, that wasn't really an issue. The ability to format the program and generate layouts that work best for your needs is pretty great. Although that part of it can be tricky, and takes a bit of time to learn. Searching inventories is really simple, though.
- FileMaker Pro makes searching through internal inventories very easy. You can search by many different keywords.
- FileMaker Pro is very simple to use when populating the inventories and catalogs.
- The software is very customizable. Which is great for many different types of uses and businesses.
- Customizing FileMaker Pro can be tricky for people who aren't super familiar with that type of work.
- The software is really good, just needs a little more user friendliness or simplicity.
FileMaker Pro is the key to our business. It is our CRM as well as our data management. We use Filemaker Pro and Filemaker Go combined to create mapping and routing for our clients. All reporting is customized via FMPro.
FileMaker Pro is essential to our business, making sure that we are organized and stay on top of our day to day operations.
FileMaker Pro is essential to our business, making sure that we are organized and stay on top of our day to day operations.
- Customized database. We have all the information that we need and could possibly want at our fingertips.
- Organization. We have client information, vendor information, and personnel information organized in a logical and secure way. Because of the custom settings, only certain people are able to view all of the data - while others are only allowed to view what is needed.
- Working with FMGo - we are at the forefront of reporting technology. Our people personal work independently across the country and we see their results in seconds.
- Making changes is sometimes difficult and we do work with an FM developer. While we like our developer, we do wish it was easier to do on our own.
- FMPro is sometimes glitchy with how it outputs data. Because we've been working with it for so long and it's so customized, we have work arounds, but something we just want to be able to export things as spreadsheets in the first place. :)
July 23, 2018
Filemaker to save the day!
Filemaker is the heart of our organization. It runs every department in one to degree or another. For each department, we have automated processes which have cut down on hours of work for our organization. Each business work flow is highly custom, and therefore an out of the box solution was not going to work. Filemaker has allowed us to put in place a solution that is tailored to the way we like to do business but also allows us to grow and change process flows quickly that wouldn't be possible using standard development technologies.
- Develop custom solutions very fast
- Simple to use for non-developers
- Easy rollout of solutions company-wide
- Easy setup of server to host custom solution
- 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.
April 23, 2018
Filemaker, making life simple
We run Filemaker for Sales, Stock control and Reporting. We typically moved from segmented spreadsheets to relational database and this mostly translated to less time on admin and more on sales.
- Reporting is very easy and managers setup their own custom reports.
- The layout tool is very WYSIWIG and simple to master.
- The scripting is very straight forward with very little programming understanding required.
- The online SaaS versions are still a bit slow.
- Would love to see true SaaS services.
- Built-in Adwords and similar integration, typical of other SaaS tools
FileMaker Pro is used across departments to manage a massive database that tracks our sellable products. Currently, we have approximately 20 users at any given time, all of whom can actively update the database as long as they are not updating the same record. The program manages a variety of information about the product, which is highly modifiable and easily updated via Excel imports or manually inside of the record. Customized exports are used to generate report outs and access real-time information regarding our available inventory.
- 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.
- Cross-platform consistency - the iPhone version is not nearly as functional as the desktop version, which could cause troubles if you want to update your inventory with a mobile device while actively performing a task. The layout is cluttered and inconsistent.
- The development of a functional database will require a highly skilled FileMaker programmer, or multiple people working to address specific requirements for the database. This could take months to construct and can be costly if you want to create a highly customizable database with the proper scripts.
- The Excel exports are rather simple and require re-working if you are trying to make anything visually appealing. I'm sure more backend programming could be performed to address this issue, but for the average user, the programming and links can be rather complex.
November 13, 2017
FileMaker Pro: Good but....
We have used FileMaker Pro with our day to day operations in our business. It was used to track projects and integrated into some marketing functions of our business. It helped with organizing, accessing customer records and did some reporting. It would help us print directly from the database into Word format as well.
- Easy to complete a mail merge inside the system, without having to download contacts and re-upload them. Very simple to print personalized post cards or emails to groups of clients at one time.
