Category: Filemaker Development

Over the last few months, this blog has been covering the announcements surrounding the 2014 FileMaker Developers conference. This is the annual gathering of FileMaker developers for a national convention hosted by FileMaker.

This year it will be held in San Antonio, Texas from July 28-31, where over 1,200 FileMaker developers will gather to show off the latest software solutions and what could be possible in the years to come.

The theme of 2014 is “Business Without Boundaries” and will focus on the ability to work from anywhere. This trend affects every organization from warehouses, to emergency rooms, retail stores and classrooms. Those who attend will receive in-depth insight into FileMaker’s newest technology including the new WebDirect feature. They will also be able to gain knowledge from a wide range of sessions including design, mobility, development, business and innovation.

The conference also features a large Exhibitor showcase that features the latest in FIleMaker services and third party products. It is also a great way to network with the FileMaker engineers, product managers and technical support teams members.  This allows organizations to gain a better understanding of any aspect of FileMaker that they could be looking for.

Kyo Logic will be in attendance

At this year’s DevCon, Kyo Logic will be in attendance, meeting with vendors and attending sessions. Tim Neudecker, who was recently certified in FileMaker 13, will be our eyes and ears on the ground where he will touch base with vendors of third party products and development tools that tools that we recommend to our clients. The sessions he attends will focus on advanced development techniques and the future of FileMaker.

It is important for Kyo Logic to have a presence at this event to remain on the leading edge of software development. This also helps ensure that we are using the current best practices to provide clients with the best possible service.

This is not the first time that we have been traveled to the convention and know how valuable the information gathered here can be. Neudecker has been a regular attendant since 1997 and Kyo Logic has sent representatives to every DevCon since 2003.

Check back with us later this month for full coverage of the FIleMaker Developers Conference. We will be covering all the major trends that are found and examine what the future might hold.

There are multiple software solutions in the business landscape that companies are adopting as a way to improve overall operations. One of the more popular is customer relationship management (CRM). This system allows companies to keep track of current and future customers by organizing, automating and synchronizing sales, marketing, customer service and technical support.

There are many ways that a CRM can be customized to meet the specific needs of a company. There are also countless features and tools that can be used to craft a customized solution.

A recent article from Productive Computing makes the case that the most effective form of CRM software is FileMaker Pro. It is a database program that integrates its powerful engine with a easy-to-use graphic user interface. There are several specific reasons why FileMaker Pro is such an important part of a CRM solution.

First off is the fact that FileMaker 13 is user friendly. If your company is switching to a system like this for the first time, it can be overwhelming. That is only compounded if the new solution is complicated to learn.

"FileMaker Pro is a completely user-friendly application that is easy to use regardless of your computer prowess," the article reads. "You don't have to develop databases for a living to use FileMaker, and teaching your team won't require many precious hours of training. All it takes is a few minutes to become a pro thanks to the clean, easy-to-understand user interface."

The database is easy to start using for any modern business, regardless of size if it is looking to store, organize, change or recall information. From a CRM standpoint, the relational database helps business owners record customer information like products purchased, time of purchase and personal customer information to help customize a marketing strategy. 

Powerful data analytics tool

In the hands of the right FileMaker developer, the system can be a dream because of the robust capacities. Organizations can create a database by importing a Bento library or through an Excel spreadsheet. Even companies that try to run the system themselves have the option to use several layouts and themes from 30 starter databases that can handle a wide array of applications.

Through FileMaker Pro, companies can create dynamic summary reports that create records and offer subtotals based on the sort order. The system can also be connected to the company's website, allowing for better email blasts and sharing of information. Through the cloud hosting services, organizations are able to manage customer information and better communicate it with the rest of the team.

"Getting into the nitty-gritty of FileMaker Pro helps you realize just how much control you have over the program, primarily in the scripts you can write to perform all sorts of actions with data," the article reads. "Scripts can be simple—send a report to a printer—or highly complex."

FileMaker Pro provides small businesses with a powerful tool for a fraction of the cost. With the help of a FileMaker development firm any company will be able to improve how they harness their data and take operations to the next level.

For every new technology, one of the biggest challenges is security. Because an increasing number of business critical systems are transitioning to a digital platform, the need to keep this information safe is a growing priority.

A recent post from FileMaker's internal blog focuses on the security features that the platform has. While most operating systems provide their own security features, the FileMaker Pro access privileges are a fundamental way to control who has access to the database, which is security 101.

"It's especially important to protect FileMaker Pro files that are shared with other FileMaker Pro users via the FileMaker Network, with web users via Instant Web Publishing, and with ODBC/JDBC clients," the article reads. "These shared files are more vulnerable because they may be more widely available over your network."

There are other ways that FileMaker's built in security can be beneficial. This includes:

• App development – With fine grain access control for data, script execution and meta-data, organizations will be able to protect the integrity of an application while allowing end-users to perform expected changes like adding a use or making small improvements.
• System administration – With a database on a FileMaker Server, businesses can leverage infrastructure for authenticating users and protecting network resources. Companies can also set up accounts for specific users based on a centralized server.
• Ease of use – Transparency is crucial and FileMaker has this as a priority.

