Category: Design and Implementation

Kyo Logic and FMPConnect Present: A Step-by-Step Guide for Installing Webmin & Claris FileMaker Server

Posted on by Frank Kobola

Kyo Logic has partnered with Oliver Reid and his company FMPConnect to provide an incredibly potent guidebook. You can click below right now to get an in-depth guide on exactly how to install Webmin and FileMaker Server on an Amazon Web Service (AWS) Ubuntu Virtual Instance.

DOWNLOAD

 

Installing with Webmin is perfect for IT professionals and developers who just don’t have extensive experience with Linux. As powerful as Linux is, it can be cumbersome to navigate if you’re unfamiliar, and can take valuable time to gain competency. But when you have access to Webmin, it simplifies the entire process. Everything is managed through Webmin’s GUI instead of having to manually edit configuration files or run commands.

 

While getting Webmin and FileMaker Server to work well with Ubuntu has historically been difficult, this guide provides a fast, consistent way to successfully set up both applications. By utilizing this guide, you can have everything up and running in just 20 minutes (not including downloads).

 

Everyone at Kyo Logic and FMPConnect thought this information was too impactful to keep to ourselves. We want to make sure everyone in the community has access to this process, as we believe the iterative, collaborative nature of the Claris community is what makes it so great.

 

Oliver Reid’s guide goes over every step of the process, from how to configure your Linux accounts to security and using Webmin to upload or download files to and from FileMaker Server. The guide includes:

  • Linux User Accounts, Permissions, and Directories Overview
  • Linux Repositories and Package Managers
  • Setting up an AWS Ubuntu Server
  • Connecting to the AWS Ubuntu Server
  • Installing Webmin
  • Installing FileMaker Server
  • Saving the AWS instance as an “AMI”
  • Securing Webmin with an SSL certificate
  • Uploading and Downloading FileMaker Server files using Webmin

 

Grab the guide now, and you’ll have detailed, step-by-step instructions paired with informative infographics and tables to make this previously impossible task feel effortless.

 

Check out FMPConnect for more great FileMaker and JSON tools. And follow Kyo Logic on LinkedIn to get access to more great guides and resources like this one.

 

We will be elaborating on this guide with additional details in the future. Stay tuned!

Why FileMaker is an Inexpensive Alternative to ERPs

Posted on by John Mathewson

Enterprise Resource Planning Systems allow organizations to manage (and in some cases automate) their core processes. ERPs may be leveraged in HR, finance, supply chain and manufacturing processes, or all of the above. Corporations rely on ERPs to provide benefits as varied as security and compliance management to collaboration and reporting.

 

Advanced manufacturers, banks, and hospitals are just a few of the industries that rely heavily on ERPs for everything from data storage to reporting to patient records.

 

Common ERPs include Oracle ERP Cloud, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and SAP ERP, although there are many more options available. And while these are incredibly powerful systems, they come with an equally incredible price tag. For enterprise-level businesses, it’s a bargain. But it makes the barrier for entry incredibly high for small and mid-size businesses that could otherwise benefit from some or all of these features.

 

FileMaker can offer an incredibly high degree of customization while also acting as a reasonable entry point into the world of ERPs. It works as a composable ERP– acting as the backbone while businesses can purchase the modules they need.Claris FileMaker provides:

 

High Degrees of Customization

Claris FileMaker allows for highly customized relational databases to fit the specific needs of virtually any requirement. While businesses may struggle to force their processes around out-of-the-box solutions, FileMaker can mold to these systems. It can do all this while providing many of the benefits of a traditional ERP, with comparatively minimal development and deployment costs.

 

Integration

Similarly, Claris FileMaker will integrate with any existing system. Just as importantly, it will integrate any new apps or software you introduce after the fact. It takes the customization aspect a step further. ERPs tend to provide a massive amount of disparate, specific functions (which is perfect for large companies that have a need for each of these functions), while Claris FileMaker

 

Scalability

FileMaker offers easy scalability as demands and needs increase. This is true not just from a systems perspective, but from a licensing perspective as well. Conversely, ERPs are designed for large corporations and may not scale down well for smaller operations.

