Author: John Mathewson

Claris FileMaker is designed to make custom databases available to virtually everyone. This accessibility is a key component, not just in terms of ease of use and flexibility (although it certainly checks those boxes), but also in terms of how end users can literally access these databases.

Currently, FileMaker offers built-in support for desktop, web, and mobile phones, allowing for interfacing from anywhere and from (almost) any device. This allows businesses to focus on use-cases and problem-solving, as opposed to worrying about device compatibility.

FileMaker Go is the specific application that allows for this, available on both Android and Apple phones or tablets. This allows for much more efficiency during development. As opposed to creating two similar applications in parallel, FileMaker can effectively automate the process of adapting a desktop application for mobile. There are a few steps required, but they’re simple and time efficient (especially in comparison to building a mobile application from the ground up).

It’s as simple as dropping existing windows into a container designed for mobile. Some designs might require tweaks to the layout, especially in terms of button placement and size, to make navigating on a touchscreen device more intuitive. 

These applications can then be shared with FileMaker Server, allowing users to navigate the application and update information in real time. This is perfect for businesses that have employees doing a variety of work in a variety of locations (like a warehouse and office), employees who do remote/hybrid work, and companies that have employees in the field. Conversely, feature sets and layouts can be turned into an offline, self-contained solution. 

By default, FileMaker Go also allows users to take pictures and record video, scan barcodes, use electronic signatures, and manage local files, all within the app. This allows for each of these items to be implemented into workflows.

For example, warehouse workers can use tablets to scan the barcodes of incoming or outgoing shipments. These shipments are then automatically updated in the database in real-time. Now everyone, from the sales team to the accountants, knows if an order has shipped, and can take next steps.

Similarly, employees can draft invoices while visiting a client, and the client can sign and provide payment all through the app. For businesses with employees in the field, FileMaker Go makes conducting business much more efficient.

It’s worth noting that FileMaker Go is designed to function as an extension of FileMaker, not a replacement. That is to say, users cannot add new files or create databases and feature sets within FileMaker Go. FileMaker Go still requires these platforms to be built out within FileMaker proper, but once they are, exporting them to the mobile application is easy.

If FileMaker and FileMaker Go sound like they’d be great additions to your business’s toolkit, Kyo Logic is happy to help. Just click here to request a consultation, and we’ll show you all the ways a custom application can streamline your operations.

If you’ve been looking at custom platform solutions like FileMaker, Quickbase, or Zoho, you’ve likely seen terms like “low-code” and “no-code” used. Put simply, these platforms allow users to create tools that would otherwise only be made possible via coding. 

Traditionally, software would have to be built by developers, a process that requires years of experience and hours and hours of manpower. These developers build software using a programming language. You may have heard of Java, C++, or Python, but there are dozens of programming languages. The operating system on your computer, Microsoft Word, and the apps on your phone were all coded using a programming language that tells it what to do and when.

For comparison, consider the early home computer that ran MSDOS. Users were presented with a black screen, and had to type command prompts to navigate the computer and run software. Microsoft’s Windows was revolutionary because it created an operating system with a GUI that made navigation much easier and much more intuitive.

Coding allows a person or team of people to create virtually anything imaginable, but as mentioned, the process is time consuming. Low-code and no-code solutions utilize a graphic user interface (or GUI) that simplifies the process while all the “coding” happens in the background. It’s a way to allow users with limited coding experience to create what they need. It also allows experienced developers to save time on projects by streamlining the coding process. 

Although low-code and no-code are often grouped together (and sometimes even erroneously used interchangeably), there is a difference. Low-code seeks to streamline the coding process. It makes creating platforms, databases, and applications require less time and involve less tinkering with strings of code. However, it still requires some understanding of coding to really get the most out of this software (this will vary by the software). While the average person could still make use of low-code software, a seasoned developer will still be able to do much, much more. FileMaker and Zoho are great examples of “low-code” platforms.

