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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
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- 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
(26-47 of 47)Companies can't remove reviews or game the system. Here's why
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.
I develop database solutions with Filemaker Pro providing a web interface to users internationally. Within our headquarters, various departments interact with the data to process support payments, manage contact and event information and process grants. FileMaker addresses our custom data management and information flow and provides simple meaningful reports to our executive team.
- Simple database development
- Custom Database with Web UI in very little time
- Great layout tool to view data in various formats
- Easy interface for first time users
- Database relationship view could be shown in table format for databases that have complex or many relationships
- Speed of web direct
- Access to support - mentoring may be good solution
July 07, 2017
I LOVE FileMaker
We started using FileMaker Pro to automate the process of submitting permits and tracking inspections. Since then, we have implemented databases to track our sales and installations from start to finish. We even generate proposals on our iPads right in the customers homes, have them sign and submit the contracts to the office for processing before the sales rep even leaves the customer's home.
- It is so logical and easy to use. You do not need to be a programmer to create data bases.
- The scripting allows you to create reports and graphs that will wow your bosses.
- We use the Server version which allows us to share data. The security features allow you to determine who can access what down to the record and even field levels.
- I would have said that it would be nice if each open window worked independently with its own menu set, but they already added that function in the most recent update.
July 07, 2017
FileMaker - Build Custom Apps for your business
We use FileMaker Pro in 2 ways in our company.
1) Our IT Support business runs on FileMaker Pro. It's our PSA. We use it for CRM, asset management, tracking support requests, scheduling appointments, managing contracts, creating invoices and receiving payments. Our FileMaker solution is also integrated other 3rd party services like Slack (for internal communications), Xero (for accounting), CalDAV (for calendaring) and email (for customer notifications and issue management).
2) Our staff of full-time FileMaker developers work with a wide variety of clients building custom app solutions to effectively run their businesses.
If your business is still running on Excel or paper or there isn't an off-the-shelf software solution that allows you to effectively run your business, FileMaker is a great option. With cross platform mobile, desktop and web apps and the ability to cloud host, FileMaker can integrate into just about any work environment.
1) Our IT Support business runs on FileMaker Pro. It's our PSA. We use it for CRM, asset management, tracking support requests, scheduling appointments, managing contracts, creating invoices and receiving payments. Our FileMaker solution is also integrated other 3rd party services like Slack (for internal communications), Xero (for accounting), CalDAV (for calendaring) and email (for customer notifications and issue management).
2) Our staff of full-time FileMaker developers work with a wide variety of clients building custom app solutions to effectively run their businesses.
If your business is still running on Excel or paper or there isn't an off-the-shelf software solution that allows you to effectively run your business, FileMaker is a great option. With cross platform mobile, desktop and web apps and the ability to cloud host, FileMaker can integrate into just about any work environment.
- Allows for automation of tedious or complex business workflows, allowing employees to focus on more productive tasks.
- Allows for mobile and desktop solutions to be built side by side. No need to build and maintain separate solutions for mobile and desktop use.
- Allows for rapid development of custom solutions for small to medium sized businesses.
- The licensing model can be tricky and difficult for users to understand.
- Performance over WAN can be slow in certain circumstances. Special care has to be given to development or large data sets can become unwieldy when accessing them over the internet.
- From a development standpoint, it would be nice if the code were more modular. It's difficult to copy code between projects.
July 07, 2017
FileMaker hits the spot
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
We use Filemaker Pro to manage our staff in many ways. We have 23 school districts that we serve with Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech, Psychology services as well as Early Childhood services, Deaf Education, and technology services. We use the software to keep track of activity in a log that helps us in the billing process as well as being accountable to the state board of education. We use the software for registration of educational sessions that we provide to our school districts' personnel. It's used to control our inventory for each department. We use it to assist us through the salary negotiations each year. It's used for vehicle management and to check our system. Filemaker Pro lets us develop quickly according to the needs that we might have as soon as we realize the need.
- FileMaker develops quickly. When a department comes to me and asks if I can think of a way to collect, report or share data, my first thought is FileMaker. If I can see a spreadsheet, I can develop a database from it.
- FileMaker allows the developer to express himself in a beautiful way. The user interface can lead the user through the collection, the results, and the reporting in a fantastic way. It can be very pleasing to the eyes and reporting can give the user just what they need.
- FileMaker is easily learned and grows with the user as they discover more and more things that it can accomplish.
- I wish that the reports could actually have more word processing features like adding page breaks.
At Soliant Consulting, we use the FileMaker platform to solve business problems for our clients. We've built solutions for a wide array of customers. I've worked on projects for departments within a large organization and small businesses. We help reduce manual work and automate repetitious and error prone processes. Internally, we use FileMaker for all important aspects of our business - time tracking, invoicing, reporting, and much more.
- FileMaker Pro excels at searching and sorting data right out of the box. You can easily take a spreadsheet and import it into FileMaker Pro and you'll be able to work through your data much faster than through other software.
- FileMaker benefits from a single product for both backend data storage/data modeling, and the interface. And the interface tools are user-friendly.
- It can grow with your business. The FileMaker Platform allows you to add more customization and features over time. This can be budget friendly and allow for building a solution in phases.
