Database Development Tips and Tricks

[databasedev]

Things you must know before a FileMaker migration

Many reports have highlighted the advantages an organization can avail by migrating to the latest version of FileMaker database system. Along with managing and sharing important information with your team, the FileMaker 12 also enables you to easily publish data to the web, generate dynamic and eye-catchy reports, and create custom databases. But the latest version comes with a new database file format conversion. So you have to convert your existing database files to FileMaker 12 to avail the advanced features and functionalities. Custom FileMaker development is needed to modify your existing application in FileMaker. Each user can follow a set of easy steps and instructions to migrate to the updated version of the database system. However, one must concentrate on some key points to make the migration smooth, fast and hassle-free.

Key Points to Keep in Mind while Migrating to FileMaker Database System 1. Convert Your Existing FileMaker Pro Databases: You can avail several advantages by converting your existing databases that are in .fp7 file format to .fmp12 file format. Along with hosting the database on FileMaker Server 12, the upgrade will further allow you to remotely access your data anywhere, anytime through FileMaker Go 12. However, the FileMaker 12 products are not compatible with previous versions of databases and software. So you must understand and follow a set of steps to upgrade your old FileMaker databases to the latest version. 2. Collect All Your Files Locally: Most organizations, nowadays, use multi-file solutions or databases to store their data and documents in different locations. So the files stored on several hard drives and network drives have to be copied into a single directory on the computer, where they have installed the latest version of FileMaker database system. Once you copy all the information to the local drive, it will be easier for you to convert these to FileMaker 12 in a safer and faster environment. At the same time, the local gathering of data will ensure that related files stay connected after being converted to FileMaker 12. If you are planning to convert the files stored on a remote drive, it is a good idea to convert these files separately. 3. Avoid Errors and Problems during the Conversion Process: Sometimes you may see error messages while converting your existing files to FileMaker 12. Most of these errors are related to the files that are currently in use or locked. So you have to close all the files before converting these into FileMaker Pro. It is also important to close the files that are in .fp7 file format to upgrade these easily to the latest version of the database system. 4. Avoid Converting Files in the Original Directory: When you convert your existing file on Microsoft Windows platform, the files will be renamed with an *.FP7 extension. Also, the operating system will adjust the File References to the original files accordingly. Similarly, the Macintosh will rename the files in an unexpected way during the conversion process, if these do not have file extensions. So there are always chances that the converted file references will conflict with your original files. You can easily avoid such filename conflicts, during a batch conversion, simply by saving the existing files in a different folder or location. 5. Clone and Document Your Databases: When you convert your existing database files to FileMaker 12, there are always chances that some problem may arise once the conversion process is over. So you can consider taking print out copy of your scripts and field definitions before starting the conversion process. It is also advisable to run a Database Design Report (DDR) through the FileMaker Developer to document your files properly. You can even consider cloning your databases to eliminate the chances of data loss during the conversion process. The cloning will make it easier for you to remove the files without having any data, and incorporating changes in the databases by eliminating chances of losing any data. 6. Concentrate on Special Settings and Configurations: Once the conversion process is over, there are chances that you have to check certain settings and configuration to identify and fix potential problems. Also, during the conversion process all files are displayed in the order they are being created. So you may have to resort and rearrange the converted files to easily find the required file in future. Often certain scripts do not work exactly with the latest version of FileMaker database. So you have to rewrite or edit the script to boost the performance of your content management system. When a business decides to migrate to FileMaker 12, it must prepare and implement a comprehensive strategy. Also, the strategy must evaluate all the measures to ensure that the migration to a powerful system is not resulting in any data loss. We provide FileMaker development services. If you would like to know more about our expert FileMaker developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

[databasedev]

Custom FileMaker Solutions power Online business boom

With rapid advancement in web application development technologies, it has become essential for each organization to switch to the latest frameworks, tools and databases. Many companies are also using cross-platform relational database applications to impress users by providing the most relevant, updated and dynamic data. Based on the nature and type of your business, you have options to choose from a wide variety of database applications. Each application will also claim to make your business processes simple, fast and easy. But most of these applications are not customized to suit the specific needs of your organization.