No-code removes coding from the equation entirely. While coding familiarity may help, the entire process is done within the confines of the software’s GUI. Of course, “no-code” could apply to just about any piece of software if the definition was truly that broad. It’s used to identify platforms like Airtable: databases that are possible to create without code, but are built for non-developers. They prioritize easy-to-understand solutions.

Both low-code and no-code platforms are changing the way businesses approach their software needs. These tools can still be very powerful, and by nature can create (and modify) custom tools in a fraction of the time it’d normally take to craft these solutions. It allows businesses to be much more nimble and dynamic; they can react quickly to new employee needs and customer demands.

If you’d like to learn more about how low-code platforms like FileMaker can help your business, you can reach out to Kyo Logic here for a free consultation.

FileMaker Pro was built for small-to-midsize businesses in mind. It’s the perfect tool to optimize resources, compile data, communication across teams, and more. It can function as a comprehensive solution for a company top-to-bottom, or slot into an existing suite of tools where needed.

1. Unparalleled Customization. While there are a variety of software options for everything from sales to communications, they take a one-size-fits all approach. For businesses or industries with specific needs, FileMaker can be used to customize every aspect of your platform. Beyond that, it ensures that these otherwise disparate pieces– inventory systems, customer portals, and more– can all work with each other in a singular ecosystem.

2. Affordability.  A lot of the software and platforms designed for businesses can get expensive. Typically, it means paying for licensing fees for every piece of software and every employee or workstation. With FileMaker, there’s an upfront cost, but you’ve created a platform you own. No annual renewal fees or licensing costs to worry about.

3. Integration with Third-Party Apps. While FileMaker can be used holistically to create a platform that services your company’s every need, it can also slot into an existing business. If you use Slack or Outlook or any number of other popular business applications, FileMaker can work with them. For example, FileMaker can alert staff via Slack when a customer has sent an invoice. It can pull info from Salesforce and update records. It’s malleable enough to fill in the gaps your systems currently have.

4. FileMaker Cloud. A virtual necessity in the modern age of working from home, FileMaker Cloud allows employees to access applications and systems via a web browser. It’s a simple feature that can be a lifesaver in emergency, off-hours situations. 

5. Out-of-the-Box Data Management. FileMaker makes it simple to store, organize and manage data. Store, modify, and share documents, databases, and more for easy collaboration 

6. Easy-to-Use Communications Management. FileMaker is fantastic at managing workflow communication across departments and channels.

7. Easy Add-On Integration. There are a whole host of add-ons available. Everything from signature capture to data API can work with FileMaker.

8. CRM Tools. FileMaker is capable of performing a wide variety of CRM-related actions. Manage customer contact info, orders, quotes, invoices, and more, all on a single platform.

9. Data Reporting. Create custom reports and analytics based on real-time data changes. See a bird’s-eye view of your company or deep dive into granular information quickly and easily.

10. Flexible Hosting. FileMaker works with a variety of hosting options, including Linux, making it easy for any company to integrate.

11. Voice Commands. A recent addition, FileMaker now works with Siri voice commands, making it easier to operate hands-free and integrate with phones.

12. FileMaker Go. Speaking of phones, FileMaker Go (currently only available for Apple devices) allows users to use FileMaker on their mobile devices. Paired with FileMaker Cloud and traditional options, it means your platform and applications can be accessed virtually anywhere.

13. Easy to Learn. FileMaker is designed to be “low-code,” with the intention that virtually anyone can pick it up and begin using it.

14. Limitless Possibilities. To really unlock it’s potential, FileMaker is best used with professional developers. That’s where Kyologic comes in. We can help you build a FileMaker platform specifically for your business. If you want to learn more, please reach out to us here.

Modern workplaces have an overwhelming number of options to choose from when it comes to productivity-focused platforms. Whether your business needs better tools for communicating remotely, organizing workflows, or sorting data, there’s a platform out there designed to help. Here are some of the best, most reliable workplace platforms of 2020.

1. FileMaker. Arguably the most flexible and powerful program on this list, FileMaker allows mid-sized companies to create virtually any application they may need. That even includes customized applications that are comparable to many others on this list. Of course, all this untapped potential does come with a caveat: for companies to truly maximize their return on investment, it’s best to work with a company that understands how to get the most out of FileMaker. Although it’s touted as a “low-code” development tool, the average user won’t be able to create more than the simplest applications.