- Lots of customization options, for reports, mail merge etc.
- Easier to do online
- Making it simple to format and changes
November 09, 2017
FileMaker -- A Low Code and Flexible Database Solution!
My client was in need of a database solution that could be easily maintainable as their old database software was not being supported anymore. I recommended that they use FileMaker Pro because it was MacOS and WindowsOS friendly as well as low-code.
- No prior knowledge of programming languages required
- Drag-and-drop UI builder
- Auto-population of PDF forms
- Flexibility with Script Builders
- Exporting data can be a challenge for many-to-many table relations
- Limited to just the tools given to you by FileMaker
- Expensive to host on the cloud or on-premise
October 11, 2017
FileMaker Pro Offers Low Code Custom App Development - Cross Platform for macOS, Windows, IOS, HTML5
FileMaker Pro is used as a replacement for Microsoft Access databases for my customers. FileMaker Pro provides multi-user access, better reliability in networked deployments, installation directly on IOS devices. FileMaker Pro data files also offer much greater data capacity of up to 7TB per file compared to the 2GB file size limit of Microsoft Access. Automated conversion from Access to FileMaker Pro is performed with FmPro Migrator Platinum Edition software.
- Greater File Size - 7TB per file, compared to 2GB per file with Access .ACCDB files.
- Reliable multi-user networking thru Peer-to-Peer or server based implementations.
- Improved developer productivity.
- Capability of being run locally on IOS devices with the free FileMaker Go client software.
- It would be nice to have some automation improvements.
FileMaker is our primary data store serving as our homebrewed student information system (SIS). We track demographic data, confident test reports, attendance, and so on. It's our primary source of data, that feeds many other systems.
- FileMaker is particularly easy to set up and configure.
- FileMaker deploys easily to Mac users.
- FileMaker makes rapid prototyping and proof of concept ideas pretty painless.
- FileMaker does not run on Android.
- FileMaker doesn't provide any analytical tools.
- FileMaker web access is limited and resource hungry.
- FileMaker Server cannot be hosted on Linux machines.
FileMaker is used across our entire organization. The original use for FileMaker was as a timecard database. Over the years the use of FileMaker has grown to cover many different parts of our business. We manage all the graphics that are produced in FileMaker. We manage projects in FileMaker. We create packing lists and keep track of shipments in FileMaker. FileMaker touches almost every aspect of our business.
- FileMaker can be easily customized so that it can be expanded to cover additional roles in a company or to just do simple layout changes.
- FileMaker can be easily picked up by new programmers/developers. The software is designed in such a way that a half day's worth of training can get a new person started building their own databases.
- FileMaker has a large community of users that do a fantastic job of supporting folks who are new to FileMaker. There is considerable support, samples, and videos on the web for anyone starting out.
- There are a lot of professional developers located around the country that can help with any FileMaker development needs. They have always been more than friendly and willing to offer help and suggestions. They have the heart of teachers.
- I think the folks developing FileMaker are true Apple enthusiasts at heart, so a lot of little issues that crop up for Windows users are not address very quickly. It also seems like the Windows version gets treated as secondary, which is odd considering that the majority (95+%) of people using FileMaker use it in a Windows environment.
- Considering my point above, I would also point out that a lot of how FileMaker works seems to be driven by a small number of people who feel like the software should behave a certain way. Rather than offering users the ability to customize how they want to use the software, global changes are made that force users to adapt to a new way working that is opposite of how they have worked for many years. Changes like this have driven me nuts in the past and make me wish that they would just allow customization of how users work instead of forcing one particular point of few.
- FileMaker developers are not inexpensive. If you need to bring in help from a third party, expect to pay $100/hr. at a minimum. There are a lot of free resources, local clubs/groups, and places to get free advice, but expect to pay a lot for professional help if you need it. There just aren't enough developers around the world to drive the price down.