Since its release in April 2012, FileMaker 12 is being used widely by the small, medium and large businesses. Along with the conventional businesses, FileMaker has also been effective in boosting the performance and efficiency of a variety of online businesses. The database application comes with a comprehensive set of desktop and server software that makes it easier for a business to design, build and deploy data-driven business solutions. Also, the application can be customized to run on a variety of web browsers; operating systems including Windows and Mac; and mobile devices like iPhone and iPad. According to a report posted on BusinessWire.com, “Forrester Consulting examined the total economic impact and potential return on investment (ROI) that can be achievable by developing custom solutions for iPad and iPhone using the FileMaker Platform. Forrester’s interviews with customer’s application development team showed that financial benefits from the FileMaker solutions surpassed costs three months after creation, and two-year ROI of 289%.” The results clearly indicate how a business can use custom FileMaker application to simplify its work processes, along with optimizing productivity and revenues. Why Custom FileMaker Application Development can Optimize Online Business Process? 1. Designed to Fit Your Business Model: The products or services offered by each online business differ from others. Also, the communication systems and business processes of each business are customized to meet specific requirements. The conventional database applications often fail to meet the specific requirements of an organization. On the other hand, the FileMaker applications can be easily customized to suit the business model and processes of your company. Also, you can easily design, develop and manage the custom solutions in an easy and hassle-free way. 2. Making Web Applications Interactive and Engaging: The frequent changes the choices of users have made it essential for each online business to make their website more interactive and engaging. So all organizations look for the most advanced options to make and deploy data-driven business solutions. As a cross-platform relational database application, FileMaker allows users to boost the performance of their websites by using the latest and updated data. The features to store, manage and retrieve data easily help in making your website more interactive and engaging. The improved user experience will further contribute towards the growth of online business and revenue. 3. Easy to Meet the User Choices: No business can influence the choices, preferences and habits of users. Most companies often struggle to meet the latest trends in user demand. As you can never decide the web browser, operating system or device used by your customers, it becomes important to choose a cross-platform database solution. With FileMaker, you can develop custom data-driven web applications to target major operating systems and web browser. At the same time, you also have options to use a set of specialized tools to build application to target widely used mobile devices like iPhone and iPad. 4. Smooth Communication Flow: Most companies, nowadays, work with distributed teams. So they often have to explore advanced ways to facilitate communication and interaction among the distribute team member. An efficient communication system makes it easier for a business to easily share the latest information and data with its distributed team. At the same time, you can further reduce errors by allowing the team members to enter data on the spot using their mobile devices. With FileMaker solutions, you can easily share all types of data with your team, along with allowing them to enter new data on the go using their iPhone or iPad. The new information can be synchronized with the back-end systems immediately, while boosting your team’s efficiency and productivity. 5. Reduced Overheads: Often organizations hesitate to migrate to a new database system due to additional cost. Unlike conventional database systems, FileMaker allows users to avail a number of advantages without investing a lot of money. You can FileMaker software license to develop a variety of applications without paying hefty fees. Also, the migration to FileMaker solutions will not require you to invest in expensive hardware. Simply by following a set of easy steps and instructions, you can easily migrate to the latest version of FileMaker, and avail its advanced features and functionality. A company has several options to develop customized FileMaker solutions. Along with buying customized solutions offered by third-party vendors, it can also hire an experienced FileMaker developer to build solutions that perfectly complement its business model and work process. We provide FileMaker database development services. If you would like to talk to one of our FileMaker certified developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

[databasedev]

