How has Filemaker helped Streamline AEBs operations ?

The AEB (Alabama Eye Bank) has been serving people of corneal loss of vision find vision. Since the AEB being the only Eye Bank in Alabama, they are available round the clock. Tom Cattell, VP of Information Services at Alabama Eye Bank, has informed that FileMaker enables a programmer or savvy end-user in order to get database apps functioning within a quick time. He said, a lot of his development requires automating workflows in accordance with paper or even Excel spreadsheets. These are usually small systems having a short amount of data. Therefore he is interested to get a FileMaker system which deals with a complex and also critical workflow. Alabama Eye Bank has got an application that records the development of the donated corneas. The program was explained in the FileMaker’s customer stories pages. Which explanation goes back a few years, and Tom was curious to learn about the present condition of the application. FileMaker is currently on version 13. Solutions developed in FileMaker Pro 12 also 13 could be implemented on MS windows, Macintoshes, or iPhone and iPad.

Although FileMaker 13 is the latest version of FileMaker, AEB is currently using FileMaker 12, because their audit log (FMDataGuard) which tracks converts to records and fields is of 32 bit therefore does not go with FM13. He work on FM13 for the development and also for the iPhone & iPad applications. He is working currently in changing to a different audit log so that they could get to the FileMaker 13 as soon as possible. They host FileMaker server on to a Windows 2008 virtualized server. All their clients are Mac and all of their servers are virtualized Windows servers and they are all on their local network. They have been using FileMaker ever since 1998 and made use of Macs even before that, therefore it was not a big deal to change over to FileMaker Go and begin with iPads and iPhones. At the time when Tom stated with Alabama Eye Bank in the year 2007, they had a smaller sized database produced in the FileMaker 6. His very first task was to upgrading them to FileMaker 9 that took three months time. Thereafter, they have more then double the databases and make use of that in almost all parts of their work. Their supply module that was produced around a year before had been mainly created with the local consultants, among whom developed the interface for their present databases.

The entire procedure starts when hospital contacts a death to their Donor Service Center (DSC). The Donor Service Center inputs the information into the Referrals tab of the database. When they get permission from a next of family member and they pass on their medical social queries, they mark the referral as the donor and then pass it to the Recovery Coordinator. They bring an iPad, downloads the donor information in it and then go to the hospital. In the hospital they enter many pages of chart info and carry out the procedure. On return they synchronize the data in the iPad to the AEB FileMaker server and then label on vials which store corneas with labels which print right after the data is uploaded. After that, the technical staff at AEB continues on the procedure in ensuring the corneas are safe and good in quality for the transplant. Then the hospital prepare them for the operations which are added in AEB FileMaker hosted page through surgery schedulers all over Alabama, the country and also around the globe. They dispatch digital statements via FileMaker and transfer the same data to the QuickBooks for AEB accounting.

FileMaker is additionally included in the Alabama Eye Bank’s HR's section. Which manages staff benefits, especially time off, vacations and also sick leaves. Along with FileMaker, Tom has generated several statements to help the management in order to keep a pulse for the eye bank’s regular operations.

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 development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our filemaker certified developers, 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.

Filemaker - How Does It Provide Stability To Mobile Apps Development

FileMaker Pro can be defined as a cross-platform application for relational database that is specifically designed for integration of a database engine with a specific GUI (Graphic User Interface) -based interface. It provides the users the option of modification of the database through the process of dragging newer elements into various forms, layouts, or screens.

When it comes to providing stability to the mobile apps development, FileMaker is one of the best bets. It is indeed an extremely elegant database system as well as a development platform that is designed to be used for quick development of various visually appealing, robust as well as user friendly mobile apps that can run on various smart phones and iPads.

One of the main reasons why it provides stability is that FileMaker is more than just a database system. The application comes up with features that help in the creation, deployment, as well as management of various data driven business solutions for not only Mac and Windows desktops, but also for iPhones, iPads, iPods and this naturally provides more stability when it comes to mobile app development.

