FileMaker and Businesses – How Does It Satisfy Your DB Needs

The database needs vary from one enterprise to another. But each business want to pick a relational database management system (RDBMS) that is reliable, scalable and easy to manage. At the same time, the RDBMS also needs to meet the frequently changing information management needs of the business, while delivering predictable service level.

As a relational database application, FileMaker is designed to meet the information management needs of modern business. As the application is integrates a GUI-based interface and database engine, it becomes easier for users to modify the database according to their changing information management needs. At the same time a company can also use FileMaker to make its business data accessible over several platforms and devices.

Why FileMaker Pro can meet the DB Needs of Your Business?

Easy to Use

Each business looks for a database application that can be use by employees regardless of their level of computer literacy. FileMaker Pro comes with a graphical user interface (GUI) that can be accessed by users without putting any extra effort. So your employees can learn how to use the relational database application within a shorter span of time. Further, your business can migrate to FileMaker Pro without providing any specialized training to the employees.

Easy to Start

FileMaker Platform further enables users to easily create custom database solutions. For instance, the users can create database solution simply by dragging and dropping their existing Excel files into the FileMaker solution. Likewise, they can use several built-in tools and solution to create database solutions within a shorter span of time. The tools further make it easier for the users to modify the database according to their specific information management needs. That is why; your business can switch to the relational database applications regardless of your existing database management system.

Highly Scalable

Nowadays, each business has to manage a wide variety of information and data. The volume of the data or information also grows gradually with the expansion of the business. So each business wants to use a database application that is highly scalable. A business has option to choose from several products launched under the FileMaker Platform. The FileMaker Pro comes with features to help businesses in creating and running database solutions, whereas the FileMaker Pro Advanced provided specialized tools to create and manage custom solutions. That is why; your business can easily expand the relational database application to accommodate the increase in the volume of data or information.

Facilitates Multi-Platform Sharing

Nowadays, people access information and data on a variety of devices. A constant increase is being noted in the number of professionals accessing business data on their iPhones and iPads. So it has become essential for modern enterprises to enable their employees to access the business data anytime and anywhere. Your business can share FileMaker information safely across a variety of devices. The information can be accessed by users on platforms like Windows and Mac, and mobile devices like iPhone and iPad. Further, you can safely share the business information on the web or over a network.

Enhanced File Security Features

Unlike other relational database applications, FileMaker Pro comes with several features to keep database files secure and inaccessible. However, FileMaker aims to keep the security setup simple and transparent for end users. The security features of FileMaker cover both application development and system administration. These features protect the application’s integrity, while allowing end users to carry out the desired changes. The relational database application further protects data, script execution and meta-data through fine-grain access control mechanisms. At the same time, FileMaker Server allows users to avail additional security features like user authentication and protection of network resources.

Each enterprise also has option to choose from a number of products available under the FileMaker Platform. Based on its specific information management needs, a business can choose FileMaker Pro 13, FileMaker Pro 13 Advanced, FileMaker Go 13, or FileMaker Server 13. So it becomes easier for companies to create and deploy custom database solutions to effectuate the overall information management. You can get in touch with a custom Filemaker development company who can help you develop database application within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide Filemaker database design service. If you would like to hire Filemaker developer for your database development needs, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

What is new in FmPro Migrator 7.34

FmPro Migrator 7.34, that converts FileMaker databases into LiveCode, had been launched during the RunRevLive conference. David Simpson, a developer has introduced the new version over his FmPro Migrator software at the RunRevLive.14 conference in San Diego, which will be taking place this week or so. This particular software is going to transform FileMaker data into LiveCode programming language, additionally the latest version includes extended functions and also great flexibility. FmPro Migrator 7.34 is actually enhanced for the LiveCode 7, the new version of the app-creating language, it is an open source edition occurred after the successful Kickstarter venture which started in the year 2013. The previous 3 versions of FileMaker Pro 11, FileMaker Pro 12 and FileMaker Pro 13 all are compatible.