10 Ways FileMaker 12 Will Impact Your Work and Business

Most developers were waiting eagerly for the release of FileMaker 12. The latest version of FileMaker was released in April 2013 after almost two years. Similar to its earlier versions, FileMaker 12 also enables users to create databases in a quick and hassle-free way. But the updated version comes with a set of features and functionalities that make it easier for developers to make their databases more interactive and visually stunning. Along with strong design controls, script types, new themes, and eye-catchy charting types, FileMaker 12 also comes with easy options to embed multimedia files into the database. But it requires users to upgrade their existing databases to new file formats. So the updated version of FileMaker will surely have some impact on your work and business. Also, you have to plan a comprehensive strategy to migrate to FileMaker 12 to avail several advantages. Major Impacts of FileMaker 12 on Your Work and Business 1. Migrate to an Advanced Database File Format: The users, who are yet to migrate from FileMaker 5 format, now have options to choose from two file format conversions. The update will require some amount of planning and testing. But FileMaker conversion engine allows you to easily migrate from .pf7 to .fp12. Further, the advanced infrastructure will enable you to incorporate future innovations without investing any extra time and efforts. 2. Simultaneously Upgrade Your Clients, Servers and Databases: The latest version of FileMaker will not run on the traditional systems. So you have to upgrade your clients, databases and server at a time to avail a number of advantages. However, there are chances that you may be required to invest in the latest and advanced systems. Also, your operating system must be updates to a newer version before installing FileMaker 12. 3. Query Data Internally: FileMaker 12 comes with a calculation function know as ExecuteSQL that enables you to query data internally. As the function is context independent, you can query a variety of data regardless of the table and layout. You can even use the calculation dialog to query the unrelated tables. The feature will help developers in saving time by using the SQL select statement. But the version does not support Update and Delete SQL statements, so you still have to use SQL plug-ins. 4. Several Pre-Built Themes: Most developers use pre-built themes to avoid writing lengthy codes. The FileMaker 12 seems flashy with the pre-built themes feature. These themes can be used by developers to easily build new solution from the scratch. However, you have to put some extra effort in using these themes for old solutions. So you have to maintain a balance while using the themes. It is also important to take proper backup of your solutions, before experimenting with these pre-built themes. 5. Easy to Develop New Databases: Many developers want to develop customized and innovative databases to make their applications more powerful. But a developer has to put some amount of time to develop a new database. With the new starter solutions provided by FileMaker 12, you can easily develop starting points for new databases to suit the nature and type of your application. 6. Additional Charting Types: Often users explore options to make powerful and impressive reports. Many professionals use charts to make their reports more comprehensive and stylish. FileMaker 12 comes with five new charting types. The combination of an improved user interface and these charting types enhances the effectiveness of FileMaker Charting feature. You can use this option to create several types of dynamic charts to present the FileMaker data. 7. Robust System to Secure and Backup Data: Along with enhancing the performance of your database, FileMaker 12 further allows you to keep your data secure by adopting an advanced backup system. Both FileMaker Server 12 and FileMaker Server 23 Advanced are designed with incremental backup features. The features make it convenient for users to backup of their important data without having any impact on the experience of the users. The data security will further contribute towards boosting user experience. 8. 64-bit FileMaker 12 Server: The FileMaker Server 12 is designed based on the 64-bit architecture to take advantages of the high-speed server technologies. The architecture further helps you in boosting the performance of FileMaker and FileMaker Go clients. With the 64-bit architecture, the FileMaker server can use more RAM along with using half of the available RAM for cache. 9. Free FileMaker Go Advantages: Earlier, the developers building apps for Apple devices have to pay for availing the advantages of FileMaker Go. But the investment allowed them to make robust apps for iPhone and iPad by using the built-in layouts along with complete support for mobile devices. Now, you can avail the advantages of FileMaker Go without incurring any additional expenses. So you can easily deploy custom database applications to target popular mobile devices like iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. 10. Improved FileMaker Go: Despite a fall in its price, FileMaker Go 12 comes with a number of advanced features that enable you to make more powerful and versatile mobile applications without putting any additional time and effort. You can use these features to directly record audio and video on the container fields, and export the information seamlessly. At the same time, the location features make it easier for you to create dynamic mobile database applications with location-aware feature. This is what makes FileMaker application development hugely popular. We provide FileMaker development services. If you would like to talk to one of our FileMaker certified developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

[databasedev]

Why Should You Migrate to Filemaker Database Applications?

With the choice of operating system, web browser, and devices varying from one user to another, it has become essential for applications to seamlessly integrate information stored on different data sources. Also, many organizations explore advanced options to manage and share important information with the members of their distributed teams. Many developers also love to make cross-platform database applications to meet the constantly changing user expectations. As a 100% cross-platform database, Filemaker offers you a huge amount of flexibility in comparison to the conventional non-web-based database platforms. You can also use the graphical platform to design customized interface to suit the specific requirements of your client. At the same time, a developer also has option to use his interface design skills to make the application appear like a program that he uses on a regular basis. Similar to Foxpro and Microsoft Access, Filemaker also enables you to access data from various sources, and display the information on the screen as reports and layouts. However, in comparison to other database platforms, Filemaker allows you to retrieve, store and organize a huge amount of data through a user interface. If you are yet to migrate to Filemaker database applications, it is time to concentrate on some of its key features and advantages. Why Migrate to Filemaker Database Applications

100% Cross-Platform: Many developers use Filemaker in combination with other programming languages to build powerful data processing applications. Further, Filemaker is a 100% cross-platform relational database engine that runs on both Windows and Mac OS in an exact and same way. So you database application can seamlessly store, mange and access information, regardless of the platform.