 

Agility

FileMaker can be changed and adjust on the fly– in some cases, someone with limited experience could even make tweaks or updates. Its low-code nature makes in incredibly fast to navigate and use. While that’s great for novices, it also means that in the hands of a professional, overhauls and updates can happen several times faster than they could on other platforms. ERPs require longer set-up times.

 

Claris FileMaker does all this while offering lower licensing and maintenance fees. It makes the feature-rich environment of an ERP attainable for smaller businesses. It even provides ERP-like features for industries and businesses that wouldn’t be able to utilize an out-of-the-box ERP in the first place.

 

If you’re looking for ways to help transform your business and want to know more about what FileMaker can do, you can reach out to us here.

How FileMaker Can Reshape Compliance Management

Posted on by John Mathewson

Compliance management is a crucial component of many industries, including manufacturing, finance, healthcare, food, and government. Following procedures can mitigate risk and ensure both accuracy and efficiency. Oftentimes, these industries require a paper trail of records and complete data sets. 

 

While maintaining these industry and legal standards is vitally important, it’s also a massive undertaking. It requires the full attention of a number of individuals inputting data and triple-checking work. Larger organizations can have dozens (or even hundreds) of employees dedicated specifically to ensuring compliance is met.

 

Of course, even with all that redundancy, processes can still fail and data can still slip through the cracks. On top of that, compliance management demands a massive amount of time, energy, and resources– critical business capital that could be better spent elsewhere.

 

Claris FileMaker can provide a comprehensive, customizable system that automates, documents, and provides reporting down to the most granular detail. It provides invaluable structure no matter how specific the needs and requirements of the industry may be. Here are several ways Claris can completely reshape the way your business approaches compliance management. Let’s break down why clients like using Claris FileMaker for Compliance:

 

Customization

Claris FileMaker allows for completely customized, relational databases. Everything from tables, to fields, and relationships can be tweaked to your exact needs. The relational nature of the software means that every team and individual is working off the most accurate and up-to-date information.

 

Integration

Claris FileMaker ’s high degree of customizability makes it easy to integrate into virtually any existing ecosystem. Whether it’s mandated applications or software your company relies on, Claris FileMaker can easily communicate with these systems and even enhance their capabilities.

 

Flexibility

Similarly, Claris FileMaker makes integrating new tech straightforward and painless. As regulatory demands change, Claris FileMaker can serve as the foundational infrastructure. New software and applications can be leveraged without disrupting your existing ecosystem.

 

Automation

Workflows can be completely automated, streamlining processes and providing helpful support to compliance-focused teams. This can involve simple reminders or automatic scheduling of calendar events. It can get as complex as complete ownership of data entry and validation, leaving employees free to focus on more complex tasks.

 

Centralization

Store everything from reports to audits in a single database accessible from a variety of devices. Claris FileMaker’s highly customizable security measures allows for incredibly granular clearances and permissions.

 

Reporting

Just as with everything else, Claris FileMaker allows for detailed and customized reports. Data and insights can be collected, compiled and displayed to fit your exact needs. This makes it incredibly easy to provide information for audits and proof of compliance.

 

Compliance management is a necessary component of many businesses, but by its very nature, it’s incredibly taxing. Claris FileMaker can provide the means to streamline and modernize your compliance management systems, no matter how specific or esoteric the requirements.

 

If you’d like to find out more about how Claris Filemaker can impact your compliance management, you can reach out to Kyo Logic here. We’d love to provide you with a free consultation and demonstrate the benefits of a customized software solution.

How FileMaker Can Give Your Fantasy Football Team an Edge

Posted on by John Mathewson

Everyone at Kyo Logic is always talking about just how powerful FileMaker is– it can be used to create all kinds of helpful professional applications. We’ve shown off plenty of ways we leverage it to help businesses solve problems and fill specific needs. That includes everything from complex, unique applications to automating and streamlining basic data entry.

