FileMaker Development Tips

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How Can FileMaker Ease Your Life at Work?

File Maker is not just a database!! Yes!! FileMaker is not a database rather a fully fledged database software application for all your business needs. You don’t need any exceptional programming skill to design your business application in File Maker. In the latest File Maker 13, there are a large number of attractive and interactive themes available to make your application even better. Moreover, there are many new modules and plugins available in File Maker that helps the File maker developer in producing effective business application for all your needs. To add this, the latest version also allows you to develop responsive apps that can be fitted to any screen size and resolution with special emphasize on iPhone and iPad models.

All your business information is much more secure than before: With 128 bit encryption technology, your business application is highly secure than before. There is no chance of data loss in your application when it is under the surveillance of File Maker. Well, here we would like to mention that, File Maker is a product from Apple’s subsidiary farm File maker Inc and hence you can imagine the quality of service and security provided from an Apple product. Make sure you are giving a dedicated machine for your database server: If you want more efficiency from a file maker application, there are many things to consider and we will discuss them one by one. The first thing is to host your application on a dedicated server; because this will improve the performance of your application. We usually find many applications being hosted in a single machine to avoid unnecessary expenditure; but this will hamper the performance of every application in that machine. If you need better performance and efficiency, you have to dedicate a machine only for your application, so that it will noo share the resource with any other application. Give enough RAM for your application: RAM has an magical effect on the performance of any application. Isn’t? A file maker developer used to take the advantage of cache memory for better performance and optimization. On the other hand, when the application runs, it needs memory to save those caches. So, you must provide enough memory so that the required memory can be gained without any hassle and hence without hampering the performance of the application. Keep your back up in a different Hard drive: It is always recommended to keep a back up of your entire previous database for security purpose; this will help you during a software crash that may happen anytime unexpectedly. File maker developer should keep the progressive back up folder in the same machine to keep track of each and every data change of your application; but you should keep it in a different hard drive other than the database of the application. This will improve the performance of your fm application. Spare enough space for temp files in the master machine: The database server used to create many temp files and folders during the execution of a task and it get deleted once the task is done. So, you must keep enough space for those temp files and folders to avoid lag in the application. To get maximum benefits of Filemaker, you may consider hiring services of a FileMaker database development company. We provide custom FileMaker development services. If you would like to talk one of our FileMaker certified developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

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How Can FileMaker Ease Your Life at Work?

FileMaker Pro is the flagship product of FileMaker Inc. which is a subsidiary of Apple. It is undoubtedly the most powerful and efficient ERP solution for Apple users at an affordable cost with enterprise standard quality and reliability. Well, we don’t need much introduction for the quality of any product from the Apple’s house due to its magnificent track record since its inception. Since FileMaker is a product from Apple’s house, we can guess its compatibility with all types of Apple devices like iPhone, iPad and MAC. Fortunately this time Apple has brought good news for its rival windows operating system users because, the latest FileMaker pro can also be run on a windows machine. But anyway let’s stick to our topic. Let us discuss how you can get benefited from FileMaker by simplifying your everyday life.

The best tool to handle your everyday task: Though FileMaker is an ERP solution but, it doesn’t require any third party scripting language or database for its operation i.e., it can operate on its own as a self made software. It has its own templates, methods and database etc to deal with all types of tasks for the user. We can use this tool to handle all our day-to-day life assignments. Moreover it can also be assumed as a personal assistant who works for you for 24x7 to keep track of your business exercises. FileMaker developers can customise your application as per your requirement to give you full access for your need in the system. Manage your office work from anywhere: Since FileMaker developers can create an environment to access all types of data and information of your business from your office PC hence it is extremely powerful when we think about productivity. Moreover FileMaker developers can customise your application so that you can accesses your application from a remote place using your iPhone or iPad without any hassle. The best part is you can now modify the data in your office PC from anywhere of the world using mobile networks (internet access). To add this, FileMaker has many plugins which can help your business expanding in an exponential rate using e-campaign and social network accesses from the application itself. Filemaker is future ready with Cloud Computing: Apple understands and gives maximum priority to the demand of the users and the same happens with FileMaker as well. The latest FileMaker version is compatible with it’s in – house cloud service. So the iPhone and iPad users don’t need to worry about the device memory to keep enough data for the application. You can take the advantage of cloud services for your application. This is like a boon for the future FileMaker developers and hence its users as well. You don’t need to panic for any security threat at all: Since, Apple is prominent for its quality and reliability hence you don’t need to scare for the security features of the FileMaker application. The FileMaker Pro developer can build an awesome application for your business need without compromising on the quality and reliability of the application. Moreover you don’t need to think much about the data that you might have stored in your Apple’s cloud services since it is extremely secure and safe with industry standard encryption technologies. To get maximum benefits of Filemaker, you may consider hiring services of a custom FileMaker development company. We provide FileMaker development services. If you would like to talk one of our expert FileMaker developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

