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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 47)
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Score 1 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • Not a single developer wants to work with this. This means that the person who did use it (a non-developer) was forever "the" FileMaker Pro guy. The learning curve may be flat, but it's to steep for any developer that does not want to work with this.
  • After the application grew bigger, the need arose for more than 1 developer to maintain this. This is not possible with FileMaker Pro.
  • We wanted to get rid of the tool but this meant we had to start from scratch since it's not possible to import the data to a real database in a way that makes sense.
Kelly Turner | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • We are a more agile company because of FileMaker. A few of us who are tech-savvy enough to manage the database (but are not professional developers) can make needed adjustments to our database without having to employ an in-house developer or contract with a 3rd party. As our business processes evolve and change, it's easy to update the database to accommodate those changes.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • Our unique approach to residential construction has made us the clear leaders in our marketplace.
  • We get the best trade partners to work with because we're the most organized. Our trades want us to sell our custom FileMaker solution to our competitors.
  • Our budgeting is real time and agile so we're always on top of our costs.
  • We only enter information once and are able to share it in real time with everyone inside and outside of our corporation.
June 29, 2019

FileMaker Pro

Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • Generating invoices is much quicker than our old system.
  • We are now able to send invoices via email through FileMaker, which has cut down on postage costs, printing, and time.
  • The ability to see the order from the estimate all the way through to billing allows us to see each department's part in the timeline.
December 19, 2018

FileMaker Pro At Work

Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • FMP in our environment is constantly evolving. By adding new functionality we are able to reduce repetition and minimize the number of locations data is stored. Making us more efficient.
  • As we get more dependent on FMP it is apparent the amount of work it would take to migrate to another platform.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • FM Pro has completely changed our business. We used to be very paper heavy and now everyone is fully mobile. Our time for campaigns is 5 to 8 business days when it used to take upwards of 21 days.
  • Our reporting is up to date and 'flashy'. We recently revamped our reporting and it's fully customized via FM Pro.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • Positive impact for my company is that we have designed a solution that meets the needs of our very custom processes.
  • My company is in the process of expanding rapidly and with that the need for new tools are need quickly. With most languages (like Java or .Net), it could take weeks to develop the same tool it takes us 3 days to make in Filemaker.
  • The most negative impact however is that at times Filemaker will just become overwhelmed and we have no choice but to restart the server which hosts the application.
May 21, 2018

FileMaker Finesse

Tessa Peterson | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 6 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • A negative impact is that there are few people that can help when problems arise and they charge a premium because you have limited options.
  • A positive is that we have been able to use it for a long time and so we have not had to spend time and money on the new system.
  • Another positive is that, once you're trained in one department, cross training is very easy since the same system is used throughout the business. This saves time and money and can help us when we are an employee down.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • Filemaker is very stable so very little downtime.
  • Filemaker is easy to master on user and manager level - so very little training required.
  • Online resources, assisting with basic operations are so extensive that one easily find solutions.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • Our FileMaker database has been so successful at organizing our products that we ended up hiring a full-time FileMaker expert on site.
  • Since FileMaker has the ability to track a variety of inventory items, actually building and linking the infinite possibilities can prove costly and take a bit of time. If you decide to commit, I would highly recommend a third party consultant rather than trying to figure out the intricacies on your own.
  • The scripting language in FileMaker allows for the program to link directly to other programs (ie Excel and JMP) at the click of a button. This saves a ton of time if you are constantly looking at real-time data in your metrics. The accuracy of data is directly impacted by the quality of input or imports you create, so make sure people are well trained on the importance of meticulously inputting any information into FileMaker.
Sam Goodwin | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 6 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • Very easy to use, once you knew how, it probably helped us increase our productivity by 15%
  • On the flip side, there could have been a lot of positives as well. For instance being cloud based would have been a big help, and email tracking as well.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • Incredible time-saver because of the script builder that was able to automate some processes with data entry
  • Incredible amount of initial development time due to the limitations of FileMaker
  • Main goal of the solution was to store data, automate processes, and be easily maintainable which FileMaker was able to do
David Simpson | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • FileMaker has always provided an excellent ROI in my business and customer businesses I have worked with.
  • On multiple projects, I was able to build a features for clients which replaced 8 hours of manual labor with a 2 minute process - just clicking a button in FileMaker and letting it run the calculations and generate the requested reports.
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