Now it has included support for changing FileMaker Pro Advanced 12 & FileMaker Pro Advanced 13 files to a LiveCode application stack file. Included support for transforming FileMaker 12 & FileMaker 13 script steps to LiveCode scripts. Moreover, enhanced the conversion of earlier script steps. FileMaker Tab Controls now are supported two levels deep while FileMaker 12 layout process. The new DataGrid object by LiveCode 6.5.2 is included in LiveCode template stack embedded in FmPro Migrator. Diagonal line objects now are created with a polygon object, to draw the object much more accurately than the earlierrectangle object. Included one new resizeStack handler in order to resize automatically the enclosing object group to offer the auto feature of scrollbars. This particular handler also is called every time the Layout Menu used to change among cards. Enhanced support for the FileMaker scrip steps with script parameters allotted to keys on layouts. The script steps consist of: Go to Layout, Perform Script, Open URL, Show Custom Dialog & Go to Record/Request/Page, Save Records as PDF, Save Records as Excel. Included cursor changing code to every layout object with the attached script step.

FmPro Migrator 7.34 will enable developers to function over 2 layers at the same time, and it also has brought, among the different additional features, even more accurate drawing of the objects. Databases could be saved to Excel & PDF files. Understanding the value of the LiveCode 7 developing cycle, Simpson stated regarding the latest platform and the software, he has really been constantly testing FmPro Migrator with the LiveCode 7 releases ever since 2014. He further said that his app at present appears to be razor-sharp on the Mac OS X along with Windows Hi-DPI displays, enhancing the professional appearance of FmPro Migrator.

In fact, it will be professionals who actually can expect to benefit more with the usage of FileMaker on their business plans. A FileMaker database is the perfect tool in order to collate & keep a record of all of the details a business requirements, from the internal organizational information to the sales data. Professional FileMaker developers could create this type of databases for the businesses of different sizes, enabling them to evaluate all the relevant statistics. Other organizations could possibly prefer to work with their personal databases, doing FileMaker training would be a good choice for those. Certified trainers could educate an organization’s staff, a way to create and sustain their databases, providing their enterprises instant access to their information, as well as a great advantage in the competition. You can get in touch with a custom filemaker development company who can help you develop database application within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide filemaker database services. If you would like to hire filemaker expert for your database development needs, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

How different businesses use FileMaker Go app

In an article, Jason R. Rich, an Phone and iPad user & an author of over 55 books analyzed current FileMaker Pro 13 database management application and discovers the way different businesses use FileMaker Go app to provide secure access to the database content on an iPhone or iPad. Any size of business, posses custom iPhone or iPad app created can be a high-end and time-consuming task. Usually more affordable, flexible, and effective option is to build the custom database with FileMaker Pro 13 and give staff accessibility to it through an iOS mobile using FileMaker Go application. FileMaker’s primary attraction, is mainly for smaller businesses, is the ability to quickly and affordably make customized and branded solutions for the handing a varied number of activities.

Using FileMaker Go on an iOS mobile allows to obtained information and shared from anywhere regardless it requires manually entering information with a mobile’s touchscreen and virtual key-board, capturing signatures on touchscreen, capturing images with one of the mobile’s in-built cameras, or even scanning bar-codes. FileMaker Go app could even access and show data from the centralized database, or even give customized states on iPhone or iPad’s display. While FileMaker Go is utilized, things are operated through a secure server, then FileMaker platform provides absolute control in who’s got accessibility to whatever data. Subsequently, it wasn’t so simple to automate a variety of tasks and be sure that everybody within an organization or on the team have access to the particular information they require, whenever they want that. FileMaker has evolved this database management strategy completely, providing single database to be custom created then firmly used by computers, Macs, and iOS mobile devices, or even any browser.