 

But it’s also fantastic for everyday use. Patrick, a seasoned Kyo Logic developer, uses FileMaker to give him an edge when it comes to NFL and NCAA football. Why does he take his work home with him? Is it because he loves analyzing stats? Is it because he’s super competitive and wants an edge? Does he just love FileMaker that much? The answer is all of the above.

 

College Ball

Patrick runs a successful and informative blog, 1 Nerd Sports, that delves into the numbers behind successful college teams. He loves college football. And he’s been able to weave his knowledge of FileMaker in with that passion.

 

His app takes the results of every game and builds a model based on key factors. It provides an objective list of team rankings based solely on performance. It also allows Patrick to dive into specific teams, players, and years. Patrick has built it to be completely automated; his app pulls from the NCAA API (application programming interface) that updates every game.

 

 

The app focuses on factors like a team’s win and loss percentages, average margin of victory and loss, and compares it to the opponents stats. His model accurately predicts spreads about 65% of the time. Patrick isn’t one to brag, but considering how many other factors are at play in the sport… those are pretty solid numbers.


More recently, Patrick has also built an app to give him an edge in fantasy football. Similar to his college app, it plugs players stats in and makes recommendations on who to play and bench in a given week. So far, it’s been more accurate than the NFL’s own recommendations.

Fantasy FileMaker

Patrick uses FileMaker for his hobbies not just because he’s an expert. It also gives him a level of flexibility and control other languages and tools don’t offer. It’s also easy enough to navigate that any of his friends can (and do) use these apps.

 


But most importantly, it’s the fact that it’s a relational database. FileMaker understands how to relate different tables and values. It makes it incredibly intuitive for a stat-heavy game like football– it understands how to scrape data from weekly games and apply it to individual players or specific teams, almost instantly. It can also make changes and adjustments easily. If Patrick needs to add or swap parameters, he can do so on the fly and see the changes reflected in real time. It also provides the backend and frontend for the application, so everything is in one spot. It makes for a nimble, flexible, and response application.

 

If you want to learn more about how Kyo Logic can enhance your business (or just need help with your fantasy team), you can reach out to us here.1

Major Claris Studio Updates

Posted on by John Mathewson

Through a series of announcements, Claris has revealed a host of new changes for FileMaker and everyone here at Kyo Logic is incredibly excited. For reference, Claris is changing the FileMaker name and bringing everything under the Claris umbrella. While the products remain the same, they now follow this new convention:

  • FileMaker Pro is now Claris Pro
  • FileMaker Server is now Claris Server
  • FileMaker Go is now Claris Go
  • Claris Connect is now Claris Studio

Claris wants to create a more cohesive, easier to understand identity. They also promise that this new structure will allow them to offer new and exciting products and tools. It’s also the perfect time for them to change the way customers can purchase these offerings.

Claris Studio (formerly Claris Connect) is Claris’s latest cloud-based platform (also, given the rebrand, get used to seeing the word “Claris” a lot). It provides most of the features of Claris/FileMaker Pro, all accessible from the web. Just as importantly, it makes accessing your platform via a mobile device or tablet much easier than it was in the past.

While FileMaker previously had more complex licensing, Claris Studio streamlines licensing models into a much more straightforward licensing model.  It also allows for the use of exciting, modern interface languages like Mongo (you may not know what it is, but trust us… your tech guys do).

Overall, this is a much more dynamic system that allows for more interactivity, more dynamic and customizable layouts (perfect for anything customer-facing), and offers new, even easier ways to connect to the other tools in your work environment. We’ve always recognized the power of FileMaker, but the new Claris Studio takes things to a whole other level.

If you have questions about what Claris Studio can do for you (or want to know more about how the changes from FileMaker to Claris will work for you), please reach out to us here. We’re happy to walk you through use cases and can even provide a free consultation!

Welcome to the Brand New KyoLogic.com!

Posted on by John Mathewson

This September, Claris had several new announcements and updates. Of course, we can expect to see developments and news ramp up as Claris continues to build towards their recently announced rebranding and overhauling suite of offerings.  In addition to the typical tweaks and fixes, there are some exciting changes that pave the way for the future of Claris

The Kyo Logic team is incredibly proud to announce the launch of our new website. We’ve worked tirelessly to create a new look and feel that accurately reflects our commitment to cutting-edge technology, intuitive UX/UI, and modern design.