In fact, such has been the impact of FileMaker in development of mobile applications, that as per a survey conducted by Forrester, more than 50 percent of business organizations nowadays are coming up with various types of mobile apps that are developed with the help of FileMaker Pro, simply because of the reason that the application provides more stability along with usability to the apps. Besides, presence of development platform combinations such as Filemaker Pro makes the transition much easier just because they are designed to support various cross-platform applications of mobile devices of different kinds as well as genres.

FileMaker Pro version 12 makes the creation of the database much easier, more so, because of the supplied templates which can be used in the development. Again, files can be created without using the templates as well. Also, the option of creating various interactive applications quickly on the top of the database with the use of capability options like point-click, drag-drop, and the likes, which make FileMaker Pro a perfect application for the development of mobile app. Most importantly, it provides much more stability to the developed apps.

It helps in creating simple as well as complex database and even when it comes to incorporating complex features like referential integrity, indexing, constraints and the likes, FileMaker Pro is particularly indispensable. It also facilitates developing highly stable, visually appealing, as well as an interactive database for various mobile devices in a seamless way and that is what is so special about it.

The latest version – Pro 12 has come up with forty latest payout themes that not only make apps and interface development simpler, but provide more stability to them. This is particularly important for the development of applications for iPhones and iPads, as users will generally expect visually pleasing interfaces when dealing with these devices. The latest version also offers a number of versions of themes that are specifically customized to be used on various mobile devices.

FileMaker pro is designed to facilitate building solid, stable, and robust as well as capable business apps for mobile devices.

Mobile apps, created with the help of FileMaker give the users the chance to get access to various features that are specially custom built for iOS devices. These may include options like digital signatures as well as cameras that are much beyond what are normally offered by the web apps.

FileMaker also comes up with templates that are iOS-specific and that are specifically used for designing apps, which helps presenting consistent native application styles. FileMaker also provides the facility of integrating with the other databases as well as enterprises and also has the capacity to securely as well as stably encrypt data.

This solution comes as a huge advantage for various small as well as mid-size businesses that require iOS apps to perform various tasks, but which generally do not expand their resources for developing native apps, in-house or by recruiting developers from outside. You can get in touch with a custom filemaker development company who can help you develop databases that are stable, scalable and secure.

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

FileMaker WebDirect - Maximizing web solutions

The breakthrough web technology of FileMaker WebDirect is present in FileMaker Server 13, running custom business solutions in web browsers directly on laptops or desktops. It is really simple to operate with no requirement of web development skills. FileMaker WebDirect does not require using of coding tools like CSS, HTML5, JavaScript or PHP for the creation of robust web solutions. You simply need to have a basic idea about FileMaker to create solutions and make them accessible in web browsers.

For those who do not want installation or maintenance of software locally, this acts as an ideal alternative. It works really well for those companies whose different teams are located in different offices, as information sharing becomes easy. To use this you have to use FileMaker Pro for the creation of solutions that are tailored for web or those which use pre-built web layout with built-in starter solutions. Then your web solutions must be enabled there and the databases hosted on Server 13. Then the solutions can be simply accessed from the computer through web browser.

The look as well as feel of this application is like desktop applications, giving you some familiar functionalities like:

Live updates- If there are any changes in the solution or data, then you will be able to instantly access those changes without the need for refreshing the browser.

Desktop-styleinteraction- Styles, menus, charts, themes, etc can be used. Files can be dragged and dropped into container fields.

Automated processes- Scripts, conditional formatting as well as calculations can be enabled for validation of data as well as streamlining of workflow.

Some features, benefits as well as solutions of this technology are:

• The number of layout objects should be fewer; in fact the fewer the better. In this case the tabbed interfaces must be divided and put in small field sets on separate layouts.

• A solution can be easily as well as quickly deployed. Anyone can do that without the use of technologies like web authoring tools and such. All you need is a web browser that is compatible.

• Container data along with records can be exported or imported.

• Data can be accessed from almost any device- whether it is while travelling or from home or office.