That’s why it’s so important to use developers who understand the capabilities of FileMaker. If you’re curious what FileMaker can do for you, Kyo Logic would be happy to give you a consultation. Please contact us here.

2. Airtable. Airtable describes itself as a “spreadsheet/database hybrid” which is accurate, but doesn’t quite communicate just how powerful this tool can be (especially while working remotely). Dozens of users can collaborate in real time, working on different aspects of a project as if they were sitting around a physical conference table. There’s a lot of value in tools that can get as close as possible to face-to-face interactions in a virtual environment.

3. Salesforce. ASalesforce is a dominant CRM tool for many larger sales and marketing teams. It’s cloud-based, so it’s easily accessed from virtually anywhere, and is designed to allow for many users at a time. It’s also designed to collate, aggregate, and customize data in real-time. Data can also be displayed differently based on the user accessing it. For example, a CEO can use Salesforce to track expenses and share it with different departments, allowing them to access only their relevant information.

4. Spigit. Spigit is one of the few platforms available designed around ideation and brainstorming. It allows users to create and escalate project ideas, and Spigit’s patented algorithm filters and collates ideas so key decision-makers can choose what deserves resources.

5. Asana. A popular project management tool, Asana allows users to share projects, collaborate, and track progress. It also tracks users workloads, and helps project managers accurately utilize resources.

6. Slack. The corporate communication platform that has eclipsed all other corporate communication platforms. Slack is straightforward and reliable, but more importantly, it allows for seamless integration of other applications. Share Google Docs or Dropbox links, or new Trello boards within Slack, and the program will ensure other users will have quick and easy access.

7. Basecamp. Another project management tool, Basecamp focuses primarily on smart, dynamic “to-do lists.”
8. Trello. This listmaking tool is designed to make organizing workflows simple and easy. In just a few clicks, users can have a snapshot of their day or week, and see the progress being made on each project or deliverable.

At KyoLogic, we’re FileMaker experts. We believe it’s a powerful platform that allows small to midsize firms the ability to create virtually any piece of software we need. It’s had an incredible impact on the software development space, and drastically expanded the audience for custom applications.

Claris, FileMaker’s developer, recently released a new piece of software that has the potential to be equally game-changing: Claris Connect. It can integrate seamlessly with applications developed in FileMaker, but it’s true purpose is to integrate with… well, just about everything else. Claris Connect can even function independently of FileMaker, but it’s the combination of the two platforms that really creates amazing opportunities for workflow.

Claris Connect itself is designed to create connections— which it refers to as flows— between otherwise independent pieces of software. It fills a unique software need known as iPaaS (integrated Platform as a Service). It allows users to automate otherwise time-consuming tasks. For example, one flow may automatically upload specific documents to your team’s cloud storage as soon as they arrive in your inbox, even pinging your team over chat that there’s an update. Everything from Slack to PayPal to Twitter can be integrated into these flows, leaving your team to focus on the most important tasks.

It’s the symbiotic relationship it forms with FileMaker, though, that allows for truly comprehensive solutions. While FileMaker could “talk” to these platforms previously, it would have to do so through the FileMaker Data API. It was generally time-intensive and cumbersome, and involved creating additional plug-ins or scripts to get two applications to interface. Now all of that is unnecessary. It’s the equivalent of daisy changing a series of power strips to plug a computer into a wall outlet, versus being able to plug the computer directly into the outlet itself.

Through Claris Connect, any custom FileMaker application can now “plug” into this suite of powerful business tools. Oftentimes, businesses that require custom tools would choose to run every aspect of their business through a series of FileMaker nodes. It’s effective, but it’s also costly, especially when other, potentially more cost-effective solutions exist.

Claris Connect allows for these custom solutions to plug into an existing work ecosystem. It means less time, money, and resources spent creating new applications. Your new sales software, internal report system, or HR portal can lean on applications like Slack or DocuSign.