This new, feature-rich redesign includes our recent highlights and case studies, additional information on all of our services and offerings, and exciting developments in the world of Claris and FileMaker. It’s a faster, snappier, and more responsive site… much like Claris is offering up newer, faster versions of FileMaker.

 

Speaking of Claris, they’ve got some very exciting updates in store this year that will positively impact the capabilities of our current and future clients– you can learn more here. We’ll continue to work closely with Claris to maximize the potential of their platforms and services, which translates to us maximizing the potential of the incredible brands we service.

 

We’re launching this site alongside a more modern suite of standalone offerings that give our clients more opportunities to better use FileMaker/Claris in a way that makes sense for them. We want to ensure that we’re taking advantage of everything Claris has to offer and giving our clients ways to maximize these new features and options.

 

Of course, this is all made possible because of our immensely talented team. These individuals have worked tirelessly to help shape the direction of not just the website, but our company as a whole. Both are a collaborative vision that are a testament to our success. And as exciting as all these new updates and developments are, we’re even more excited to show you what we have in store for the future!

 

Please browse our new site, and whether you’re a current or new client, learn more about what we can do to help you and your team. As always, please reach out to us here if you have questions or would like an in-depth consultation.

Introducing KyoSync II

Posted on by John Mathewson

Kyo Logic is excited to announce the launch of a new and exciting plugin for Claris and FileMaker: KyoSync II. This plugin allows for easy and efficient database synchronization, even when users are out of network. KyoSync II is available here for an annual fee of $500 USD.

Kyo Sync II doesn’t create a network– it creates a network community. It allows for disparate databases to sync independently of one another and without a consistent internet connection. Its essentially like passing notes back and forth over a fence. A user can make their own changes locally, and then another user can sign in and request to sync; at that point, they’re taking the note from over the fence so they can make their own changes and updates.


This has several advantages. While most database applications are storing their information in the cloud, Kyo Sync II is storing information locally. Each user’s device acts as a “source of truth” until it’s time to upload or download changes.


This means that data isn’t being changed or manipulated by other users. More importantly, it means that users with limited internet access can still do their work out in the field, even in remote areas where internet/cloud access is otherwise impossible. Critical data can be captured and stored on the spot and shared with other users once access is available.


While modern “living” databases are great for collaboration in instances where an internet connection is a guarantee and cloud-based storage is always available, this setup fails within certain use cases.


  • Remote Technical Work: Highly-technical work on devices and infrastructure like phone lines, antenna, or servers may occur in areas that have less-than ideal coverage.
  • Disaster Relief Support: lines of communication may be intermittent or down completely in certain areas, and syncing allows front-line responders to collect important data and keep records while in the impacted area.
  • Remote Service Delivery: Track deliveries and drop offs even in remote areas.
  • Machine Signal Interference: Laboratories and other research or manufacturing environments may be too “noisy” for a consistent internet connection. Alternatively, they may be highly sensitive areas where online access just isn’t feasible. 
  • Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Traveling in and out of coverage areas can make working from the cloud impossible. Remote syncing ensures that work can get done on or offline.

Simple and Easy 

This module can easily be integrated into any Claris or FileMaker-based platform to ensure databases are always properly synced. While syncing is possible through FileMaker, it’s currently difficult to develop these features. KyoSync II allows for easily integrated syncing features at a reduced development cost. In effect, this is a non-standard feature set that can now be standardized via Kyo Logic’s integration.

Creating a Singular Source of Truth

Ensuring databases are up-to-date and accurate is incredibly important for every team, no matter the application. Working from outdated information can cause wasted hours, upset clients, and incorrect deliverables or products. We created KyoSync II to ensure databases are accurate, and that employees across departments have access to the same information– no matter where they are in the world.

With KyoSync II, accurate databases mean faster, more accurate processes.