 

FileMaker, being an organization, is a part of the Apple. The FileMaker database development system has existed from 1998, and it has sold over 20 million copies all around the world for PCs and Macs. Current version of FileMaker Pro, that was introduced in the month of Dec. 2013, signifies an important development within the platform, with better focus on user friendliness, flexible design, and mobile and also online integration. FileMaker Pro 13 provides over fifty additional features, such as major progress on their database design tools that need much less training to utilize than before. The capability to use FileMaker databases from another location with an iPhone or an iPad has enabled employers to visualize and apply completely new methods where this database platform could be used to obtain and share information. By the month of Feb. 2014, over a million FileMaker Go app copies were downloaded through the App Store to get used along with FileMaker Pro 13. FileMaker Pro 13 remains a complicated application which has a learning curve linked to it. When a custom database solution is made, it may be accessed and utilized by anybody easily and practically without training.

 

FileMaker Pro 13 contains 16 ready-to-go templates which can be fully customized to fulfill an organization’s preferred database-related wants. With one of those templates accelerates the process. Then again, someone that knows utilizing the FileMaker platform can simply just as easily make a completely customized and extremely complex database application from the beginning with the latest variety of tools which is provided. Through FileMaker’s in-built design tools, the moment data is brought to the FileMaker platform, customized solutions in showing and working with data, with a computer, an online-based FileMaker application, or perhaps an iOS mobile device (with FileMaker Go app) is an easy task which is really as simple as filling in or perhaps reading a form. When a custom database solution is formed with FileMaker Pro 13, it could be uploaded on cloud-based FileMaker Server, and grow into an online-based application which is secure then again could be accessed from anywhere. The FileMaker Go app could be used to access and can manage the database from anyplace with an iPhone or an iPad. Since new data is entered, the whole database gets updated immediately, therefore everybody are constantly working with the most updated data, regardless of whether they are sitting at his or her desk, working at home, visiting clients, or maybe doing work in the field.

 

We provide custom filemaker development services. If you would like to hire expert filemaker developers for your database development needs, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

Is FileMaker Go the Best One for iPad and iPhone?

In February 2014, FileMaker officially announced that “its FileMaker Go for iPad and iPhone apps have surpassed 1,000,000 downloads from the iTunes App Store. The milestone confirms the continued popularity of the FileMaker Platform for creating custom business solutions that run on iPad and iPhone.” The download figure clearly indicates that FileMaker Go is being used by enterprises across the world as an effective mobile app development platform for iPhone and iPad.

The platform enables programmers to create robust iOS applications without any software development knowledge and experience. So many enterprises rely on FileMaker Go to build, deploy and update custom solutions for iPhone and iPad without hiring seasoned mobile application developers. The users can simply install the FileMaker Go app on their iOS devices, and connect to the FileMaker server that delivers the apps. Thus, the existing apps can be updated and rolled out automatically.

 

Features that Make FileMaker Go the Best Option for iPhone and iPad

 

An Integrated Platform for Developing, Deploying and Managing iOS Apps

The integrated platform provided by FileMaker makes it easier for developers to create, deploy and manage data-driven solutions for iPhone and iPad. The integrated platform also enables them to efficiently streamline a variety of business processes like sales and service route management, field data collection, event registration, warehouse inventory tracking and executive dashboard. The smart options collection, distribution and management of business data help businesses in replacing their paper-based workflow management solutions.

 

Create Custom Solutions without External Libraries and Coding

FileMaker Go further makes it easier for developers to create custom data-driven solutions for iPhone and iPad without writing additional code and using any external libraries. The platform enables them to easily accomplish several complex tasks like data validation, workflow integration, searching and sorting, and storage of images, videos and other files. The custom solution can further access the data stored on Excel sheets and other data sources.

 

Implement Role Based Security without Any Hassle

While creating data-driven solutions for iPhone and iPad, programmers often find it a daunting challenge to implement role-based security. But FileMaker enables developers to implement role-based security without writing any complex code. They can simply select specific forms, tables or fields to make them accessible only to authorized individuals and groups. The FileMaker Server can be further integrated with other widely used authentication systems to impose the access restrictions effectively.