Similarly, the ability to create scripts in FileMaker means templates in Connect can be customized even further. If there’s a gap in a particular workflow, FileMaker can fill in those missing links. For instance, in a flow where Shopify orders automatically create a Quickbooks invoice, FileMaker can act as the hub, updating contact info and invoices and sending an automated message when the order is fulfilled.

Together, these two offerings mean any business can create incredibly complex systems to maximize their resources and ensure their employees can focus on other areas of opportunity. If you’re looking for ways to see how FileMaker and Connect can change the way your business operates, you can contact KyoLogic here.

There are virtually countless considerations to make when designing a website or application: typefaces and font hierarchies, design elements, colorways, workflows, CTAs… the list is endless. Most importantly, brands must envision how these elements coalesce to provide a positive user experience that’s reflective of your offerings.

Half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices, and Apple and Android applications are naturally being accessed from a phone or tablet. Understanding how users interact with a mobile device is critical in optimizing the user experience.

When designing a website intended for both desktop and mobile, the most obvious difference is alignment. Monitors and laptop screens are traditionally horizontal, while phones are vertical. A gorgeous pop-out menu with dozens of items might look amazing on desktop, but squished or cut-off on a phone. Intricate fonts that make your brand stand out might be virtually unreadable on a mobile device. Text can get squished. Buttons may feel out of reach.

Organize Content for Mobile

As mentioned, great desktop sites don’t translate well to an optimal mobile experience. Cramming detailed menus and complex infographics onto a tiny screen just doesn’t work. Vertical dropdown menus make navigating a website much simpler for mobile users. 

Collapsible categories are also incredibly useful. Browsing dozens of options on a desktop is fine, but daunting on mobile. Allowing users to hide or show relevant categories will ensure their precious screen real estate isn’t being taken over by info that isn’t necessary for their experience.

Be Mindful of Touchscreens

A critical button or menu at the top of a screen might not mean much for desktop users, but it’s effectively out of reach for visitors on mobile. People tend to browse on their phones with one hand. Their other hand might be preoccupied holding a subway pole, a baby, or any number of other things. As such, placing menus and CTAs at the bottom of the screen— where their thumbs can easily reach— makes for a much better user experience.

Streamline

The faster a user can complete a task, the better. Mobile applications and sites should prioritize their primary function above all else. For example, an ecommerce app should make it easy for users to open the app, find their products, and make a purchase. This may involve placing a core group of popular items front and center, as opposed to the eye-catching graphics they would’ve seen on the desktop site.

Long, drawn-out forms are also discouraging for mobile users. Simplify the number of fields when possible, or place them on multiple screens.

Integrate Other Phone Applications

Mobile users expect certain functionalities when selecting them on their phone. For example, a contact page with a phone number and email should open those related applications. Links to relevant apps in their app store and addresses that open a map application are also considered standard integrations.

Optimized mobile designs mean less obstacles and pain points for customers to navigate. The easier an app is to use, the more likely a customer can access the information they need to have a successful interaction. If you’re looking for ways to design a fantastic mobile app for your company, Kyo Logic would love to hear from you. You can contact us here.

Has FileMaker’s dropdown list functionality left you wanting more?  While adding a drop down has the benefit of being quick to implement, often it’s behavior can leave a lot to be desired.  Not being able to filter the list by any word in a string (typing out the second word instead of the first for example) or being able to style the look of your drop down can be huge drawbacks.

Here’s a technique that is both powerful, speedy, and quick to implement.   By Creating a “text tree” in any table (as pictured below) we can utilize FileMaker’s relationships which supports multiple values (separated by carriage returns) to find records by our own specified amount of letters, words, or even data from multiple fields.  This technique doesn’t involve finds, and given how versatile it is, we can place it anywhere in our solution — allowing the user to find data without leaving the layout. For example, finding a name only knowing the last name.

Setting this up is fairly straight forward.  The first thing we’ll want to do is prep the data by adding a text field to our target table. In this demonstration we will be adding a full_name calc field to the People table. Our new text field will be an auto-enter calc breaking down each name into a text tree, like above.  This code can easily be copied & pasted into any solution. You just need to modify the input field.  It can also be modified to support longer word lengths, more words, and multiple fields within the local table.

