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Claris FileMaker

Claris FileMaker

Overview

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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Recent Reviews

TrustRadius Insights

FileMaker has been widely adopted by small and medium enterprises in various sectors to address a wide range of business needs. Users have …
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All in One

9 out of 10
October 17, 2019
Incentivized
We use FileMaker Pro daily for building our product and gathering all the information into one section to make it easily accessible …
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FileMaker Pro

9 out of 10
June 29, 2019
Incentivized
FileMaker Pro is used as our ERP system, and is being used by the entire company. It keeps track of customers, vendors, and inventory.
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Pricing

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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
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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
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Product Details

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.

Claris FileMaker Video

What is FileMaker Pro?

Claris FileMaker Competitors

Claris FileMaker Technical Details

Deployment TypesOn-premise, Software as a Service (SaaS), Cloud, or Web-Based
Operating SystemsWindows, Mac
Mobile ApplicationNo

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.

Microsoft Access, Quickbase, and Zoho Creator are common alternatives for Claris FileMaker.

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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Comparisons

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Reviews and Ratings

(169)

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!

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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

(1-25 of 37)
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Crissy Loughridge | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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 better program available for the price point and, again, the ability to expand and work with other programs makes Filemaker's abilities limitless.
ahmed baidak | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
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 drop programming
over all very useful and very smart helping the developers to save time and well tracking clients
Score 1 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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 at least MS Access can be used free, even if your company is (really) small.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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 programming foundation.
Score 5 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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 specifically for scheduling that is useful to us as a school that ADP cannot offer.
David Renberg | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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 FileMaker). I also preferred the desktop application as opposed to online.
December 19, 2018

FileMaker Pro At Work

Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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 the way that you need it.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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 addition, Filemaker has the ability to be accessible on iOS using Filemaker Go and in browser using Filemaker Webdirect! The scripting language is easy for any database developer to learn and allow you to create a full application which isn't possible in other database products without multiple levels of technologies which lead to complications.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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 not looked into alternative programs for database management.
Sam Goodwin | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 6 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • WORK[etc]
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: No mail merge, have to download data and re-upload into word or google docs, pricing goes up base on users
FileMarkerPro : Customizable, easy to mail merge to a group inside the data base, simple report building, One time software fee, no additional cost
FileMakerPro Cons: Not cloud base, Limited accounting, clunky sometimes to use.

Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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.
David Simpson | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Some developers really like Visual FoxPro - but it has been discontinued by Microsoft and is no longer supported.

FileMaker offers improved developer productivity.

And automated conversions can be done from Visual FoxPro into the FileMaker database format using FmPro Migrator Platinum Edition.
Pax Whitfield | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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.
Joel Brache | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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 jumping in to Access after a decade of using FileMaker and concepts were just not as simple to grasp as they were in FileMaker. We also use Microsoft SQL server. SQL is great for heavy duty databases, but it's just not as easily configurable or as easy to develop in as FileMaker.
James Kelly | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
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 collection and display. Unlike Access, there are no limits, borders or rigid rules to adhere to. If you have a specific set of tasks that you do, and need a specific bit of software to allow you to do it, Filemaker can usually fit the bill.
Benjamin Fletcher | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Reseller
  • Access and Servoy
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.
Kevin Mortimer | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Reseller
  • Access
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 look very professional.
Carl Schwarz | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
  1. 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.
  2. Microsoft Access is locked to the PC world and is hard to deploy elsewhere, I suggest if you have an Access solution to migrate that to FileMaker Pro which for smaller systems is easy to do.
  3. SQL back-end style systems with .net / Java etc. front ends are great if you need 10's of thousands of concurrent users at a time but the development costs of systems like this are very very high compared to a RAD like FileMaker. If you have a small to medium business or team then use a RAD (rapid application development) system like FileMaker.
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