Supports Multiple Users: Most organizations look for databases that can be accessed by all their employees at a time. With Filemaker you can easily allow you team members to access information simultaneously from their individual workstations. At the same time, they can also easily make changes to the data stored on their system. Whenever someone edits or updates the data, the changes will reflect immediately on each workstation. So the members of a distributed team can easily access the updated information to take more relevant decisions.

Built-in Remote Access Feature: Nowadays, many companies outsource projects to avail certain benefits. If your team members are working in an environment, you can easily enable them to stay connected using Filemaker pro. The built-in remote access options will make it convenient for the team members to stay connected to your company database regardless of their current location and time-zone.

Instant Online Publication of Your Database: Most users prefer accessing their database on web browsers. Filemaker development has made it easier for users to access their databases on any web browser without putting any extra time and effort. With a single click, you can publish your database to the web. At the same time, you can further add custom programming to transform your database into a fully-interactive web-based interface that can be accessed by your employees and customers. You can further use the feature to create a variety of customer feedback forms, registration sites and surveys without writing any extra programming.

Options to Generate a Variety of Reports: Each organization has to generate a variety of reports to convey important information to employees, management and clients. Along with using the updated and most relevant information, the reports also need to present the data in a stylish and eye-catchy way. With the step-by-step reporting tools provided by Filemaker, you can use powerful and appealing reports, and use these to manage and automate several tasks. The feature further enables you to share the reports in widely used file formats like PDF and Excel.

Access Your Database on iPhone and iPad: Most companies allow employees to access corporate resources on their smartphones. So you will surely expect your database to be compatible with major mobile operating systems. Along with Windows and Mac OS, Filemaker is also compatible with iPad and iPhone. As these devices are widely used by people, you can enable you staff to access and manage your database on the go. Further, you have options to safely share the Filemaker database over a network consisting of Mac, Windows, iPhone and iPad users.

We provide database development services. If you would like to know more about our certified filemaker developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

[databasedev]

FileMaker in The Cloud

Most organizations, nowadays, complete projects through distributed teams. As the members of a distributed team often work from different locations, each company has to ensure that its databases are accessible by individual employees, regardless of their current location and time zone. Along with the regular employees, the databases also need to be accessible for the travelling employees, home workers, and freelance professionals. You can easily share the databases among all members of your distributed team by using Cloud computing services. Once you choose the right and implement the right Cloud service, it will offer you a number of short-term benefits. However, you have to regularly handle a number of issues related to the online services. So many organizations use customized Filemaker in the Cloud to overcome these operational problems. In addition to saving your ongoing expenses, the Cloud computing with Filemaker further enables you employees to access fully functioning copies of FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Pro Advanced using their computers, smartphones, tablets and other digital devices with internet connectivity. An organization can easily migrate its existing Filemaker systems to a cloud server. You can even consider customizing the hosted Filemaker copies to run at a speed similar to running on local computers. The option will further enable your employees to access the database on major web browsers including Safari, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer. Also, your employees can use a specialized app to access the databases on their iOS and Android mobile devices. At the same time, Filemaker is also effective in resolving some of the problems commonly associated with migrating to Cloud computing. Why Use Filemaker to Overcome Issues Related to Cloud Computing Reduced Monthly Overheads: When an organization migrates to Cloud computing, it has to incur ongoing expenses towards using the software. You will not be able to use the software any more once you stop paying the fees. Also, the service provider will require you to pay additional fees for allowing more users to access the system. You can easily reduce the overhead by using customized FileMaker software. As you have purchased the customized database file from the developer, you can use it over a longer period of time without paying any additional fees. You have to pay only for having a copy of FileMaker for each user, but there will not be any additional charges for adding new users. Also, you have to incur periodic expenses towards upgrading the Filemaker software, but the cost will not affect your monthly overheads. Custom Database to Suit Your Business Model: Often Cloud computing solutions do not suit the business model of an organization. So, organizations are required to change their existing operations and processes to smoothly migrate to Cloud computing. You can easily avoid making any changes to your business model by adopting Filemaker in Cloud. As the database is customized to suit your specific needs and objectives, it becomes much easier for the developer to make minor changes to make the solution fit your business model perfectly. You can even avoid incorporating any new changes by sharing your exact FileMaker development requirements with the Filemaker database developers. Easy to Train Your Distributed Employees: Normally, the commercial Cloud computing solutions are designed by targeting a wide variety of users. So, most of these solutions come with loads of features to suit the needs and business models of individual organizations. There are also chances that some of these features may not be used by your company. That is why, many organizations have to invest both time and efforts to decide the specific features that will be used by their employees. Also, your staff must be trained to understand and use the features essential for your business model. But you can easily save your time and efforts by using customized Filemaker in Cloud software. As the interface is designed by keeping in mind you business model and processes, you are not required to identify the useful features. At the same time, the new solution further enables you to train your staff within a very short span of time. Easy to Incorporate Changes: The constant changes in the habits and choices of customers have compelled most companies to explore innovative ways to develop and market products. Many companies even change their business models regularly to increase their revenue. So there are always chances that you may want to make changes to the current Cloud computing service. But the company developing Cloud computing software to target wider users may not consider your request to incorporate additional features and functionality. On the other hand, you can easily upgrade your customized Filemaker database application without causing any delay. As the developer has made the application based on your workflow, he can easily incorporate additional features to optimize the software’s performance. However, you have to incur additional expenses to incorporate new features to suit your updated business model. We provide database development services. If you would like to know more about our certified filemaker developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