September 07, 2017
For when you've outgrown Excel and are ready for validation that keeps your data up to your standards
I use FileMaker Pro Advanced as my own personal data warehouse. I authored a FileMaker database whose scripts import data from disparate sources, allowing me to perform advanced analysis. Although FileMaker Server is fully capable of functioning as a system of record and serving data to many users simultaneously, our organization does not utilize FileMaker in this way.
- FileMaker provides an approachable way to design databases. If someone is familiar with Excel, their knowledge of rows, columns, and sheets translates to records, fields, and tables.
- Scripts allow for easy automation. Once users are familiar with how to use FileMaker's built-in UI and menus to modify data by hand, those actions can be chained together into scripts, which can be triggered by a number of circumstances.
- FileMaker's Script Debugger is available only in Pro Advanced versions, not Pro. I believe it should be available in all versions of FileMaker, because it's a critically valuable tool for both the beginner who is learning how scripts behave, and the experienced user who is debugging very complicated scripts.
- The tool used to build expressions (the "Specify Calculation" window) could benefit from some visual cues to indicate which parentheses and parameters belong to which function, especially with complex nested functions. For now, I've actually used FileMaker to build a standalone tool that does this.
July 18, 2017
Filemaker is my moneymaker and my problem solver
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
I am a FileMaker Certified Developer. I develop solutions for others so FileMaker is my tool for creating solutions for others. I also use it personally to track my invoicing, time billing and producing/formatting content for several websites that I do. I also do contract work for other developers where I use FMP to quickly analyze data files so the client can understand the data they are dealing with.
- Slicing and dicing data. Pure and simple. If I have to look for trends or understand highs and lows of data or quickly formulating file paths for incredibly complex websites I can do it quickly.
- Easy to learn interface that allows for quick prototyping of tools that people think they need to have on much "larger" (expensive) platforms. The beauty of FileMaker is you can quickly build what you want as a prototype, then most likely years later when they are still trying to get the expensive stuff to do the same thing, you just keep using it.
- Now that they have added REST support and increased encryption you can also build some complex and highly secure solutions that eliminate the need for buying third party plugins or services.
- FileMaker, as a company, also brings out new versions on a regular yearly basis. Each year they add something that is greatly extends the development power making it easier for me to bring in customers.
- The tight integration with the iPad and iPhone is a top value in itself. Why spend a ton of money for an iOS app that you have no control over when you can use FileMaker to get the job done fast and in a cost effective manner?
- I had some big complaints about how to edit calculations and scripts, and not being able to print/export PDF from server but with the last 2 versions I can't complain any more. Those got added.
- Syncing records between iOS and Filemaker Server still requires a developer to accomplish. Although I make money doing it for others I wish there was some "central" method of syncing that everyone can follow.
July 07, 2017
FileMaker in the hands of Storganise
As a Filemaker Pro developer, our company assesses the needs of small to medium businesses and will often recommend, and supply, a bespoke Filemaker Pro package. We use the software ourselves, in our office administration, invoicing, expenses, data collection, contact management, and inventory management. It is used across the whole company and saves us hours of admin by centralising the data we work with.
- Easy to use - we create very basic apps at one end of the scale, up to whole suites of software at the other. At the entry level, it is quick to learn and can have a "citizen developer" creating something useable and rewarding within hours.
- Expandable - we recommend starting small with an answer to your most pressing requirement. Then as your staff get used to the way the software helps, there will naturally begin the questions - "Can we get it to do this...?"
- Unlimited - there is no real limit to the size and quantity of data that can be stored. We have happy customers with small contacts applications under 50MB and others with huge archives of Music and Video over 100GB
- Constantly Updating - there are new releases of the software every year or so, adding extra functionality for new directions to be taken, but the core of the software remains the same
- As developers, there are areas we like to see updated. In the new version 16 a lot of these have been done.
- Scalable usage of mobile licenses would be a good step forward to allow transient mobile users to access the main database without the need for an extra licence
- A revamped system for finding developers through Apple's website would be nice. The current one is a little out dated.
We use FileMaker for delivering cross-platform database and custom apps which are process platform (Windows, Mac OS, iOS and WebDirect) for small and medium enterprises covering a wide spectrum of sectors.