 

Smooth Integration of iOS Solutions and Existing Business Systems

The new custom solutions need to be integrated with spreadsheets, SQL engines, ERP applications and similar business systems. FileMaker Go comes with a powerful app server with integration services that makes it easier for developers to integrate the custom iOS apps with existing business systems. The server enables developers to accomplish the integration through built-in connections to external SQL data sources and open exchange formats. Along with external Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL and similar SQL data sources, the programmers also have option to use open exchange formats XML, ODBC, JDBC and PHP. At the same time, they can further use HTML 5 to integrate the existing web browser based solutions with a FileMaker database.

 

Enhance Team’s Productivity

FileMaker Go 13 also comes with several features to help enterprises in enhancing the overall productivity of their teams. The team members can avoid using paper by using the online forms to collect, modify, search and sort data. They can even use the FileMaker Go app to deliver invoices and capture signatures for invoices on the go. The app further allows them to add photos, videos and audio directly to the custom solution just with a few taps. Also, they can access the executive dashboard summaries with impressive charts and graphs, while generating and printing forms and reports directly from their iPhones and iPads.

 

The most recent version of FileMaker Go comes with more than 50 new features. So FileMaker Go 13 makes the platform more effective in meeting the current and upcoming trends in iOS app development. At the same time, the programmers also have option to use the starter templates to accomplish a wide range of tasks including creating invoices, managing contacts and tracking assets.You can get in touch with a custom filemaker development company who can help you develop database application within allocated budgets and time schedules.

 

We provide filemaker database development services. If you would like hire filemaker expert for your database development needs, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

Some Techniques to Develop Accessible Solutions in FileMaker

Most of the enterprises at present use FileMaker (FM), for creating various customized solutions for their clients as it helps them develop these solutions without much of an effort and wastage of too much of time. This particular relational database application that works on multiple platforms helps the users in updating and modifying their database by simply dragging the new elements into the screens, forms, or layout. The FM version that is being used at present by the users comes up with a string of value added features that help the data to be accessible to the users on a wide variety of mobile as well as conventional devices. However, here it should be mentioned that the programmers need to consider as well as implement a few practices that are considered best in the industry, for developing various robust as well as accessible solutions with the help of FM 13, the present version of FileMaker.

 Enhancing the Readability of the Code

One of the few drawbacks of FM is that it at present is unable to provide a comprehensive code editor that would have been pretty handy for the developers. Hence, when it comes to writing clean or structured codes, the application is seriously short of options and this is a concern for the developers. This is notwithstanding the fact that they have the option of using external editors or snippets along with a string of keyword expansion features as well as tools that come to their aid. As it is always important to write unified codes so that they can be encapsulated or reused without any problem whatsoever, they need to have an option of using grouping conventions that are strongly named. This will help them to handle all the potential errors, without inviting additional dependencies.

Improving the accessibility of the Layout Mode

The accessibility of various FM solutions is very much dependant on the design of the layout. The developers have the option of connecting the field labels with an active field with the use of Accessibility Inspector. The field labels are generally read by screen readers and hence it is imperative that buttons or navigational options are included within the tab order. Furthermore, each and every button needs to have simple as well as short text labels so that the screen reader is able to read the text label of each of the buttons and there is no need to add a title or an extra label to the text of the buttons.

Optimization of the Images

Using images during designing layouts needs to be totally avoided by the developers. Likewise, they need to avoid decorative objects in the event of absence of relevant functions or information. The Accessibility Inspector functionality provides them the option of describing the images in the respective container fields. However, there should be an option that will help them to spell each and every text object accurately, so that they can be read and understood properly by the screen reader. The presence of a pop-up menu instead of a drop down menu can also come in handy and effective.

List View Layout

This is another option that may come in handy. As the developers create FM solutions, they can choose from the List View option as well as from the Table View option of layout. However, when it comes to enhancing the solution accessibility, they can use the List View option of layout while hiding the other option. This needs to be changed and they should have the option of using field objects instead of merging texts, while they are working with the List View layout.