With the help of a FileMaker support service, any company can improve how they manage their database and improve security across the board.

The latest upgrade to FileMaker has helped cement the solution as a powerful database tool for the enterprise marketplace. Over the last few months, we have touched on several of the features that make the system as a whole a popular software tool.

A recent article from ProgrammableWeb put the system through the ringer for full review. Article author Stuart Iler, along with his team, created desktop, Web and mobile layouts with FileMaker Pro without any programming. While a database novice may face a learning curve, the intuitive interface and extensive documentation will make it much easier for anyone that is handling this process.

“One of the key selling points for FileMaker 13 is that it lets users design and create a single database back end, with an easily configured and deployed solution wherever you want to consume it. In the process of conducting this review, the advantages of that approach were apparent,” the article reads. “In all, we recommend FileMaker 13 as a powerful tool for building customizable database solutions without the need for a lot of technical know-how.”

It is unsurprising that the piece gives a positive review to FileMaker 13. It is a powerful database tool that can help any organization find a more efficient way of doing business. However, it can be difficult for companies that are unfamiliar with this kind of software solution to effectively deploy it. This is where a FileMaker developer can become a valuable resource for creating and deploying a new database.

Every business considering a partnership with a FileMaker developer is going to have questions. In this series we will address the frequently asked questions that our customers have about our services.

Answer: In this digital day and age, you would be hard pressed to run a business without the aid of a website. With consumers connected to the "information superhighway" through computers and the mobile devices in their pockets, a company can become invisible without an online presence.

However the system is more complicated than just putting together a cheap site quickly so there is something in that space. A poor website can be just as, if not more damaging than having no site at all as it can make a company look unprofessional.

Once a quality website is created, the content then becomes king. There are many ways that this can be addressed and incorporating some software solutions into the website is one way to accomplish that.

It is not surprising that a company that has built a large database on the FileMaker platform would want to improve its business practices by linking it to the website. Depending on what the database was created for, having access through the company website can become a fantastic tool.

By partnering with Kyo Logic, we can help pair these two entities. For large volume sites we have built sophisticated synchronization tools that allow the site to use MySQL and other high volume databases. We can also link FileMaker via remote database protocols that syncs to a FileMaker server.

Mobile devices are having a large impact on how business operate. All across the landscape, companies are using smartphones and tablets with different software combinations to improve operations and streamline tasks.

Recently, FileMaker conducted a survey of mobile strategies used by businesses. It is compiled of respondents from 499 customers who have deployed FileMaker solutions.

The study found that 59 percent of FileMaker iPad and iPhone users connect to on-premise servers via their LANs, 35 percent through the internet and 21 percent through a VPN. On top of that, 51 percent said they are replacing paper-based processes with a custom iOS database solution.

This approach is affecting departments across the entire business. Operations is on top of the list with 31 percent of companies saying that their department is using this approach to increase productivity. Rounding out the top five departments are information systems (28 percent), sales (23 percent), customer service (21 percent) and finance/accounting (17 percent).

"The next wave of business mobility, fueled by iPads and iPhone-equipped 'productivity warriors,' is delivering real ROI by automating processes in the building and on the company campus," Ryan Rosenberg, the vice president of marketing and services for FileMaker, said in the report.

The study also found the top 10 mobile tasks that companies are using. They include:

• Contact and customer management
• Inventory
• Invoicing/quotes/orders/estimates
• Field data collection
• Project management
• General data tracking and logging
• Timesheets
• Reports and analysis
• Work tickets and scheduling
• Medical records

In a recent guest column for Macworld, Willem Meyer, the Regional Manager of APAC at FileMaker, covered the survey and spoke about how the need to create custom business solutions is becoming more important. Early adopters to tablet applications have already achieved tremendous boosts in productivity including streamlined processes, cost savings, reduction in paper and improved customer service.

"With the push to get tablet applications to market as quickly and cost-effectively as possible, many smaller businesses and entrepreneurs are opting for a DIY route, as are workgroups within larger businesses," Meyer wrote. "They're taking advantage of low-cost or no-cost software and DIY application development tools that help them build professional-quality, highly customized business solutions for tablets and have their solutions ready to go in a matter of weeks, not months."

He added that with what has been learned from the survey there are several things that companies need to keep in mind during the development process. These include:

• The goal is data – Tablet solutions are predominantly used to mobilize data. Companies need to make sure that solutions picked help push this idea further and should avoid having a dedicated database administration to manage your application once it's up and running.
• Think good design – Applications that do not work well fundamentally will be rejected by employees. right out of the gate. Organizations need to make sure that strong design is always taken into account.
• Security – Mobile security is an ongoing challenge and it must remain a top priority at every turn.
• Don't stop building – Good mobile applications are never completely finished. Upgrades and troubleshooting should always be part of the process.
• Know what other businesses have done – It is never a bad idea to know what the competition is doing as there is a lot that can be learned from this.

FileMaker and FileMaker Go have become main systems to help push mobile businesses to the next level. A custom database software developer can help any organization embrace this solution.

