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Originally Posted On: https://www.filemakerstudio.com.au/blog/features-and-benefits-of-claris-filemaker-pro/?sfw=pass1640451885

 

Claris FileMaker Pro is an invaluable tool that has everything required to create connected apps with the capability to support mobile, cloud and artificial intelligence technologies. It is the ideal system for creating apps in just minutes instead of waiting for days or weeks.

Here are some features and benefits of Claris FileMaker Pro which makes it a popular choice among companies worldwide:

Easy to Use

FileMaker Pro is a user-friendly application which makes it easy to use for people who don’t possess a high level of technical skills such as developing databases. This makes it easy for team members to get up to speed with FileMaker Pro without investing cost and time in extensive training.

This is a major benefit for organisations as it overcomes the challenge of mistakes and bugs traditionally associated with transitioning to a new system.

Suitable for Small, Medium and Large Businesses

Cross-platform relational databases are required by small, medium and large businesses to organise, store, change and recall information. Businesses which deploy a CRM system, require this to record customer data, such as their purchases, when the purchase was made and when customers are likely to make a purchase. Analysing this data is invaluable in formulating marketing strategies.

FileMaker Pro’s usability gives businesses a powerful mechanism to make a detailed analysis of customer behaviour at a fraction of the investment, eliminating the expensive database software.

Robust Platform

Although FileMaker Pro is easy to use it has the robust capabilities of more expensive dedicated database applications.

FileMaker Pro is ideally suited to DIY developers. A FileMaker Pro database can be created by simply grabbing & dropping an Excel spreadsheet onto the FileMaker App icon. Developers who aren’t the DIY type can choose from as many as 30 layout themes and starter databases. These cover a wide range of applications which include invoicing, asset management and family medical records. If a more complex solution is required including integration with 3rd Party Systems or creating front end Web Portals, then certified professional FileMaker developers can be engaged to develop their systems and processes for them.

Creating dynamic summary reports is also easy with FileMaker Pro. Record lists and subtotals which are based on the sort order, such as a report that lists sales for different clients with totals for each can be created.

Flexibility and Personalisation

FileMaker Pro can be directly connected to an internal email server. No plug-ins are needed to be installed. This allows businesses to email letters, invoices and reports through the database.

There are also several features that allow for personalisation for each team member in an organisation. FileMaker can keep track of all searches made and allows the team to view recent search results as well as save frequent search results without the need to repeatedly enter data. This allows individual team members to retrieve information easily and quickly.

Control Over Data Analysis and Presentation

Claris FileMaker Pro offers extensive control over scripts, allowing users to perform different action steps with data. Scripts can be as simple as sending a report to a printer or can be more complex. Scripts in FileMaker Pro are based on general programming logic which allows users to easily check for errors. Users can provide their own input and have control over the database’s functions.

This overcomes the hurdle of triggering scripts that previously required clicking of a button, which can be cumbersome for repeated functions. Instead, scripts can be triggered automatically based on basic actions such as modifying a file or changing the layout or modifying a field.

Improved Communication

FileMaker Pro is accessible using different operating systems which allows for easy access. Cloud Hosting Services make it easy for the System, its information and customer data to be shared by all team members in real-time from anywhere in the world.

Data Importation

Importing files and data is a simple and stress-free process that can be completed in one step.

Since there is no need to repeat the process, it saves considerable time which can be diverted to tasks that require more attention.

Integrations

FileMaker Pro integrates with popular third-party software such as Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DB2, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MYOB, Xero, Quicken/Reckon and MySQL data servers.

This makes it easy to streamline business workflows.

Data Security

The Admin team holds complete control over the roles and permissions of users who have access to the app.

Team members can only access data for which they have permission.

Useful Components

There are five components that serve on different platforms:

FileMaker Pro Advanced

FileMaker Pro Advanced allows users to quickly open version 19 on the latest edition.

FileMaker Go

FileMaker Go is available for smartphones and tablets. It can be installed free from the Apple Store for iPhone and iPad users. Users can connect through cellular data or Wi-Fi. Changes to solutions are stored on the phone and synchronised to the cloud. This solution is ideal for organisations where team members are constantly on the move. 

FileMaker Server

FileMaker Server hosts solutions as well as automatically backs up and logs usage and performance statistics. If five or more users work on a database, the user will require the FileMaker server to house the team’s collaborative effort.

FileMaker WebDirect

FileMaker can be configured to use Claris FileMakers own web technology – Web Direct.  WebDirect provides uses to access their system on an android phone or tablet. This allows users to access FileMaker solutions in browsers such as Firefox and Google Chrome.

FileMaker Cloud

Our FileMaker Cloud & Managed Services provide an external hosting environment and facility within the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Data Centre in Sydney. It provides reliable and secure access to clients who prefer to ‘set and forget’ all things technical,  minimise administrative overheads, lower up-front costs and improve deployment speed and scalability.

FileMaker has stood the test of time by providing its development platform for over 30 years. Its ease of use and graphical user interface (GUI) has made it a popular choice for small businesses and departments and business units within large corporations, looking to achieve operational economies. 

If you wish to find out more about FileMaker and whether it will help in growing your business, we can help. You can get in touch with us through our Contact Us page.