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Filemakergo - Is It the Best Choice for iPad and iPhone

FileMaker Go paves the way for one of the most user-friendly as well as low cost development and deployment solutions mobile devices like iPad or iPhone. One of the properties that make FileMaker Pro the best bet is its flexibility. This cross-platform relational database application provides the option of using devices like iPad, iTouch or iPhone to perform various critical tasks pertaining to business related or official activities. The application provides the option of working in real time as well as offline, and waits for availability or restoration of internet connection to receive or send data to and from the FileMaker Server without any data loss or continuity issue.

In real time mode that is in cases when a database is accessed from a desktop computer or a server, FileMakerGo is able to access as well as manipulate the database from any location within the coverage area of Wi-Fi or 3G. Modifications that are done on an iOS based device will instantly reflect by default on the hosting computer or server, or other clients and iOS devices that are similarly or otherwise connected. While in the offline mode, it is possible to store as well as operate the FileMaker Pro databases on any iOS device independently, and then the same can be stored in any hosting server or desktop computer after the restoration or availability of internet connection. Moving databases to and from offline iOS based devices becomes astoundingly ease with the use of File Sharing Mechanism in iTunes. Let us discuss the features that make the application one of the best choices for devices like iPhones or iPads. 1) It helps to generate on-site invoices and proposals 2) It captures as well as saves the e-signatures of the customers 3) It collects Barcodes 4) It snaps images or pictures and inserts them into a database 5) It sends .pdf files via emails 6) It helps in viewing a graphical representation of reports irrespective of the location Experts are of the opinion that FM Go is the best thing to take place in the world of FileMaker. With the introduction of FileMaker Pro, it becomes possible to carry the FileMaker database to virtually everywhere. The application comes in two iOS versions – FileMakerGo designed for iPhone and iPod, and FileMakerPro for iPad. These two versions are more or less same in terms of functionality, with the only difference being in their expectations regarding the hardware they operate on, (mainly the size of the screen of the device they run on). The FileMaker Go runs the FMPro version databases on iOS device, though the databases cannot be created. The layouts, data structures, or the scripts cannot be modified either. Hence, practically the user of FM Go needs to acquire databases from a user who has created them using FM Pro. Hence, there is a clear relation between the Pro and Go. Accessing the Databases When it comes to accessing the databases, there are three ways in which FileMaker Pro can do that with the use of FM Go. In case there is any problem in sharing the database, iTunes can be used for copying them to an iOS device. For sharing, the database can be hosted on a desktop that is running FileMaker Server. Users then can access the database by using a WiFi network system, so that working away from home or office LAN becomes possible. Another very important phenomenon that has drastically improved with the introduction of FM Pro is error trapping. The framework helps the users by delivering a detailed and timely error message regarding the issues that went wrong in any process. It also helps the users in fixing issues without taking any experts’ help whatsoever. Also, it helps the developers in spotting the flaws or disputes and rectifying them. To get maximum benefits of Filemaker, you may consider hiring services of a custom FileMaker development company. We provide Filemaker development services. If you would like to talk to one of our certified FileMaker developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

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FileMaker's BaseElements Lists Every Element In Your Solution

BaseElements is really an effective and a free plug-in from Goya. Amongst the most of it’s valuable features, it has the capability to generate FileMaker code into the form of ClipBoard objects and put them along the clipboard which enables you to paste them to your solution. We applied this one to include a unknown feature to the GoSign Configurator in order to make integrations more easier. FileMaker contains a unique clipboard format which uses whenever you copy & paste things such as scripts, custom functions, layouts, and so on. BaseElements is capable of reading and writing that format. The formats are usually data object covered across an XML representation in the FileMaker code. It is pretty much similar schema just like the one utilized by the FileMaker Database Design Report. BaseElements could take the clipboard objects and then change it to xml and it will pick up the correctly formatted XML and then convert it into a appropriate clipboard object which can be pasted back in FileMaker.