Every business considering a partnership with a FileMaker developer is going to have questions. In this series we will address the frequently asked questions that our customers have about our services.

Answer: Anyone who has ever asked for help on a complicated project knows that it is always easier to work with your personal tools and systems. Not only is there a familiarity with them, but it is easier to understand new concepts when the tools and systems being discussed are already familiar to the user.

Imagine you are rebuilding a car from the ground up and run into a problem with the engine. If you were to turn to someone for help would you rather have them explain it to you using a different vehicle, with different parts, or have them come your work location and demonstrate on the engine you are rebuilding?

This also provides those who are offering help a better opportunity to see where you stand and how well you grasp what you are doing. In the car rebuilding example above, by having the experts see your handy work, they can better grasp how well the lessons are taking root.

The same idea can be used when talking about FileMaker. At Kyo Logic, we work on the files of our clients all the time. Not only does this help organizations get direct help with their questions, but we like to see a copy of the files in order to evaluate what would be required before we start work. In the end, this provides us with the best opportunity to help our customers.

Becoming certified in a particular software system adds validity to any professional's resume and the company they work for. At Kyo Logic, we are proud to announce that Tim Neudecker is now a Certified FileMaker 13 developer. This makes us a Certified FileMaker 13 company.

Neudecker is the Owner and CTO of Kyo Logic and has been with the company for 11 years and had over 20 years of experience as a professional FileMaker developer. He spent over 10 years as an in-house developer for companies like Macy's/Bloomingdale's and AGA. Aside from helping form Kyo Logic in 2003, he has also presented numerous times at the FileMaker Developer Conference on topics including security, system performance and developer tools.

This new certification is important to Tim and Kyo Logic as a whole because it shows our clients, both current and potential, that the company adheres to the highest standards and is a leader in the developer community. It shows we are committed to excellence.

"Um I am glad the test it over," Tim joked after completing the test. "I think this latest test is really important as the current version of FileMaker Pro really stretches the platform's capabilities and I think it is more important now that even before that our clients know that Kyo Logic is a leader in understanding the intricacies of using the platform to its fullest."

He added that he has taken and passed every FileMaker Certification exam including the "FileMaker Proficiency Exam" back from the Pre-Seven days.

Every business considering a partnership with a FileMaker developer is going to have questions. In this series we will address the frequently asked questions that our customers have about our services.

Answer: One of the most important parts of any business software solution is the licensing. This is a legal instrument and contract law that governs the use or redistribution of a particular piece of software. As part of United States copyright law, software is copyright protected and a license is needed to install and run it on a computer.

Typically, a piece of software comes with a single license that grants the end-user permission to access one or multiple copies. This prevents a single piece of software being purchased or downloaded illegally and installed on multiple systems. It prevents users from committing copyright infringement.

Licenses are also used as a way to create provisions that allocate liability and responsibility between the developer and the end-user. This means if there is an issue with the software and it has a warranty, the integrity of that is upheld when the end-user looks to get the problem fixed.

Every piece of software has a license and FileMaker is no different. By partnering with Kyo Logic, we can ensure that the copies you are using have the right license. There are two ways this can be done.

The first is an outright purchase. This keeps software updated but does have recommended annual maintenance after the first year. The second is annual leasing, which comes with an annual fee but requires maintenance. This does have possible discounting. There can also be not-for-profit pricing available for both models.

It seems as though every major solution hosts a conference for those who use it. FileMaker is no different.

The annual FileMaker Developers Conference was announced for July 28 through 31 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio, Texas. An estimated 1,200 enthusiasts and 45 speakers from 27 countries will be in attendance.

According to a recent press release, those who have yet to register for the event only have until June 3 to do so for “early bird” pricing which will save $300 off of registration. The full conference fee is $1,595 for standard and $2,195 for the gold package.

“Attendees can choose from a wide variety of sessions on user-centric design and development for mobile devices, FileMaker WebDirect, performance, security, relational design, in-house development, integration with trending technologies and other new FileMaker 13 features,” the release reads.

The event will also feature the DevCon Developer Cup competition where contestants can develop solutions to specific challenges for prizes. There will also be the “Visionary Bar” and “Tech Support Central” when FileMaker users and developers can meet with experts to troubleshoot problems and find answers to specific questions with the help of technical support agents.

Back in March, we went more in depth into the announcement of the 2014 developers conference and everything that will be available for those that attend. This includes the various tracks that business can follow to expand their knowledge of FileMaker in seven different ways.

The release also features comments by Ryan Rosenberg, the vice president of marketing and services at FileMaker. He said that regardless of whether you are a developer for yourself, a company or particular client, the conference provides those who attend with an insight into creating new, impactful solutions.

“The tech world is changing and FileMaker is too,” Rosenberg said. “This conference ensures you are up to speed with the latest techniques in mobile applications, solution design and solution architecture. If you are looking to grow – or kick-start – a FileMaker development career, then DevCon 2014 is the place to be.”

FileMaker is growing in popularity and those who attend the conference are positioning themselves at the forefront of the FileMaker solution providers. They will come out with ways to remain on the cutting edge of the solution and provide quality systems that businesses are looking for.