[databasedev]

Best Techniques to Develop Accessible Solutions in Filemaker

Filemaker Pro offers an easy-to handle, highly responsive software development platform. This relational database software has the potential to access and present information over the screen through reports and layouts. Unlike some of the competitor software such as FoxPro, Microsoft Access and Oracle’s SQL, Filemaker Pro offers a user-interface that helps in retrieval, storing and organization of data without compromising on the potential to store a great deal of information. Filemaker indeed makes room for accessible solutions and we will discuss some of the best techniques of leveraging it for Filemaker development projects. Before that, let’s explore a few of the brilliant attributes of FileMaker. Striking Features of Filemaker

User-friendly: A computer program is considered as user-friendly when users can leverage it irrespective of their computer literacy. In other words, both novice users as well as highly computer savvy persons can use the same without any hassle. The user-interface of Filemaker Pro is so designed that you do not need to have thorough knowledge of database development to make good use of the program. This is where Filemaker is different from other relational database formats, which can only be used by people who are trained and qualified to use the program.

Convenient to Begin with: All relational databases are computer programs which facilitates the storage organization and recall of information. Businesses leverage databases to store information related to clients, products, expenses, employees and revenues so that the data can be analyzed at a later stage in order to take effective business decisions. Small businesses as well as other organizations, groups or individuals also need to make good use of databases. The user-interface of Filemaker enables every business, even the small ones to start their own database without much financial investment. For instance small businesses do not need to invest on costly database software or hire a developer.

Convenient to Expand: Some relational databases invest a lot on user-interface but do not focus much on stuff like storage capacity. This is where Filemaker pro scores. It has a convenient user-interface as well as adequate capacity. This enables small businesses that have used the database to continue to leverage the same database when the business undergoes growth and development.

Best Practices for Accessible Solutions Now we will discuss some tips that will enable businesses to develop accessible solutions using Filemaker. Things to do in Layout Mode

Enhancing current solutions by adding an accessible layout.

Connecting field labels with active field using Accessibility Inspector.

Using layout buttons in place of status toolbar for Windows OS.

Including navigation controls and buttons in the TAB order.

Using simple, precise naming conventions and ensuring that text labels are there for all buttons.

Minimizing image use on layouts

Using Accessibility inspector for defining images in container fields.

Avoiding fancy objects that do not provide relevant information

Checking text objects for correct spelling and ensure readability by screen reader.

Selecting Include icon for revealing or concealing calendar.

Choosing pop-up menu for the field’s control style rather than the drop-down list.

Copying and Pasting existing tooltips with the Title field of the Accessibility Inspector.

Table View and List View

Using List View Layouts in place of Table View.

Choosing field object instead of merge text in List View.

Find mode

Enabling field identification and reading of results for effective searching.

General

Designing similar interface for normal as well as visually impaired people.

Anticipating the need for custom dialogs and creating them to guide the user for the following action or to render error alerts.

Creating custom menus and simplifying menu structure

Generating reports that allow reading aloud

Avoiding portals

Refraining from use of animation or video

Refraining from use of color coding as the only option for conveying information

Avoiding Tab controls

Setting up scripted imports and exports

Partially Sighted Users

Incorporating high-contrast themes for layouts.

Setting greater zoom level for document window.

Testing

Testing solutions across screen readers and platforms.

Filemaker offers a brilliant platform which when leveraged properly can prove to be immensely beneficial for businesses. These best practices enable businesses to fully utilize the powerful attributes of Filemaker. We provide filemaker database development services. If you would like to know more about our expert filemaker developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.