This particular feature is usually utilized by developers to generate libraries of the code snippets which they use on a regular basis. Developers copy the valuable code, go with BaseElements to change that to XML after which they keep this a database or maybe a text file for quick recovery in the future. Things that are done only once in awhile is to create the correct XML format for similar to a Script or just a Layout Object from the scratch, and transform that into the clipboard object and then paste. Todd Geist mentioned in a blog that, This is exactly what they have done with GoSign v3.0. GoSign v3 includes a Configurator which developers could use in order to configure the Signature Pad to appear and behave the way in which they desire. Using GoSign, you could modify the way Signature Pad appears. Select the color & thickness of pen or baseline. Adjust the width and the height for the pad. The GoSign Configurator makes it simple. For those who have BaseElements installed, GoSign’s Configurator could create the whole correctly setup WebViewer that you simply have to paste onto your layout. Todd Geist mentioned that, they generate the XML which defines the WebViewer that includes the user’s configurations. And then they move that to the BaseElements that changes it into the adequate clipboard format and then puts that to the ClipBoard. And then it simply an easy paste upon whatever layout and you will have the configurator. BaseElements makes it possible to find out issues and then fix them , and also cleanup the solutions. RefreshFM is considered the quickest method to update the solution. Additionally RestFM gives the interface into the Server hosted database. GoSign 3.0 is a primary rewrite of well known FileMaker Signature Capture add-on for the FileMaker Go. GoSign enables FileMaker Signature Capture to occur anywhere within the layout, which includes in the latest FileMaker 13 Pop Over Controls and Slide Panels. Although the signature capture is created in FileMaker Go, it's limited. Without having GoSign, FileMaker developers and the power users are unable to properly manage the workflow, neither would they manage the overall look and feeling of the Signature pad. For instance there isn't any way to make a Terms & Conditions layout with the embedded Signature Pad. To get maximum benefits of Filemaker, you may consider hiring services of a custom Filemaker development company. We provide Filemaker development services. If you would like to discuss with a certified Filemaker developer from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

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How FileMaker Provides Stability to Mobile Development?

Despite being designed originally as a cross-platform relational database application, FileMaker nowadays is being used as a platform to develop mobile apps for iPhone and iPad. As mobile application developers and resellers target Apple devices to get higher returns, FileMaker has emerged as widely used iOS app development platform. The simple and easy-to-use platform further makes it easier for professionals to create mobile apps without having in-depth knowledge of Apple’s Xcode development environment and Objective-C programming. The most recent version of FileMaker Pro also comes with a set of new features to provide stability to mobile application development.