Now when it comes to improving the accessibility, the following things can be done in the Layout mode.

1. The current solutions can be enhanced by adding a particular layout that is designed for accessibility

2. Windows OS can be used as this will simplify the Windows, hide the status toolbar besides using various layout buttons, for providing the required controls

3. Buttons and navigation controls can be included in the tab order

4. All the buttons contain text labels along with naming conventions that are short, simple to understand and consistent.

5. Use of images on layouts needs to be minimized

6. The existing tooltips need to be copied and pasted into the Accessibility Inspector Title Field.

You can get in touch with a custom filemaker development company who can help you develop database application that are stable, scalable and secure.

We provide filemaker application development services. If you would like to hire filemaker developer for your database development needs, please contact Mindfire Solutions.

Online Businesses Boom With Custom FileMaker Solutions

Technology has taken a new turn, progressing at a faster pace. The latest developments in technology can be seen and felt in many industries, be it Healthcare, Communication, Business and Education. So much is happening in the world of the web these days, especially in terms of commercial activity at all levels, all industries are planning to get online and reach to millions of users through web.

Plenty of sites know that FileMaker is a software solution they can rely on to help them handle a wide range of tasks on their web site, but what many do not yet know is that a custom FileMaker solution is possible for them which can really help them integrate all sorts of valuable 3rd party services without doing development from scratch. FileMaker database development hence has picked up steam to create highly customizable cross-platform database solutions. Now that developers are rising to the top which truly understand all of the capabilities that FileMaker can bring to the table, much more efficient, sensible and powerful solutions are being developed which can greatly enhance any web site’s ability to do business. It was developed by Apple in 1992 and since then serving millions of web users worldwide.

FileMaker with its custom work is of the highest value in this case because a business really does need its site to be in top form if they are going to present the customer with the easiest shopping experience that is required to earn sales online today. With new versions and releases FileMaker supports multitasking, improved media integration, export of data to multiple formats, enhanced container-fields and allows users to modify the database by dragging new elements into the layouts, screens or forms. With FileMaker design attractive and useful printed reports can be generated. FileMaker’s new-layout wizard tries to make things easy, the layout design is too important to be done on automatic.

A wide variety of tasks can be handled well in FileMaker:

• Digital media data can be organized well, it can easily track tasks and projects, check inventory and much more.

• It provides 16 built-in Starter Solutions — professionally designed templates customized for your iPad, iPhone and desktop as well.

• Collect and organize documents, music, images, and more. Includes version history tracking for content management system.

• Managing inventory levels of products and supplies. Track category, value, last order date and more.

• It generates customized invoices, allowing users to record, manage and print neat invoices with customer details etc.

• The FileMaker user interface makes it so that these smaller business users, with little to no financial resources, can start a database of their own without having to invest too much money or effort.

• Creating dynamic charts of your FileMaker data are now easier than ever.

• It is user friendly and all kinds of users will love to use FileMaker.

• FileMaker to offer its mobile solution for free in the Apple iTunes Store. Customers and developers can now more easily test and deploy mobile database solutions.

• Brings new features making your mobile solution more versatile and powerful: users can now record video and audio directly into container fields and export data. New location functions now allow developers to rapidly create location-aware mobile database applications.

• This function is context independent, so data can be queried regardless of what layout/table occurrence you are in.

• This level of outsourcing can do a great deal for a business venture that is very much attuned to the profit potential of excellent custom software solutions.

FileMaker is an excellent choice for all kinds of organizations which deal with a perfect complement of features and power. It delivers the ability to automatically update and deploy plug-ins to clients across the network. This high-performance relational database engine accelerates FileMaker operations over a network both by increasing the speed of database operations and by allowing up to 250 simultaneous guests per server-while hosting up to 125 database files.These capabilities make it an excellent choice for departments and workgroups in any size business.

We provide filemaker development services. If you would like to know what makes us expert filemaker developers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.