Filemaker is my moneymaker and my problem solver
July 18, 2017
Filemaker is my moneymaker and my problem solver
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with FileMaker Pro
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.
- I have one customer who has saved probably 20 hours for her main management staff because they no longer have to fax and copy reports. In the field they probably save about an hour a day (times about 8 people) not having to mess with paper. The other benefit is they probably save about 5 management hours a week they spent resolving poorly handwritten reports. Now they have this under their belt they will expand it to handle time cards and other paperwork nightmares.
- One customer is also off of paper and saves about 20 hours a week. Their inspectors were spending most of their time on one type of equipment and had to scramble to handle the secondary items. They now have time to inspect more types of equipment despite the fact they had a retirement and have one less person doing it.
- One positive about the FileMaker Developer Certification program is that you don't have to hire someone full time to maintain something that you have custom build. You can hire a local contractor who can keep your overhead costs down by using them as needed and not having to keep someone on staff full time. Or if you have some IT staff the developer can work with them to train them and when necessary step in to fix issues or add new functions.
- Excel
I find now that I can't use Excel. It drives me nuts. For me it is now just a method for importing data and a method for exporting data that Excel users want to see.