FileMaker Features that provide Stability to Mobile Development No Need to Assemble Libraries FileMaker Pro comes with the features required to crate robust iOS apps within a shorter span of time. The developers can avoid writing lengthy code by availing features like business logic, integrated workflow, data validation, searching and sorting, integrated relational database capabilities, and option to store images, videos and files. They can further start developing apps by using the data stored in existing Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and other data sources. Thus, the developers are not required to put extra effort to add functionality to the app by assembling libraries. They can avail these built-in features and capabilities to accomplish common mobile tasks. Smooth Interaction with Existing Business Systems Often custom iOS apps are required to exchange data with existing business systems. Developers have to write lengthy code to make the app exchange data with ERP applications, SQL engines, spreadsheets and other data sources. For instance, an app may connect to a data source, fetch the required information, and present the data to the end users with charts. FileMaker Pro makes it easier for programmers to facilitate the interaction between the app and business systems by supporting ODBC, JDBC, XML and other open exchange formats. Also, programmers can avail the built-in connections for MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle and External SQL Data Sources (ESS). Deploy and Update Apps without Any User Action When a custom mobile application is being updated, it will have a huge impact on users. Some apps further become inaccessible till the deployment process is over. But FileMaker enables businesses to update their mobile apps immediately, regardless of the device on which it is running. A user can access the updated version of the application, if the device is connected to a FileMaker Server. For instance, if a business decides to introduce a new form to capture sales data, it can be pushed immediately to the iOS devices connected to its server. Thus, the end users can access the form without downloading the updates. Easy to Implement Role Based Security Often developers have to put extra time and effort to implement role based security. But FileMaker Pro enables them to implement role based security without writing complex code. They can simply choose the field, form or table that needs to be accessed only by authorized users or group of users. They also have option to manage the access privileges through FileMaker Server Admin Console or integrating any other authentication systems with FileMaker Server. FileMaker 13 Features The most recent version of FileMaker comes with a set of features to effectuate iOS app development. The revamped Layout/Report Assistant provided by FileMaker 13 makes it easier for developers to create reports and layout optimized for iPhone and iPad. The programmers can further use predefined screen dimensions, views, and themes to design reports and layouts for different Apple devices. Likewise, they can create iOS-style popovers for iOS devices by grouping links, field and similar information without moving to other layouts or windows. These features make it easier for developers to optimize the look, feel and performance of their mobile apps for different Apple devices. The FileMaker 13 platform comes with a set of innovative features to speed up mobile development. Along with providing additional support to native iOS behaviors, the platform aims to deliver the best experience to mobile app developers. An enterprise can always switch to FileMaker 13 platform to add stability to its mobile development efforts. To get maximum benefits of Filemaker, you may consider hiring services of a Filemaker application development company. We provide Filemaker development services. If you would like to talk to one of our certified Filemaker developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

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Why Is FileMaker The Best Of Databases For Small Businesses?

When it comes to running small businesses, it is FileMaker that is chosen over other relational database applications, mainly because it is cross platform, and for a few more good reasons. The platform gives these small scale organizations a bunch of perfect tools that facilitates seamless management of projects, personnel, assets or other vital business parameters besides making the solution extremely user-friendly. This makes FM the number one relational database management solution. Let us discuss in fairly details why FileMaker is so hugely popular among the small business runners and is simply the best of the lot.

First of all, FileMaker is easier for the developers to learn – a fact that makes it highly acceptable. Besides, it can well be used for creating various customized applications to fit in the business requirements or needs. This comes in particularly handy, especially while dealing with projects that need handling as well as processing of a huge amount of data. The most vital aspect of any business is data – no matter whether the business is small, medium, or large scale. In fact, data forms the life and the soul of any business, the success, as well as the failure of the same largely depends upon the successful handling of database. Hence collection, preservation, along with processing of data is vital for the successful conduction of business activities. That is why, what is needed by a business is a reliable as well as easy means that will help in dealing with these databases. FM is designed to seamlessly manage orders, invoices, or database that contains information about the customers, irrespective of the size or scale of business that is being conducted. It is a powerful, user-friendly, as well as an easily customizable solution that helps small businesses get tasks done faster, and in a seamless fashion. So much is its acceptability in the modern business fraternity, that an increasing number of companies, especially the smaller ones are using this solution for effortlessly managing their database across a variety of devices. One of the main attractions of FM is its User Interface along with the themes that are available. There is a string of the template databases, which gives the users the liberty of editing the needs pertaining to smaller businesses. Another feature that makes FM Pro so much effective is its presence in the world of mobility. This helps the users access every type of database from iPhones, iPads, iPods, and so on. FM helps in development of mobile devices that are not only rich in functionality, but tools that help database management in a seamless way. Let us have a bird’s eye view on the salient features that make FM Pro so much adorable for small businesses. It Solve any type of Problem Smaller businesses in various industries use FM Pro, for solving various types of challenges pertaining to information management. Unlike the other software solutions that are designed to address specific functions, FM Pro is designed to be flexible enough so as to meet the customized needs for managing various contacts, organization of inventory, processing the sales orders, tracking the projects and the likes, as the businesses grow in size and its approach changes. It helps to share capabilities that are powerful yet simple The framework helps the businesses to share valuable data over LAN, internet, Windows or Mac and in other popular and well known formats like MS Excel or Adobe PDF, etc. It also comes up with highly powerful security options, that helps business in data management and control and deciding what data is needed to share with whom, and which one is best kept confidential. It is easy The fact that it is extremely user-friendly as well as easy is the reason that no one needs a week or month long training to learn it and start dealing with it. The solutions that are arrived at with the help of FM Pro are ready made as well as customized to meet the needs of the businesses in question. Low cost of maintenance and ownership The framework grows along with the growth of business. Hence, there is no additional cost of maintenance involved. Thus, it also helps the businesses to get rid of the cost of hiring expensive IT consultants. It collates all the information When there is need of constantly compiling data or information in spreadsheets or tracking down the information on paper, FileMaker Pro is the best bet, as it helps to maintain a central location of all the critical business information so that whatever is needed is available instantly with a click of the mouse. To get maximum benefits of Filemaker, you may consider hiring services of a custom Filemaker development company. We provide Filemaker development services. If you would like to discuss with a certified Filemaker expert from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