Note: If you’re adding this to existing data, be sure to “refresh” the data, perhaps with a ‘Replace Field Contents’

Now that our data has a satisfactory text tree, let’s create two global fields in the table of the Layout we intend to use. The first field g_SearchField,  will be the field on the layout as the field the user will be typing into.  The second field g_Search_forRelationship will be used in a relationship to our Text Tree, displayed below:

Now, all that’s left is to place a portal on your layout. It’s context should be the table where your text tree is. Then you put a script trigger (onObjectModify) on your search field, which will move what the user types into your secondary global.  It will then refresh the relationship live while the user is typing without having to commit the data entry global.

Your trigger only needs to be a simple set field like so:

There you have it, please feel free to download the file and test it out yourself!

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As part of Claris’s new open release approach to FileMaker 19, the latest version of their platform now supports CentOS Linux. This includes all the features and benefits you’ve come to expect from FileMaker, as well as the most recent updates (you can read more about the most recent version of FileMaker here). While FileMaker Server was previously available for Windows and macOS, this marks the first time it’s been available on the open-source Linux system in many years.

This is especially exciting because a considerable number of businesses utilize Linux for both cloud hosting and their on-premise servers specifically for its security and stability.

In a press release, Claris noted that FileMaker Server for Linux includes key features like data integration via OData and the FileMaker Data API, server-side script schedules and plug-ins, and custom backup schedules. 

Claris also stressed that regardless of which operating system you’re using FileMaker on, you’ll be able to enjoy their new features like faster upgrades and better performance.

This year has seen Claris continue to innovate and bring major, requested features to their platform, and they show no signs of slowing. Have any questions about how you can create FileMaker applications for your business? Reach out to us here.

FileMaker is frankly an unassuming name for what’s actually an incredible suite of development tools. Custom applications created through FileMaker can streamline business operations and maximize employee effectiveness. Even if you’ve used FileMaker in the past, the changes and additions made in the last several years mean it’s a drastically different, more robust application.

What is FileMaker?

FileMaker began as a way to allow anyone to create simple bits of code to help automate or streamline processes at their small to midsize business. And while it’s still designed to give anyone access to designing simple tasks, it’s grown into something much greater. While the barrier for entry is still low, the skill ceiling is much, much higher.

As FileMaker evolved, it became a system that allowed those same small to midsize businesses to create (or hire someone to create) custom apps and platforms tailored specifically to their business. It’s effectively giving everyone access to the kinds of tailor-made internal platforms previously reserved for massive corporations.

How Does it Work?

In the simplest terms, for anyone with a low-code background (meaning anyone who isn’t a developer), FileMaker works as a series of databases that look similar to an Excel spreadsheet. FileMaker makes it simple to then create relationships between these databases. In these cases, a business owner could create a “relationship” that automatically sends an email out to a customer after a payment is recorded.

However, as mentioned previously, FileMaker can be much more complex. Certified developers— like Kyo Logic— can create GUIs (Graphic User Interfaces) and overlays that make these systems much easier to use, and those relationships can be amazingly complex. For these developers, they can use FileMaker to create a fully tailor-made, optimized CRM or ERP system.

It’s best to think of FileMaker like a paintbrush and set of paints. Anyone can pick them up and draw a picture, but the difference between a first-time artist and seasoned professional is massive.

What Does it Mean for My Business?

In the hands of the right development team, it means access to a custom-built platform like Salesforce or Netsuite at a fraction of the cost. Business can create a system to replace outdated and outmoded platforms they’re currently using. FileMaker is secure and scalable, so it can be used to create anything from a payment portal for a website, to an in-store point of sale system, to inventory management, to payroll databases. If a solution is needed, it can be crafted through FileMaker.

Are There Any Drawbacks to FileMaker?