Always in Sync

KyoSync II was initially created to service the databases of OceanX– both their home offices and the servers running on a roving vessel. Because of this, it was incredibly important that even data entered when out of service or in “dead zones” could still update as soon as possible. Building off of this technology, KyoSync II ensures information input while out of network will sync once the device establishes an internet connection again. It’s a feature that’s perfect for employees who do field work or considerable traveling.

Kyo Logic continues to innovate within the Claris space with modules like KyoSync II. We’re incredibly excited to build on these innovations and deliver more feature-rich plugins in the future.

If you have questions on KyoSync II, or would like to gain a better understanding of how we can work together to streamline your business, you can reach out to us here.

September Updates: Claris Studio Release and 19.5.4 Update

Posted on by John Mathewson

This September, Claris had several new announcements and updates. Of course, we can expect to see developments and news ramp up as Claris continues to build towards their recently announced rebranding and overhauling suite of offerings.  In addition to the typical tweaks and fixes, there are some exciting changes that pave the way for the future of Claris FileMaker. Users can expect more updates in line with this one as Claris continues to roll out their previously announced plans.

Claris’s major announcement is the release of Claris Studio. Part of their new lineup of offerings and naming convention, Claris Studio replaces Claris Connect. It offers the same functionality: insights through charts, reports, and dashboards. 

Claris Studio allows users to run reports, create charts, and more. Data is updated and reflected in real-time across the Claris platform. Features include:

  • Dashboard: Claris Studio’s dashboard allows for quick and easy access to a holistic view of your data.
  • Forms: Collect and view data.
  • Spreadsheets: Aggregate data and sort or filter it by specific parameters.
  • List-detail: Organize information into a list, with the ability to view or edit.
  • Kanban: Track project progress.

Claris has also promised that users can expect other features and functionality to be added in the future.

Update 19.5.4 is here and it brings several helpful updates. The most notable of these is the in-software news updates.

Highlights include:

  • In-product Notifications: Claris can now share the latest news directly in the FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Server software. Users can be alerted to new changes and updates as they roll in.
  • macOS: The quick start experience is no longer available.
  • New Files: FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Server can now open files that could not be reopened after modifying the settings in the File Options dialog box with a limited access account.

Other recent updates include:

    • Use a Single Claris ID: A single email and password can be used to log into Claris Pro, Claris Studio, and all other Claris products. It’s a simple but appreciated quality of life change.
    • New File Extension: Apps created with Claris Pro now use the extension “.claris”. Claris server can now host these files.
  • Claris Go App: Claris Go will soon be available on the app store for iOS and iPadOS.

Kyo Logic will continue to bring you exciting Filemaker news and updates. If you have any questions about these changes, or you’d like to know how FileMaker can work for your business, you can reach out to us here.

FileMaker Pro vs Zoho

Posted on by John Mathewson

Claris FileMaker Pro and Zoho are both popular database solutions. If you’re shopping around for a database that works well for your business, deciding between the two may feel overwhelming, or even confusing. But, there are several important differences between the two, and knowing these differences may help make your decision easier.

Zoho

Zoho CRM’s Creator Tools are a low-code development platform designed for drag and drop application building. It comes with over 60 applications prebuilt, making it easy for those with no knowledge to snap something together (relatively) easy.

This accessibility translates to its entry fees. Zoho has a free trial that’s fairly limited: it only allows for a maximum of two users and three applications. However, it does allow small businesses to take it for a “test drive” at no cost. 

It also allows for slightly more flexibility in terms of pricing. Although it’s cost for individual users is more expensive ($25 per month per user for Zoho vs $19 per month per user for FileMaker Cloud), Zoho allows for single person accounts. FileMaker Cloud requires 5 users at minimum.

Zoho offers unlimited users which (pricing notwithstanding) makes scalability easy as businesses grow.

Zoho offers one major thing FileMaker does not: native Android support. There’s a Zoho app for both Apple and Android devices, making it easy to access regardless of the device employees are using. While Android users can use FileMaker, they have to do it via FileMaker’s web tool, WebDirect (as opposed to an application).