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FileMaker Go for iOS - How Does It Empower Business?

Hundreds of iOS applications are coming up every day. All these apps are rich with some astounding value added features that turn the handheld devices into some really indispensable business tools that come in handy while carrying out various types of business solutions. FileMaker Pro is such a cross platform relational database that is equipped to provide professionals as well as those who run small businesses, a lot of options so far as accessing as well as editing data is concerned.

There are two versions of FileMaker available in the market. One of them is designed to be used on the iPhones or iPods, while the other is particularly designed for iPads. The iPhone, iPod version of Filemaker Pro provides the iOS device users the unique option of viewing as well as manipulating the complex database. This helps in successful, efficient, as well as seamless conduct of business activities. FileMaker Go for the iPhones or iPods platforms is indeed excellent when it comes to expanding the efficacy of the iOS devices in the enterprise sector. While the existing FileMaker Pro database that are hosted on the desktops or servers that use wireless technology, FileMaker Go takes care of the scripts, layout view, relational portal as well as the buttons, container fields, etc. It also supports the web views. Besides, the databases of FileMaker Go take minimal space and can easily be downloaded into several iOS devices by using various methods that may include iTunes File Sharing. Once downloaded, the database can be easily accessed even when there is no wireless connectivity, thus helping the service unabatedly. Though the speed is not that encouraging, it is excellent when it comes to dealing with most of the scripts along with the layout views, various controls including button as well as container fields. FM Go is excellent when you are running it on an iPhone, iPod Touch, or an iPad. Besides, it also becomes much easier to interact as well as view with the layouts that are originally designed for the screens of desktops/laptops, to be displayed on the expansive screens of the iPads. FM Go also enables a number of astonishing mobile accesses and highly complex database that are created as well as hosted by the desktop applications. Most of the businesses, that look forward to provide employees access to their respective databases at present, consider FM Go, as it is much cost effective, when compared to other relatively costly mobile apps solutions. In a nutshell, let us discuss in what way does FileMaker Go helps the mobile users: It helps to close the sales deals much quicker, by uploading the signed contracts Update the status of the running projects and the task lists from a job site for keeping everyone involved on the track as well as up to date. Log the research results in the respective fields and provides real-time updates regularly Scan the bar codes in warehouses to instantaneously update the inventory levels available on the sales floor. Collect data about a patient during an examination so that the data can immediately be accessed by doctors or nurses. It helps the users to choose out of a wide variety of customizable Starter Solutions that are specifically designed to be used on iPad as well as iPhone for different popular tasks, such as managing the contacts, tracking assets, creating invoices etc. A FileMaker Go application that is designed for iPhone, iPad provides the users a live access to the FileMaker database directly from the mobile devices they use. When we say the database can be accessed, the users can access any existing FM database. This will provide a much superior experience to the users, especially at the time of interaction with a particular interface that is customized to be used in the device in question. To get maximum benefits of Filemaker, you may consider hiring services of a custom Filemaker development company. We provide Filemaker application development services. If you would like to hire Filemaker certified developers from us, we would be glad to assist you at Mindfire Solutions.

