Risks of Using FileMaker Pro

InterSoft Associates believes that it is imperative to eliminate the rote and repeatable tasks of your staff so they are free to perform more higher value-added processes that will enhance and allow your business to scale.

Risks of Using FileMaker

What is FileMaker Pro?

FileMaker is a cross-platform relational database application from Claris International, a subsidiary of Apple Inc. It integrates a database engine with a graphical user interface and security features, allowing users to modify a database by dragging new elements into layouts, screens, or forms.

FileMaker workplace innovation platform makes it easy for anyone to create custom apps to manage contacts, track inventory, organize projects, and more. It is a low-code tool with pro-code power. Build an app in just minutes and hours rather than days and weeks. Work with existing data to get started. Drag and drop spreadsheets, import CSV and XML files, create 2-way connections with SQL data, and more.

Risks of Using FileMaker

Although FileMaker Pro is an excellent tool for small database applications that are used by a small team in an organization, it has certain limitations and there are areas where it definitely falls short such as in the development of a proper enterprise system where it will be serving more than just a few users, work with large amounts of data and will certainly require complicated front-end logic which, due to the environment, will be extremely slow.

In our experience, the relationships between the various entities in a large database are usually complex for most businesses. FileMaker is not the proper tool for working effectively complex database structures and queries. The use of FileMaker in such a scenario/environment would result in many inefficient queries (I.e., accessing a set of data), resulting in very slow retrieval of the data, especially when there are multiple users involved. Simply put, if you have a large number of simultaneous users, performance can suffer. If you have a large amount of data, performance will suffer. Your business’s software should be helping your staff to be more effective and efficient with their time, not less. InterSoft Associates believes that it is imperative to allow your staff to eliminate the rote and repeatable tasks and perform more higher value-added processes that will enhance and allow your business to scale.

Earlier versions of FileMaker Pro also had limited customization options. While FileMaker Pro allows users to customize and extend the functionality of the software through the use of scripts and custom layouts, there may be limitations to which a business will be able to customize the software to meet its specific needs. We have seen organizations employ the use of workarounds or resorting to the use of other tools in combination with FileMaker Pro in order to fully support the business’s processes (even if they are not too complicated for traditional development tools). In addition, user access at a granular level (field level) is not built into FileMaker and therefore the ability to view and update specific fields on a screen can become very limited and in some cases even impossible. This can cause security issues when trying to protect critical data or limit the functionality of the implementation so that workflow and efficiency suffer.

Furthermore, there was no Source Control Management built into earlier iterations of FileMaker for managing code and database changes. This feature is an important part of any enterprise software development so that, if required, older versions of the software can be viewed and analyzed when necessary. Source Control Management is a normal part, for instance, of using enterprise development tools such as the Microsoft stack.

Lastly, finding FileMaker developers to support your software may become problematic. If you decide to change your software support team, for any reason, it will be difficult to find competent resources. Software support and enhancements may become costly and the lack of resources can greatly affect your flexibility in being in control of your destiny as it relates to the software. And it is frustrating that there can be only one maintenance session open at any given time, making it impossible for more than 1 person to work on the software at the same time. This creates inefficiencies in the development process and the expected duration of changes to the software.

Given these limitations of FileMaker, organizations should consider alternative FileMaker Pro replacement solutions that offer more features and flexibility than this standard product. Businesses / organizations should evaluate their current systems carefully before making any changes or investing in new solutions, as every business has different needs and goals which will affect the most effective software choice for them.

The Solution

InterSoft Associates offers end-to-end customizable software development services from initial project planning through completion. Our experienced team of developers provides comprehensive software solutions encompassing all aspects of business activities from data management to user accessibility at a granular level. All of our projects are designed with built-in source control and automation capabilities, so organizations have access to reliable tools needed for success in their industry.

InterSoft Associates provides you with the extensive knowledge and more than 35 years of experience required to successfully take on complex software projects. Our experienced team of custom software developers are dedicated to providing innovative solutions tailored to the customer’s individual needs while considering their current systems infrastructure, budget, resources and goals for the future growth of their business operations.

There are a number of alternatives to low code application platforms such as FileMaker. However, custom software might be the best alternative, if you value unparalleled features, scalability and flexibility.

InterSoft Associates is an invaluable resource for businesses looking for custom software development services that deliver maximum value. With us as your partner, companies / organizations can be sure their expectations will be met and exceeded with results that improve performance, productivity, and overall success.

 
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