For small to midsize businesses or projects, the answer is frankly “no.” FileMaker is flexible and feature-rich enough that there is very little it can’t do out-of-the-box, or be programmed to do by a knowledgeable development team. While it scales very well, it’s not ideal for massive corporations with thousands and thousands of concurrent users. But that said, departments within those large companies could very well use a FileMaker-based program for their needs.

How Do I Use FileMaker?

FileMaker and its associated services are available online, so setup is quick and easy. While some tutorials are available online, it’s ideal to take classes and get hands-on experience. That’s typically all one would need if they’re just looking to create something simple. However, professional developers take years of classes and credits, and typically have multiple certifications.

We recommend having a conversation with a FileMaker developer before making any purchases or commitments internally. It’s critical to understand the scope, goals, and expectations of the product. We’re happy to have a conversation with you to best assess your needs and make recommendations. You can reach out to us here.

This past month saw the release of Filemaker Pro 19.1.2. This update is notable not only for the changes it brings; it’s also the first update to be rolled out under Claris’s new approach to FileMaker revisions. They’ve seen fit to release smaller changes as needed, whereas previously updates and changes were tied to the yearly FileMaker release. So while veteran programmers shouldn’t expect to see a changelog with quite the same scale as previous updates, there’s still a handful of exciting additions and helpful shortcuts.

1. Support for external libraries. This is the feature Claris is touting as the most exciting part of this update, and for good reason. Developers can now easily pull add-ons from other libraries, like CoreML. And while the majority of these add-ons and features could work with FileMaker previously, the process is now much more straightforward. The end result is the ability to create feature-rich apps much more quickly. It also means FileMaker developers can create add-ons within FileMaker that can easily be ported to other apps. If a developer creates a new integration, they can even choose to offer it on the Marketplace for other users. Now everyone, across libraries, can pool resources and access more tools and tricks. In layman’s terms, it’s as if FileMaker just joined the developer-equivalent of the European Union.

2.  Two-way integration with JavaScript code. While JavaScript is technically just one of the libraries FileMaker now has access to, it’s worth discussing on its own. JavaScript has been around for 25 years, and has its own robust set of add-ons and tools that FileMaker can now easily take advantage of, including improved charting and integrated project calendars. Both of these are highly requested FileMaker features. Having access to them via JavaScript is nothing short of a game-changer.

3. More ways to integrate with cloud APIs through Claris Connect. While this particular feature requires Connect, this update to workflows bears mentioning. This update sees upwards of 50 pre-built APIs from popular cloud computing platforms like G Suite and Salesforce. While integration with these and other cloud APIs was always possible, this update makes the process of literally dragging and dropping the relevant connectors. It also makes it easier to automate workflows through these connectors, although Claris is officially branding these as “templates.” Seasoned developers can still use DAPI for integration purposes, but these additions make these processes easier for newer users.

4. Build apps in your browser. A tremendous quality of life change that allows developers to use the FileMaker Cloud service in their browser. It’s worth noting that this doesn’t allow access to all the features that would typically be available server-side (Claris has provided a list of what is and is not available here). However, it’s still a nice feature to add at a time when working remotely— and on a variety of devices— is incredibly common.

5. Support for Siri shortcuts and NFC tag reading. These additions are being introduced as a way to make mobile apps much more comprehensive. Users can now create shortcuts and activate them through Siri. It’s an addition that will make it much easier for mobile users to take advantage of the custom apps and FileMaker services. NFC tag reading will make it simpler for apps to read Near-field communication tags in retail stores and other locations as needed.

While these updates and changes won’t affect the end result for seasoned FileMaker developers, they certainly make certain tasks easier. Ultimately, this update is about making FileMaker more accessible for users, and it certainly succeeds. While developers won’t see their end results change, it does mean they’ll have an easier time navigating these (previously complex) integrations.

Truly, what’s most exciting here is seeing the additions Claris has been able to roll out without having to wait for the next annual update. We’re excited to see what’s in store in the months ahead, as Claris will undoubtedly continue to make changes and updates as developer needs evolve.

If you’d love to see how these features could work to streamline operations at your business, you can reach out to Kyo Logic here. We’d love to speak with you.