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FileMaker 13 - Ways in which it will impact your business

In terms of being user-friendly, FileMaker was always preferred but the latest version 13 cosies up to both developers as well as consumers. There are several new features which aim at cross platform deployment along with aesthetic database design. The features will aid you and have a great impact on your business. In fact, the very basic database creation tool is extremely helpful since most of the hard work is done by it on your behalf.

Starter Solutions- This new feature is a package that consists of 16 various kinds of generic database which you can use. The tools include project management, task, product catalogue as well as invoicing. Effectively, there is a bundled up set of apps to be built with targeted educational, business as well as domestic uses. Since the databases are editable you will be able to remove or add fields; this means that every time a new database is created the wheel does not need to be reinvented. Mobile support- The version comes with multiplatform support which can be very accommodating. The iOS support is much enhanced which helps users access the databases through FileMaker Go for iPad and iPhone. Whenever you need mobile as well as dynamic data you can rely on this feature. On top of that, types and field behaviours acting like native iOS are supported by the layout editor, thus making your databases almost indistinguishable from the usual iOS apps. It supports touch-screen taps, slide-control objects and gestures. The device’s camera can be used for barcode reading support as well. WebDirect- The breakthrough technology of WebDirect combines the simplicity of web browsers with the power of desktop applications so that business information may be shared as well as managed. It runs direct custom business solutions in web browser on laptops or desktops without needing any web development skills. To use it, the web solutions should be enabled in Pro 13 and then hosted on Server 13. Concurrent connections can be used for accessing of the solutions; one concurrent connection is built-in and included. Additional ones must be purchased. Stronger security- All your business data is protected at all locations due to the support of the new database encryption feature of AES 256-bit. Even the SSL certificate management has been improved which makes the databases more protected. All clients can be supported by the use of just a single SSL certificate. The encryption state indicator is a new addition which appears during secure connection from Pro 13 to Server 13. The indicator becomes green when third-party certificates validate the connection. Brand new Admin Console- For secure as well as instant access from near about any web browser, the server admin console has been given a total makeover with rewritings in HTML5. The administrative tasks can now be performed more quickly and faster status updates of the databases can be got. This console features a whole new feel and look, putting important details right at your fingertips. For easier analysis as well as detection, the top of Status tab displays warning and error alerts. More granular information related to performance of FileMaker Server can be received from the enhanced Statistics tab. HTTP Post- This feature will enable increase of FileMaker/Web interactions. The harnessing is done through URL step’s Insert. You have to create global field on your script’s layout from which it is running. Streamlining database uploads- The database deployment processes can now be streamlined with faster database uploads. Just a solution has to be built and then directly uploaded from Pro 13 to Server 13. This will allow faster file transfers. On top of that there are no file size limits. For the users of FileMaker the upgrading will hardly pose any problem. The version has been significantly influenced from the features of the previous version which were already there. The new layout features are quite powerful as well as easy to adopt. So your business can reap the benefits of the update but without you having to undergo any major headache. You can hire developers from top Filemaker application development companies in India who can help you for your requirements within allocated budgets and time schedules. We provide custom Filemaker development services. If you would like to discuss with our Filemaker certified developers from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

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How Secured is Your FileMaker Database?

By virtue of FileMaker software, databases can be created for individual use or shared through FileMaker Server or with Internet or intranet users. When thinking about the security, the first consideration should be the kind of data that is shared. Then the existing vulnerabilities along with the kind of protection to be used for database and data files must be considered. In some scenarios, data may not be specifically sensitive, confidential or business-critical. In some cases the software may be in a trusting, open environment or just a single individual uses it in some secure location. However, mostly data is sensitive or business-critical; steps must be taken to protect it.

Generally three issues must be considered for protecting the databases- availability, privacy along with integrity. The database design as well as the data must be protected from both intentional as well as unintentional threats. There might be people who try to copy things, damage the system, look at various data, ruin layouts and reports, enter false data, and break scripts or corrupt calculations. Your data has to face some very common threats that include intentional threats which are posed by known parties. These are generally hackers who might benefit by damaging data. Unintentional threats can also pose a risk from accidents and known parties. Inadvertently mistakes can be made by authorized users even through changing or deleting of things. Anonymous parties may also prove to be risky as they cause internet-based threats by attempting to cause damage, steal information or even make web-based systems unavailable. FileMaker has some built-in security features like privilege sets as well as accounts. Accordingly the security should be planned.