• Custom web application can be deployed through locking as well as hiding of the status toolbar and menu bar.

• Sorting is one thing that makes WebDirect superior to desktop. The sorting cannot be done locally; so the sorting has to be done on server. This makes the entire process faster.

• If you want the best performance from a solution, themes should not be switched when navigating from one Layout to another. Theme info gets cached by WebDirect through the browser; so when you change themes extra massive data pushes are caused when they are not needed.

• When you to control the CSS amount passing over the network, remember that shared styles along with custom theme make huge differences. A classic existing layout requiring 850K bandwidth for display can be reduced to 25% when it is converted to modern FMP style without any customizations.

• The Format Painter should not be used until it has been fixed for preservation of custom styles. Its very own CSS is used for the creation of custom objects and when it is set for use as shared style, just the opposite happens.

Some other assorted features that are supported by FileMaker WebDirect are data entry validation, script triggers, conditional formatting, quick find, editing and adding data in fields, export and import of records, implicit record commits, etc. In short, it has a number of benefits and provides a great FileMaker database development experience but without needing FileMaker client application. It simply uses JavaScript, HTML5 and CSS to achieve its smooth functioning.

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

Save Time and Money With a Customized FileMaker Pro Database System

FileMaker Pro, the cross-platform relational database application is particularly designed to connect to as well as use ODBC or Open Database Connectivity. It provides the users, the option of using the 'Execute SQL' script step. This helps in specification of an ODBC DSN (Database Source Name) and execution of any SQL statement that can be built with the help of FileMaker Pro features, including field data.

Frankly speaking, this is an ideal cross-platform RDBS application that helps businesses to store, manage, or update data through effective integration of a database engine with a GUI or Graphic User Interface. Thanks to all these interfaces, the users are able to keep the database regularly updated by simply dragging additional elements into screens, forms or layouts.

FileMaker Pro database can help users save time along with money in the following ways:

A Seamless Integration with the SQL Database:

As it is a cross-platform application that deals with relational database, FileMaker Pro can perform a wide range of SQL queries in a smooth way. Besides, the application can also be effectively used to synchronize various information that is stored on several data sources.

Depending upon the specific developments and requirements pertaining to testing, users can further link or redirect their ESS connections to different SQL databases. This particular feature helps the users in retrieving data from various data sources quickly as well as effectively!

It helps in easy and quick determination of users' needs

The database application is particularly effective in providing credible solutions for small business groups or departments. The application provides able support to personnel entering data, people who are in charge of turning out reports and last but not the least, the managers. The whole process becomes quicker as well. Hence, the app goes a long way in saving businesses, both time as well as money.

It offers a wide range of highly advanced solutions:

With the help of this particular database system, it has become easier to manage various resources, contents, projects and other critical business aspects. The professionally created designs further augment the pace of work and help update and maintain the databases. Users can also use scripting for easy download as well as for use of online contents straight away from a URL or link. This understandably increases the pace by many folds, thereby reducing the time frame significantly. With the reduction of time, the costs also are reduced to a considerable extent.

Helps generation of coercive reports:

With the help of FileMaker Pro Database System, a user is also able to create comprehensive as well as enticing reports. The Quick Charts option that the application comes up with, helps in this. Also, users are able to generate customized reports in a format that has similarity with spreadsheets. Value added features like pie charts, area, bar, line graphs can also be added. All these features help the users a lot, when it comes to making charts faster or integrating them with a set-up window.

It quickens the rate of Datbase update:

Besides being a cross-platform relational database application, it also helps by providing easier options of appending, editing or updating databases. The Starter solution that the application comes up with, makes it easier to manage resources, contents, projects and estimates. Also, all these operations can be conducted in hardly any time. Furthermore, the customized solutions help the developers while designing and developing highly powerful mobile and website applications, which are able to provide the latest and the most relevant contents as well as info to the users.

Truly, the application comes up with some stupendous features that help businesses drastically cut down expenses as well as time of various operations. This makes this application almost indispensable in a modern business fraternity.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 development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our certified filemaker developers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.