- Rapid application development of bespoke solutions for multiple platforms.
- Scales well from single to hundreds of users.
- Very easy to adapt and maintain solutions.
- Well suited for novice database learners or seasons developers.
- Integrates well with other technologies to act as 'digital glue' to combine different systems - works well with with SQL solutions with ODBC; web APIs via REST APIs/JSON, etc.
- They do have a unique advantage in the market as they offer an on premises deployment option as well there being private cloud and AWS hosted options.
- FileMaker does not pitch themselves as a high-end enterprise platform: they don't pitch themselves as a solution for systems requiring thousands of concurrent users. Ironically this can be done with integration with other technologies to improve scalability.
- FileMaker themselves don't offer consulting or training directly - you need to look to their FileMaker Business Alliance partners for anything other that initial software installation support.
- They do have a perception problem in the market place - people usually have a bad experience when they inherit a legacy solution built by a non-professional developer and so they often view FileMaker solutions as being old, clunky or missing functionality. The modern platform is exceptionally powerful and full featured - however, to fully take advantage of it of often requires some re-development of a legacy solution. Obviously this is not a problem if you are started a new development from scratch.
July 07, 2017
Your data deserves the best! Use FileMaker
I develop custom solutions for my clients using Filemaker Pro. The platform allows rapid development of solutions which my clients love as they get what they need sooner and at a cheaper cost compared to other development platforms.
- Rapid Development
- Great at getting new businesses up and running quickly
- Do not need a IT department to get you up and running
- Quickly access your data from multiple devices.
- A better pricing structure for small companies below 5 users.
I develop a wide variety of solutions with FileMaker pro (medical, agricultural, transport, trades, questionnaires, web applications including business applications and blogs, etc.). I deploy FileMaker to Mac and Windows desktops, web browsers, and native iOS and Android applications (Android applications are a lot of work, however). FileMaker is very versatile and powerful, yet simple to get started.
- FileMaker deploys to all mainstream internet connected devices very easily with a drag and drop interface builder that requires no coding for simple systems (PC, MAC, Mobile phone).
- FileMaker is great for sharing information in teams.
- FileMaker is simple enough that regular users (e.g. mechanics) can create their own simple databases if you let them!
- FileMaker Server is suitable for hundreds of concurrent users at a time with a *well developed* system but not thousands. In general FileMaker is good for small to medium businesses, teams, or for rapid prototyping large scale complex applications.
- FileMaker has a good suite of basic graphical charts but for more complicated "B.I." style dashboards, it is good to integrate your FileMaker data with another system which is easy to do.
July 07, 2017
Developing custom apps is so easy with FileMaker
We have developed a standard financial solution with FileMaker. FileMaker is a very flexible product to build apps that deploy as classic desktop applications, as well as web and mobile apps. FileMaker is designed as a rapid application development tool to automate the process for small or mid-sized businesses, departments or teams.
- You can rapidly build custom apps with FileMaker.
- FileMaker custom apps deploy easily on desktops and laptops, web and mobile devices.
- It has an amazing ease of use from an end user's perspective.
- For developers, it has a great toolkit builtin, which allows for short development cycles.
- The developer IDE still has some room for improvement.
- OAuth integration is possible, but only with a fixed set of providers.
- More documentation on the innerworking of the FileMaker database engine would be welcome.
July 07, 2017
Fast, Efficient, Friendly....FileMaker
We are a FileMaker development consultancy so we use FileMaker every day to create powerful, customized solutions for our clients. By using FileMaker, we can address a vast array of business needs for our clients in ways that off the shelf software simply can't.
- Data entry, tracking and access
- Customized business solutions
- Flexible reporting
- Mobile data access
- Speed - FileMaker provides for very rapid development and deployment by integrating both a database engine and a front end environment in one package. Because of that, the speed of the database engine is slower than a raw platform like SQL or Oracle.
- Web Access - While FileMaker provides some great tools for quickly and easily sharing data via the web, it isn't a true web development platform and is difficult to scale large enough to handle external customer access for large customer bases.