Security should be layered at each access area including setting privileges and accounts in databases, locking down computers, restricted access to directories, etc.

There should be some amount of flexibility in the security plan so that the individualistic data access requirements can be considered.

The security should be evaluated continually so as to ensure that your data is still being protected. It must be ensured that the most secure and latest software versions are used, passwords are changed in an ongoing basis, backup scheme is rigorously followed and log files are evaluated to avoid surprises.

Best practices to secure database

Strong passwords should be used.

Do not use peer-to-peer configuration; use FileMaker Server instead.

FileMaker databases should not be web-enabled if the data is sensitive.

The privilege sets are highly configurable; you should good advantage of that so that roles are created and users given individual account instead of shared ones.

The files should be hidden from the network. Users should be given openers files instead or even files added to Favourites of users in Quick Start of FileMaker.

A robust recovery as well as backup procedure should be implemented.

SSL encryption should be enables in FileMaker Server.

Ensure that the Server admin console requires a password. It must be minded that those who have access to the console are able to create local copies of databases which may pose security risk.

Server OS firewall may be used in feasible cases so that only authorized users are allowed access.

The backup media along with server should be physically secured.

Data Warehouse passwords or usernames must not be shared or stored when External SQL Sources feature is being used for connection with MIT Data warehouse.

FileMaker is a platform that ensures that a user can navigate outside network connectivity and hardware provisioning and that too with very little IT support. With every passing day and latest versions, the security features are becoming more prominent as well as enhanced. The latest security models are quite intuitive, making it extremely attractive for usage by small, medium as well as large organizations. To get maximum benefits of Filemaker, you may consider hiring services of a custom Filemaker development company. We provide Filemaker database development services. If you would like to hire Filemaker expert from us, we would be glad to assist you at Mindfire Solutions.

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How can FileMaker Best Replace Your Paper Based Processes

The constant changes in the lifestyle and choices of modern customers have made it essential for modern businesses to optimize their process. The advancement in communication technologies have further made the paper based processes obsolete. Many reports have highlighted how an organization can avail several advantages by replacing its paper based processes with a powerful cross-platform relational database application like Filemaker. As the application is designed by integrating a GUI interface and a database engine, users can easily customize and manage records simply by dragging the elements into screens, forms and layouts.

Advantages of Replacing Your Paper Based Processes with Filemaker Design Databases Accessible on Multiple Devices Unlike conventional record management systems, the Filemaker allows organizations to digitalize their paper based records in a quick and convenient way. The innovative tools provided by the platform further makes it easier for businesses to create custom databases without putting any extra effort. The custom database solutions can be further accessed by users of desktops, laptops and mobile devices. Also, the database’s look and feel can be customized according to the device it is being accesses on. Make Business Data Accessible in a Distributed Environment Many enterprises, nowadays, outsource business processes to cut down expenses. The traditional paper based processes need to be automated completely before being outsourced to a local or distributed company. The business data must be sharable on the internet or over a network in a safe and secure way. Along with allowing the members of a distributed team to access the business information on a variety of devices, Filemaker further make the data sharable across multiple platforms. Generate Reports and Charts Quickly Most modern enterprises facilitate communication among employees by sharing reports in common formats like Excel and PDF. The Filemaker platform comes with a set of tools that complement the reporting needs of modern businesses. Each user can create a variety of reports and charts simply through several clicks. The reports can be further shared with other members of the team without requiring any additional software. Save Information in Multiple Formats While digitalizing business records, a modern organization has to save the important data in PDF and Excel formats. In addition to allowing users to save the business data in PDF and Excel formats, Filemaker further allows them to stay connected to popular data sources. Whenever a user opens the database, he can import the Excel data automatically by enabling the recurring import setup. The feature makes it easier for users to keep the business records updated without having any programming skills. Option to Build Data-Driven Websites Many enterprises allow their employees to access business information through data-driven websites. The websites help the users to access the business data by using any device with internet connectivity. Also, the website will allow the distributed team members and sales staff to stay connected to the updated business information regardless of their current locations. Filemaker platform allow organizations to build custom data-driven websites within a shorter span of time. The Filemaker web solution can be further accessed on a web browser with Filemaker Server. Provide Mobile Solutions to Your Team A constant increase is noted in the number of users who access internet on their smartphones and tables. So your business processes need to be optimized and accessible for widely used mobile devices like iPhone and iPad. When the business processes are optimized for mobile devices, the data can be accessible by employees regardless of the locations they are working from. At the same time, the business data will also be accessible by the sales or marketing staff on the go. The Filemaker platform comes with several tools to optimize the business processes for iPhone and iPad. These features can be further used by an organization to optimize several business tasks like customer management, invoicing, project management and field data connection for these widely used mobile devices. You also have option to choose from several versions of Filemaker according to the requirements of your business processes. Further, the current Filemaker 13 platform further comes with a set of innovative tools that allows you to build custom business solutions that can be accessed by your employees anytime and anywhere. To get maximum benefits of FileMaker, you may consider services of a custom FileMaker development company to assist your development needs. We provide FileMaker development services. If you would like to talk to one of our FileMaker expert developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