Claris FileMaker Pro

FileMaker Pro is also a database solution, this one a RDBMS (relational database management system) with its own front-end GUI. Frankly, it may not be as simple out-of-the-box as Zoho. Zoho prioritizes making things as easy as possible, while FileMaker can be incredibly powerful in the hands of the right developer. It may not be as intuitive for the average person, but virtually any database solution is possible through FileMaker.

Claris Connect also allows FileMaker Pro to interface with virtually any existing application. If your team already uses Outlook or Slack (or any other number of software), FileMaker Pro can easily communicate with them. It effectively slots into your existing infrastructure. It’s that simple.

That flexibility and simplicity can also be found in FileMaker’s reporting features. FileMaker Pro automatically creates table, list, and form views as databases and forms are added. Scripting and customization can all be done within the GUI with very limited coding knowledge.

FileMaker Pro also allows for scalability. The platform itself allows for nine simultaneous users, which at first glance, isn’t many. But FileMaker Server means that you can rent out servers as you grow, for hundreds of consecutive users accessing the database.

It should be no surprise that FileMaker Pro’s security measures are equally as flexible. Administrators can restrict users down to the most granular level, so departments or individual employees can access some databases, layouts, or fields and not others.

Conclusion

Zoho is a great alternative for smaller businesses and those who have no experience with building out low-code and no-code platforms. For small businesses that anticipate fewer than 4 users, it may even be cheaper.

Of course, Zoho doesn’t scale as well from a pricing perspective. FileMaker’s minimum of 5 users at $19 per month is  a total of $95. That’s already $5 less than 4 users on Zoho. As the number of users increases, so too will the pricing disparity.

While Zoho can be great (especially for smaller businesses), FileMaker Pro offers better pricing and potentially more flexibility and options in the long-term. This is especially true in the hands of a capable development team. If you want to learn more about developing custom platforms for your business, you can contact Kyo Logic here.

What it Means to Be a Platinum Certified Claris FileMaker Developer

Posted on by John Mathewson

“Developer” is a broad title. It’s so broad, in fact, that it’s sometimes difficult to parse, especially for industry outsiders. While all developers create software (or contribute to the creation of software in some way), there are dozens of branches and proficiencies. Individual developers may focus on writing code, strategizing, or providing quality assurance. There are a staggering number of programming languages that individuals or teams may choose to focus on.

And that’s all without mentioning the specializations within that. Entire companies may specialize in building customer experience portals, internal communications applications, or back-end sales tools. They may focus entirely on web development, and within that, focus on a handful of needs.

There’s nothing wrong with being highly specialized, of course. There’s such a breadth and depth of knowledge when it comes to development, that it’s essentially necessitated. But it’s precisely for this reason that Claris, the creator of FileMaker, has a certification process and a partner program. The certifications are tied to specific services offered, as well as overall knowledge. Currently, the certifications  and partner classifications available are as follows:

Certified: These partners have passed the FileMaker Certification exam. This is a timed, multiple-choice exam that tests for FileMaker understanding and application.

Consulting: These partners will work with you to create a custom application, including planning and eventual deployment.

Training: This certification goes to partners who focus on teaching custom application development. This includes teaching developers and non-developers alike.

Reselling: Resellers offer authorized licenses of Claris FileMaker and other Claris products. While you can purchase FileMaker directly from Claris, these resellers may offer Claris products alongside other software, often at a discount.

Hosting: Hosting partners will offer solutions for hosting your custom software in the cloud.

Connect: These partners focus on Claris Connect, which assists with workflow automation and integration.

As noted, there are a variety of certificates that individual developers and corporations can hold, but the highest honor is a platinum certification. 

Platinum partners are hand-picked by Claris for their technical prowess and excellent customer service— there are only a handful of Platinum Certified Claris FileMaker developers in the country. Furthermore, they’re innovators in the space, redefining what FileMaker can do and sharing these discoveries with Claris. They offer comprehensive services and complete, holistic solutions. Platinum partners will offer virtually all of the services and options listed above. 

For example, at Kyo Logic (a Platinum Certified Claris FileMaker Developer) we offer development, hosting, and license management. If you want to learn more about how a Platinum Certified developer can help you, please contact us here.