- FileMaker Pro is slowly working on improving their interface to match the fast moving internet capabilities. While it's moving in the right direction, there are some graphical capabilities it lacks.
- FileMaker Pro does not have a built in version control mechanism.
- FileMaker Pro does not have a centralized security module for multiple files.
March 30, 2017
Filemaker Pro - Allows for Variation
Everyone uses Filemaker Pro at my school for several different purposes. The most widespread use is monitoring and documenting student progress. We also use it to log homework and track detentions. This is the system by which we create student student report cards and progress reports. It gives us the ability to work collaboratively on these tasks.
- It is versatile, allowing for many different uses.
- It allows for collaboration well.
- It can be organized well if the user knows how to manage it.
- The software can be overwhelmed on our network at times if too many people are logged in.
- There are times where the software can be laggy, such as when using things like "Check all."
- Filemaker Pro is not very customizable on the user side.
February 20, 2017
FileMaker Pro Review
The software is used to track such things as inspections that are conducted on employees, for compliance to standards. It is also used to submit forms for different requests that require approval, or disbursement of funds.
- Compared to other programs that do similar tasks, this software fails in every aspect
- Outdated software, didn't keep up with industry software.
- Printing nightmare, never gives what you're looking for on the first try
- Sorting, and finding information is mainly an experiment, unless you already know what your looking for
March 18, 2015
FileMaker Pro... Go... WebDirect... FileMaker NOW!
We are a development company that provides FileMaker Pro solutions for individual departments and entire organizations. We eliminate "Islands of Technology" by providing a central database that can be accessed on any device from anywhere. The FileMaker Go mobile platform allows us to provide custom applications fast (less expensively), a hot topic with most of our clients.
- FileMaker Go client app for iPad and iPhone help make "going mobile" a breeze
- FileMaker WebDirect allows for a "desktop database in a web browser" without the need for extra development tools
- FileMaker Server provides a robust central database server. It's easy to set up for workgroups or entire companies
- FileMaker plays nice with most legacy systems. It allows you to wrap your database solution around data from other systems
- Speed. It does a most things fast, but some things (calculations) could be faster
- Some limitations in creating print layouts (compared to Crystal Reports, for example)
February 04, 2015
Why I love FileMaker Pro
Merch Media uses Filemaker Pro for our contact management and order processing systems. We issues quotes, purchase orders and track all order activity using our custom FMP system. It allows for detailed, flexible data management. We produce monthly sales reports, commission reports and call activity reports as a result of daily use.
- Flexibility - this is the number one reason I use FMP - I can create documents, reports and fields to appear anyway I want them! Have never seen another software come close in this regard.
- Ease of use - As an advanced user but not a developer - I can fix or modify many things myself on the fly. This saves me time and money and gives me instant results.
- Design Aesthetic - As someone who works in advertising and marketing, I care about design. FMP allows me to have a beautifully designed system. So many databases I have seen look like something from the early 90s. I appreciate that my system I use and look at all day can be well designed.
- Number one issue - cannot access via SAAS like Salesforce or similar systems. All our employees have to have a copy of FMP downloaded & maintained on their machine. Would love to access full capabilities via internet - I "think" they "might" be working on this!
- No financial package - We still have to import financials into a different software. Would love to have full module of small biz accounting.
- Licensing & Maintainence & Customer Service could be better & clearer. I always feel like I have to start over when updating.
December 01, 2014
Software offers versitlity however, has limited integation
FileMmaker Pro is currently not being used By Peer Bearing. For several years Peer Bearing Company used Filemaker Pro as its primary software. I had access to the sales module which was custom designed for our application. It allowed us to keep trip notes and contact information. It did not in our application integrate with e-mail and phone contacts. The beauty of the program was that we were able to customize it to fit our needs.
- We were able to add directional buttons to easily sort entries
- We were able to layer contact information to assist in identifying specific contacts and meet specific processes
- We were able to link contact and sales information which allowed for us to forecast more efficiently
- Integrating e-mail so that you can send and receive e-mail from indside the software which allows for better and more efficient time management as opposed to cutting and pasting
July 11, 2014
File Maker Pro 8.5 Review
It is used in the Marketing and Graphic Design departments. It allows us to review and update literature that we distribute to vendors. Many companies' literature has gone from all print towards PDF's, and ultimately where there are no printed materials. Using FileMaker Pro helps us to stay "in with the times" and stay competitive.
- Compatibility with OS or Windows
- Speed
- No browser necessary
- Easy to pick up on for new users
- The web data being incorporated into the program is a little confusing to interact with at first
- Program appearance is outdated looking
July 10, 2014
FileMaker Pro - Data Management Efficiencies
I used FileMaker Pro to manage huge user and ticketing registration databases of upwards of 50,000 contacts. A hugely helpful and time saving tool for duplicate management, reporting, and collaboration. It was especially helpful for collaboration since it was a 100% remote team, so it allowed us to share data through the system as well as use the same system when all arrived on site to work together. I can't imagine trying to come through huge contact lists for duplicates and other inaccuracies without it.
- Contact Management
- Finding duplications and errors in data
- Collaboration across teams
- More intuitive
- "Lighter" version with less features