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Using FileMaker to design custom business solutions for iOS

FileMaker 13 can be said to be the next-generation platform meant for business productivity. Teams find it easier and faster to create customized business solutions aimed towards Mac, Windows, iPad, iPhone and web, delivering phenomenal productivity gains. It also helps minimize the design time while streamlining the business processes at the same time. Organizations benefit from the variety of options rendered for delivery of powerful yet easy-to-use solutions that include new tools as well as latest web technology for desktops and iOS.

FileMaker is considered by many as a system for database management but it is actually a development platform as well which may be used for the quick building of robust as well as visually appealing cross-platform applications. It has the seamless ability of generating applications not only for Mac and Windows desktops but for smartphones and tablets as well. But the most significant use of FileMaker for iOS is designing of solutions that can perform particular tasks more efficiently leading to cost savings, increase in employee productivity as well as customer satisfaction. There are three key areas to focus while you design high-performance apps through the platform- database design, layout design and wide area network design. Database design When designing this your focus should be on reduction of data movement and apart from tinkering with the scripted behavior you should follow some practices. :- Few redundant joins should be used in the relationships graphs, avoiding actions which may lead to creation of extra join caches. Use combinations of task-oriented smaller table occurrence groups along with scripting of search routines and avoid creation of extra join caches. :- Your tables should have few fields so that there is less data to consider, record and move. Get familiar with relationships that are one-to-one so that data movement can be isolated to the relevant fields and specific task or layout. :- Large related record sets should not be filtered at the portal, but at relationship instead. Portals that are filtered are best suited for working with small sets of records that are related since with the growth of record sets the performance may be seriously hampered. Layout design The performance of custom solutions may be drastically increased by some focus on this aspect.

Simple layouts as well as minimal use of objects will see less data being rendered by the engines when spanning the screen.

Simplify the styles of layout objects since multicolor gradients take a lot of time for filling up of objects when comparing solid color fillings.

The layouts should be appropriately sized so that scrolling can be restricted to just a single direction at least.

Compressed graphics should be used in JPEG or PNG formats as they will be displayed faster.

Field objects should not be overlaid with embedded graphics as the rendering engine might find it taxing to edit, enter or exit the field.

Wide area network design Understanding the data movement between clients and hosted database is very important as it will help you optimize the solution's performance. :- Use custom menu feature as that will help disable commands which trigger data movement, helping you tackle the problem of slow processing when modifying records in FileMaker applications. :- Use FileMaker Server to do your hard work as that will help you transform large record sets or even produce summaries that are pre-cached. The data volume will be reduced along with the processing effort, thus the performance gets impacted positively. :- Pre-fetch behavior should be managed so that the platform retrieves data from the found record sets which will lead to faster record movement. FileMaker 13 may be an excellent choice if you want a production-ready, field-tested, web capable application development platform and database system altogether. Your development efforts will be simplified up to quite an extent especially in such a multi-device development sphere. To get maximum benefits of FileMaker, you may consider hiring services of a custom FileMaker development company to assist your development needs. We provide FileMaker development services. If you would like to talk to one of our certified FileMaker developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.